Personal field tunic to Hauptmann Eberhard Schlepple (1918 - 1988). Schlepple was awarded the Knight’s cross as commander of Panzer-Aufklärungsabteilung 26 which was part of 26. Panzer-Division, on 27.7.1944 as an Oberleutnant.
Well worn condition and slightly sun-bleached. The German German Cross left a clear shadow for example. No real damage.
The insignia as well as the Tank Destruction badges must have been re-attached post war. A clear shadow can be seen to the cloth underneath at last one of the badges when lifting it carefully. But: The position is slightly wrong. So the badges must have been worn with this tunic but were removed at the end of the war to be attached again later.
Also, the tailor's tag has been attached by hand to the silk lining quite sloppy. This was certainly not done by the tailor. No name tag.
Schlepple was awarded the German Cross in gold as well as the Honor Roll Clasp as a Zugführer serving with 5./Kradschützen-Batallion 8 in 1941 which was part of the 8. Panzer-Division. This tunic comes with insignia of this unit. It would not make sense to see Hauptmann boards on a tunic he must have worn prior to 1944. However, he may have returned to command an Aufklärungs or Kradschützen unit at the end of the war.
In our opinion, the tunic itself has its insignia certainly added postwar in any way but all could have originally been worn with this tunic.
Awards:
German Cross in gold. A „4-rivet“ example made by Deschler. Unmarked. The back-plate was certainly cleaned once. Nice condition. No damage to the enamel. Weight: 61,1gr.
Honor Roll Clasp. Tombak. Nicely gilded. All four prongs in place.
