2nd Bat
Master sergeant 
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 18, 2016 22:58:22 GMT -5
I see some camo fabric field caps advertised on EBay from Chinese manufacturers and wonder if these are just "fantasy" items or if these were ever actual issue items? If so what units, time frames and campaigns?
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Dracul
Master sergeant
Posts: 1,341 
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Post by Dracul on Feb 20, 2016 8:47:02 GMT -5
I think it might be like anything else thats Splinter and NOT a zelt or a zelt stake and rope bag. Where as it did exist, because individual units might have made them, but its so far from the norm that it might as well be a fantasy item.
More I think about it though, its probably rarer than that. My guess is these would have to be factory made, since I can't imagine units making these with excess zelts (like what they did with the helmet covers).
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 20, 2016 13:37:05 GMT -5
I've seen pictures of German soldiers in what appear to be camo field caps. The pattern looks like the Italian camo which was apparently adopted by some units. Very hard to tell in black And white grainy shots and often pictures are in articles that in fact don't represent the time location or unit being discussed so it can be confusing.
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Dracul
Master sergeant
Posts: 1,341
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Post by Dracul on Feb 20, 2016 15:14:22 GMT -5
From what I understand, generally, Italian camo was used and sewn into various whatever. Tunics, wraps, caps, etc etc. But ONLY with units that are actually in Italy. So, in turn, using Italian camo in most of our events, that usually "take place" in France, Belgium, and Germany, would look rather out of place.
Thats not to say that some didn't pop up here and there after troops relocated from Italy, and those Italian camo items are the only things they got (same way tropical gear popped up in Europe after North Africa was lost).
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 20, 2016 16:41:24 GMT -5
Definitely pictures of italian camo trousers in France.
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Post by insterburger on Feb 23, 2016 8:40:09 GMT -5
Any Heer caps out of camo fabric would have been field-made, period. Someone who knows SS better could help more, but my understanding is that at least MOST of the SS camo caps were also field made. In both cases, they existed, but were quite the exception to the rule.
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Post by aldrich on Feb 23, 2016 11:16:09 GMT -5
Italian camo was used in France but was only used by the HJ division to any real extent. The 1st SS may have had winter Italian camo items to a limited extent during the bulge if I remember correctly but they would have been uncommon. As for hats, I believe the SS had reversible camo ones produced during 41-42 but after that any made were made in the field. The Heer never produced splinter caps to my knowledge. The majority of field made Heer items such as hats an tunics I have seen from photos are from police units who are behind the lines, have plenty of time on their hands, and access to stores of camo/captured materials. Though I am sure camo hats were made for frontline troops as well.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 23, 2016 12:03:47 GMT -5
Very helpful,as always gentlemen.
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Post by LϟϟAH1944 on Feb 23, 2016 18:19:02 GMT -5
Heer splinter was used for zelts, smocks (rare), helmet covers (rare) and Winteranzug. Caps would be field made.
Also, the SS tarnmutzen were factory made and issued- NOT field made.
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Post by insterburger on Feb 23, 2016 21:15:00 GMT -5
Heer splinter was used for zelts, smocks (rare), helmet covers (rare) and Winteranzug. Caps would be field made. Also, the SS tarnmutzen were factory made and issued- NOT field made. I would perhaps quibble to classify helmet covers as "uncommon" rather than "rare," but otherwise-- spot on, my friend. |
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