The WWII German Kriegsmarine Officer’s Reefer Jacket was the standard service coat worn by naval officers both ashore and aboard ship. Made from high-quality navy blue wool barathea.
This Kriegsmarine uniform features a double-breasted front with eight gilt anchor buttons, notched lapels, and a tailored naval cut.
The jacket includes two lower flap pockets, one breast pocket, and correct interior lining with inside pocket. Cuff rank lace and eagle breast insignia were typically applied according to officer rank. This reproduction captures the classic, elegant silhouette of the Kriegsmarine officer’s reefer, reflecting precision tailoring and authentic wartime specifications.
Rank Distinctions for Kriegsmarine Reefer Tunics:
1. Leutnant zur See (Sub-Lieutenant / Ensign equivalent)
• Cuff lace: One thin gold stripe (13 mm) around the cuff.
• Above the stripe: A small five-pointed gold star (rank device) centered above the lace.
• Placement: Stripe located about 3–4 cm above the cuff edge.
2. Oberleutnant zur See (Lieutenant)
• Cuff lace: Two thin gold stripes, evenly spaced.
• Star: One gold star above the top stripe.
• Note: The lower stripe near the cuff edge, second stripe spaced about 3–4 mm above it.
3. Kapitänleutnant (Lieutenant Commander)
• Cuff lace: One broad stripe (26 mm) with one thin stripe above it.
• Star: One gold star above the upper thin stripe.
• Pattern: Similar to British RN Lt. Commander — broad band base, thin stripe over it.
4. Korvettenkapitän (Commander)
• Cuff lace: One broad stripe with two thin stripes above.
• Star: One gold star centered above the upper stripe.
• Spacing: Narrow equal gaps between each stripe.
5. Fregattenkapitän (Commander Senior Grade)
• Cuff lace: Two broad stripes and one thin stripe above them.
• Star: One gold star centered above the uppermost stripe.
• Visual: Imposing triple-stripe layout, rare in mid-war field service.
6. Kapitän zur See (Captain)
• Cuff lace: Three broad gold stripes.
• Star: One gold star above.
• Distinction: This was the highest non-flag officer rank in regular naval command.
7. Flag Officers (Admiral Ranks)
• Konteradmiral (Rear Admiral): One broad stripe with a narrow stripe above it and a thick wavy “loop” (executive curl) at the upper end, plus one star.
• Vizeadmiral (Vice Admiral): One broad stripe with two narrow stripes above, plus two stars.
• Admiral: One broad stripe with three narrow stripes, three stars.
• Großadmiral (Grand Admiral): One broad stripe with four narrow stripes, crossed batons above cuff instead of stars.
General Notes:
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All lace was gold bullion or gilt wire, sewn directly onto the sleeve.
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The gold star device poissitioned approximately 2–3 cm above the topmost stripe.
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On working or reefer jackets, lace and star were sometimes omitted for field or shipboard use, replaced by shoulder boards only.
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Shoulder boards mirrored cuff ranks with gold braid and colored underlay (dark blue for line officers, light blue or branch color for specialists).
