Commonly called the "step-in smock", developed based on operator feedback on earlier versions of the jump smock, the M40 smock was the de-facto standard smock for the Fallschirmjaegers tasked with the assault of Crete, and was in the inventory of the Ramcke Brigade operating in Egypt and Libya as well as elsewhere in Africa. Originally envisioned as just a piece of safety gear to keep a jumper's shroud lines from getting entangled on his web gear, the first smock was supposed to be removed at first chance after the paratrooper hit the ground. Unfortunately for the original vision, the paratroopers took a liking to the smock and the distinctive look it gave them, and later smocks were designed with combat in mind; the smock, in conjunction with the cut-down "Fallschirmjaegerhelm" helmet, marked the wearer out as an elite trooper not to be taken lightly. The overall pattern is the Luftwaffe's in-house "Splinter B" pattern, a single-sided print with a light tan-speckled green background, sharply angular brown and dark green geometric shapes, and the traditional Splinter green line "grass" or "rain" lines. While many smocks were cut up to be converted to the "button leg" style, this smock is still in the "step-in" configuration, with two "RAPID" marked zippers in the front covered by a heavy cloth flap; a long one for donning the smock, and a short "relief zipper" for handling certain biological needs. Four zippered pockets are installed, as well as two zippered slits for accessing the interior of the smock; for unknown reasons, the flap for the right breast pocket has been stitched closed. Both cuffs are fitted with external button adjustments and internal herringbone twill wind cuffs, the armpit areas are ventilated, and a tightly stitched Luftwaffe eagle patch is present on the right breast. On the interior, the left breast pocket is stamped "Schultz/Berlin/Gr.1B/Gel.1/41".

Excellent overall. Some very light rust is present on the snaps, with a small amount of surrounding staining, as well as some very mild handling marks overall. Save for a detached end of the hanging loop the stitching is generally solid, and the camouflage pattern is bright and sharp. A top grade Fallschirmjaeger combat smock.