M40 vs M41 tunics

[cairo1]

as i don't relay know the details of Tunics and such, i would like to gather information about these two tunics.

I'm planing to do an 11th(and, or)9th SS impression, and would like to know any details i may not have gathered that i should know.

i do know that the 2 tunics are relatively the same with the exception of 5 to 6 buttons, however that about it

[Sgt_Tom]

As far as I know there is no such thing as an M41 tunic.
The M40 tunic was made in 1940.
It was the same as the M36 Tunic except it had a collar that matched the color of the tunic instead of the dark green/black collar the M36 had.
The pockets were pleated and it had scalloped flaps.

The M42 Tunic(guessing that's what you meant by M41) did not have pleated pockets.

M42
www.on-the-march.com/images/346_M42_Heer_front_hr.jpg

M40
www.hessenantique.com/v/vspfiles/photos/2111102-2T.jpg

[Fusilier]

SS tunics had 5 buttons,BUT,they used both. M36 tunics would be correct as well,especially for a veteran officer or NCO. They were kind of a status symbol for "old timers" and Vets.

[cairo1]

i am fully aware of the M40 M42 M43 and M44 tunics and there differences, however from what i have seen and heard an M41 is just an M40 with 6 buttons, i have heard it was only issued to either the Heer or the SS I'm not sure which though.

[Sgt_Tom]

Never heard of the term M41. The SS M40 had 6 buttons the Heer one had 5.

[cairo1]

thats the awanser i was looking for, thank you very much.

the number of buttons is the only diffrence between the so called M41 and M40.

thank you

[poacher]

The M41 is usually taken as the designation for the M40 with the 6th button.
After it's introduction all the Heer tunics carried 6 buttons, the SS stuck to 5 through all model changes.
There are actually other changes between the M40 and 41. The bellows construction for the pockets were simplified.
It is not know exactly when these features were introduced or why the SS did not adopt thee extra button.

There are a couple of bits of misinformation in this thread;
The collar of the M36 was never black.
The SS never adopted the 6 button front.

[cairo1]

is this so? mabye an M40 then. you sir may have saved me much criticism, and money, i thought M36 had furry green collars.

to my knowlage the M41 first started seeing service in 40.
kinda like the M40 started in 37

[poacher]

The M36 collar was a dark blue green colour often quoted as being of 'badge cloth'.
It is very hard to find any M40 tunics in action in 1940. Almost none turn up in images of the fall of France.
The best reference I can suggest is 'Feldbluse 1933-45' Huart and Borg.
Covers most variations you are likely to see of the field grey blouse.