Are German uniforms like this really going for this much? "Original M36 Tunic, Mint $4,850"

M

Marcus

Parolee Pootie Mouth

Original M36 Tunic, mint

The source for authentic, quality reproduction WW2 uniforms and field gear, since 1992.
www.atthefront.com

Original WWII German Model 1936 Feldbluse. This tunic is unworn and likely unissued- there are no signs of wear whatsoever. Quite a few untrimmed threads are still present inside on the lining. All pebbled buttons are present and matching in color, as are the horn buttons used internally.

The insignia is originally sewn- collar tabs by machine and the breast eagle hand stitched. Includes correct model infantry shoulder boards.

There is a discolored area at the upper back lining- otherwise there is no damage, repairs or problems whatsoever. This is a somewhat larger size tunic, which measures out to a US size 42R.


1677775188686.png

I know nice original German uniforms are collectable, pricey, and getting hard to find, and the good folks at "At The Front" know a lot about WW2 German militaria and the buying and selling market for it.

And I know real SS stuff is through the roof.

It's a beautiful jacket, but are things like this currently going for that much?
 
  • Like
Reactions: b98
I cant say for sure but, nice un touched originals have been climbing. Like everything else.. But, asking and getting are two different things for sure. I certainly wouldn't pay that for it but maybe someone will ????
 
As always the devil is in the details. Spend a couple of years searching dealer sites, collections and shows for an original minty EM, all factory sewn insignia, non modified (shortened, sewn down lower pockets..:etc) M36 tunic that is for sale and report back what you find. I’m betting the list will be very short and prices not much lower than this one. Add to this a size 42 and I bet you won’t see one…..most will be about a 36. M43s this nice are routinely selling now for 3k range and occasionally 4K depending on the fabric variation/color shade.
 
I have one of these that I've owned for over 50 years that I need to bring out to photograph and post some photos of here, to get an idea of correctness/originality and perhaps value.
 
Philip said:
As always the devil is in the details. Spend a couple of years searching dealer sites, collections and shows for an original minty EM, all factory sewn insignia, non modified (shortened, sewn down lower pockets..:etc) M36 tunic that is for sale and report back what you find. I’m betting the list will be very short and prices not much lower than this one. Add to this a size 42 and I bet you won’t see one…..most will be about a 36. M43s this nice are routinely selling now for 3k range and occasionally 4K depending on the fabric variation/color shade.
Click to expand...
Indeed, the devil IS in the details. Yes, a minty EM all factory sewn insignia non modified M36 tunic is desirable and can command high prices. However, the term "mint" is sorely overused in this hobby and most often inappropriately applied. First, the discoloration/staining to the interior lining material disqualifies this example as "mint". Additionally, this tunic has the generic litzen on the collar which is far easier to find than the original M36 versions having branch waffenfarbe litzen. Secondly, dealers should not be relied upon as arbiters of legitimate value, their sole motivation is to generate the highest profit. This tunic as shown has a maximum realistic value of perhaps $3000 and only more if it were truly mint without flaw or having an earlier insignia configuration. If one is inclined to sit back and rely upon dealers than it is truly a situation of "a fool and his money are soon parted".

Regarding M43 tunics, you may find some selling now in the ranges you indicate but again those prices are not reflective of realistic value. M43 tunics are not difficult to obtain and are certainly not a rarity. When prices went crazy prior to 2008 people were buying such common tunics as M43's at or above the $2000 price point then after the crash occurred the same tunics sat unsold at almost half of what they were selling for several months prior. I believe history will repeat itself in this area, particularly for such things that are not rare whatsoever or unique in any way.
 
I don’t actually disagree with any of that. It’s a valid perspective. Mint is overused and I used “minty” understanding it was not actually mint but also acknowledge that minty is an overused cop-out designation. I also agree that $3000 is a more acceptable value but still suggest that this type tunic in this condition (lack of wear and mothing, original applied insignia and no apparent modifications) and larger size will be difficult to find and maybe impossible as it is very hit or miss for something so specific as most all surviving examples of this type tunic were either officer or NCO owned and modified to various degrees as I’m sure you know. I’m not advocating or condoning this price I’m only suggesting that there are certainly people who will pay this level of premium for what they consider the exact right item that they have been searching for many years and realize or believe it may be their one shot at finding it.
 
At the end of the day THAT uniform is worth what someone will pay for THAT uniform. That's not where the supply / demand curve intersects, however, it's just a single plot point on that graph. Too many times people (predominately sellers) see something bring a price or look at an auction realized price list and think that is the greater market for that item. Always remember that the realized prices also add in the commission, which can be anywhere from 20% to 30%. Also too, among certain "high end" dealers there is invariably a bit of chicanery, such as auction shilling, fake sales, etc., as they attempt to move that price point.

Thus, if someone pays $4000 for that bluse, which is certainly nice, and not easy to find in that shape, then it was worth that to them, but that asking price and that sale don't determine market value. I've done "professional" appraisals of firearms and such for estate and insurance purposes and the more sales of the same or similar items to compare, the better the appraisal. An appraisal with only one other comp is not really viewed as valid unless the item appraised is exceedingly rare.
 
I have a friend that only collects high end reproductions.

Out of curiosity I asked Charles why ???

He said that he never gets ripped off, knows exactly what he has, and in 100 years all will be considered original.

You can not argue with that kind of reasoning......

His uniform collection looks great by the way !!!!!
 
Here is the one I have that I mentioned above, which I got in Germany back in 1971.

It is exactly as I got it, nothing has been changed, added, or removed. Based on a size 38 WW2 USN G3 flight jacket I used to have and wear, this jacket is also a size 38.

www.k98kforum.com

WW2 German jacket: What can you say about?

I was given this in Germany in the summer of 1971, so I've owned it for 52 years. It is exactly as I received it. I have changed or added nothing. Other than a little mothing on the underside of one shoulder board and the stitching coming loose on the lining in the armpit area of the right...
www.k98kforum.com www.k98kforum.com

As mentioned in the discussion of it linked here, the tank destruction award appears to be post-war, something I have long suspected.

Due to my serious declining health issues and the need to raise some funds to deal with a couple emergencies here at the dog rescue I run, and a desire to pass it on to someone who can take care of it and preserve it as I have done for the past 52 years while I am still able to do that, I think it is best that I put it up for sale.

Obviously, it's not a $4,000 item like was asked for the ATF jacket that is the subject of this message thread......although it seems that that jacket did sell, although I don't know what it went for.

Does anyone have an idea of what my jacket might be worth, possibly based on any recent sales of similar items?


DSCN0467.JPGDSCN0480.JPGDSCN0474.JPGDSCN0471.JPGDSCN0472.JPGDSCN0481.JPG
 
  • Like
Reactions: b98
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top