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Basic Re-enactor Kit

 

Level 1 purchases:

 

 

                        Weapon: 98k Mauser with cleaning rod

                        (Other weapons may be used, but this is the predominant rifle used by the average

                        German soldier.)

 

 

                         Gear: Uniform (private rank w/cufftitle, wool or HBT), shirt, smock, helmet, softcap, ammo

                         pouches, belt, buckle, bayonet, frog, breadbag, canteen, messkit, spork, jackboots or

                         lowboots, and gamashen are needed if ankle boots are worn.

 

 

Level 2 purchases:

Y-straps, shovel and carrier, gas canister, tobacco can cleaning kit, and zeltbahn

 

 

Level 3 purchases [optional]:

A frame, toque, overcoat, padded jacket, rucksack, and personal items.

 

GERMAN UNIFORMS, GEAR, EQUIPMENT, AND WEAPONS

 

This is a general overview. We expect that on your own you will expand your knowledge and
in turn grow your impression with additional knowledge you obtain through your research.
Research is the key.
 

Things to consider:

  • If going to an early war event do not wear a late war tunic
  • Research the year particular equipment was produced
  • Late in the war changes were made to reduce labor and material costs
  • Be observant of the Fabric – type of wool, HBT herringbone twill, cotton, linen

            EX.      Herringbone Twill (HBT)

                                                Reed Green

                                                In pattern of M-1941, M-1942, and M-1943

  

GERMAN UNIFORMS

    

Collectors identify German uniforms based on the approximate year that they were issued. Today, as re-enactors we also identify tunics by particular characteristics. The collar, pocket flaps, pockets, suspenders, buttons, lining, color shade, texture, stitching, markings, and material are some of the points of note when identifying a tunic.

UNIFORM COLORS

Variation among the colors is to be expected

 

Feldgrau                             Field grey                   (appears green)

 

Olivegrün                           Olive green                  (brown tones)

 

Schilfgrün                          Reed green                   (lighter color)

 

Dunkel- und hellgrau           Grey                         (both dark and

                                                                                    light grey)

Dunkel- und hellbraun        Brown                       (both dark and

                                                                                   light brown)

Dunkel- und hell-lohfarbe    Tan                           (both dark and

                                                                                      light tan)

Sandfarbe                                Sand

      
FIELDCAP
      Field Cap Sizes 56-62
      Head size 21 7/8 – 24 inches around
 
HELMETS
  • Early SS members wore transitional model World War I helmets painted black
  • Later members of the SS were issued regular combat helmets
  • M1935, M1940, and M1942 models were utilized 
  • Insignia of the SS was applied to the side of the helmet, however, many had no insignia

GEAR

FIELD EQUIPMENT

can be found in field grey predominately, but brown, cream, black, reddish brown, dark brown, olive green, and other shades of all these colors were used depending on the year, material, and function.

  

 METAL

was generally painted flat black, flat grey, dark grey, field grey, and olive green. Sand shades used in North Africa. Blue grey used by Luftwaffe.

  

HARDWARE

Unpainted hardware is acceptable. Painted hardware is generally found in field grey and other shades of grey. For late 1944 dark grey is encouraged.

LEATHER GOODS

were found in black and dark brown. Various shades of browns were used. Sometimes light brown and tan were used but infrequently. Officers often carried reddish brown leather. Other colors like sand and white were used based on locale and weather conditions.

CAMOUFLAGE

is a secondary item for your kit. There are many different forms of camouflage and many different patterns to consider.

 

The most basic and most important is the shelter quarter.The Zeltbahan or shelter quarter was a standard issue piece of equipment. This triangular shaped poncho was used for shelter and camouflage.

 

Two widely used SS patterns were the Plane Tree and the Oak Leaf.

  

ITEMS TO BE WORN ON TUNICS

Rank insignia

Collar tabs

Shoulder boards

Sleeve eagle

Cuff title

Awards (optional)

  
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