M36 army (Heer) enlisted field blouse converted for officer with Iron Cross clasp 1939

This outstanding M36 field blouse is an early pre-war example, originally issued as an enlisted man's tunic and later adapted for officer use, as was frequently seen in the early years of the war. The tunic remains in remarkably honest condition and, importantly, has not been significantly altered. It retains its full original length, and the pleated pockets are still completely intact, with the folds neither sewn down nor shortened — something often encountered on officer-modified examples. The wool is the typical early blue-green shade associated with uniforms produced before 1940 and is beautifully preserved. The fabric remains soft and supple, with no moth damage present.The officer adaptation was carried out in a restrained and period manner. Inside the tunic, a small hole and an attached hook are visible for the wearing of a parade dagger hanger. Additional small buttons beneath the shoulder board and near the second front button were added for attaching an officer's lanyard (aiguillette). The most attractive feature, however, is the breast eagle. A fine bullion hand-embroidered officer example has been neatly sewn onto the tunic, but beneath it the original factory-applied enlisted eagle is still present. This is a wonderful detail that collectors greatly appreciate, as it clearly demonstrates that the tunic began life as an enlisted example and was later privately upgraded. The original hand-sewn collar tabs are present, and the shoulder boards are original as well, with white piping over grey underlay, indicating infantry of a reserve regiment. The number '13' denotes Infanterie-Regiment 13 (Reserve), and the two rank stars signify the rank of Hauptmann (Captain).The tunic is maker marked A. Bauch, Wien (Vienna, Austria), and dated IV 1939 — April 1939 — making it a beautiful pre-war piece. It is stamped size 90 but fits larger, and is a desirable large-sized example. The awards present further enhance its appeal. An early first-pattern 1939 Iron Cross Spange with scalloped sides and folded edges is attached, in excellent original condition. This early model features a single central pair of prongs, and one can see that the head and the '1939' bar were additionally secured with period stitching, a known field solution before the later double-prong version was introduced. Beneath it, a ribbon for the Eastern Front Medal is visible. The breast and pocket display numerous award loops, and on the opposite side loops for a German Cross can be seen, indicating that this tunic belonged to a highly decorated officer.Altogether, this is a superb and authentic early-war M36 field blouse with exceptional character. The combination of its April 1939 date, Austrian maker, tasteful officer adaptation, intact original features, and extensive award evidence makes this a highly desirable piece for the advanced Wehrmacht uniform collector.