Originally established during the Weimar Republic as an infantry regiment, Grossdeutschland participated in the invasion of France and the Soviet Union. On multiple occasions, it was effectively destroyed in combat and rebuilt bigger, bouncing back as a Panzergrenadier Division and later a Panzerkorps. Both the tunic and trousers are constructed from heavy black wool. The tunic is in the classic "Panzerjacke" style, with the Nazi Eagle stitched to the left breast, the silver-trimmed Grossdeutschland cuff title on the right sleeve, pink waffenfarbe trim, a set of "totenkopf" collar tabs, and a pair of pink-trimmed Oberleutnant shoulder boards bearing gilt metal "GD" devices. A ribbon for the Iron Cross Second Class is tucked through the top buttonhole, and the left breast bears a small Hitler Youth pin, the Iron Cross Second Class, Tank Battle Badge and Silver Wound Badge. The interior is lined with brown twill, with a pair of inner pockets and a set of ink stamps inside the left breast, being a faint Erfurt maker's mark (possibly "Otto Mels") along with the size markings "43/60", "100", and "44/64". No maker's marks are visible in the trousers. Also included is a brown leather belt (marked "SPRINGER & CO/BERLIN") near the buckle and a second Hitler Youth badge (no pin on back). The tunic, trousers and decorations are formerly of the collection of Bob Johnson and were reportedly kept together as a war trophy grouping by a WWII vet until liquidated by their family in 1977.