German WWII M40 Overcoat

The German M40 Overcoat, commonly referred to as the M40 Feldmantel, represents one of the principal patterns of military greatcoat worn by German ground forces during the Second World War.

Developed from the earlier pre-war patterns, the M40 incorporated several manufacturing simplifications. Its most immediately recognizable feature is the field-grey collar, which replaced the contrasting dark green collar associated with the earlier M36 pattern.

The coat retains the traditional full-length double-breasted construction, with two parallel rows of six buttons, and was cut to be worn over the standard field uniform. Other characteristic details include the wide turn-back cuffs, two side pockets with flaps and fittings at the shoulders for the attachment of shoulder boards.

At the rear is the distinctive half-belt secured by two buttons, together with a long central vent fitted with buttons to provide greater freedom of movement while marching or operating in the field.

The Feldmantel formed an important part of German winter clothing and was widely worn on the various fronts of the war, normally over the Feldbluse and other components of the field uniform.