Winter Auction 2025 Preview (#1480577)

Well-preserved uniform for an SS Artillery Mann assigned to the SS Westland Regiment.  Formed in 1941 as part of the Wiking Division, composed largely of German volunteers alongside recruits from the Netherlands and other occupied regions. It fought primarily on the Eastern Front, participating in major operations during the invasion of the Soviet Union.  Westland was one of the division's main infantry regiments alongside “Germania” and “Nordland,” and later operated within the reorganized 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking when the division transitioned into an armored unit. The regiment did not have its own independent artillery arm, so the wearer of this tunic was likely farmed out from the SS Panzer Artillery Regiment 5, and assigned to the regiment as a fire-support observer or another similar type role.  It is also entirely possible these original boards and ciphers were added to the tunic, but there is no indication either way, as it's impossible to tell on slip-on boards.  I would believe the former, because finding out the details of the regiment is NOT a difficult task, and white infantry boards are exceptionally easy to locate.  Interior markings Original "W" slip-on chain stitched ciphers, and BeVo tabs (matching rank side too!).  All insignia and tunic show even wear and age.