Original Rare German WWII Service-Worn Waffen-SS Zeltbahn Tent Quarter & Poncho in Oak Pattern A Camouflage with Period Repairs

Original Item: Only One Available. The SS (Schutzstaffel - 'Protection Squadron') was originally formed in 1925, ostensibly to act as a small, loyal bodyguard unit to protect the Führer, Adolf H. Under the direction of the Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the SS grew to be the most ruthless and feared organization of the 20th century. They were the vanguard of NSDAP and eventually controlled nearly every function of German life and much of Occupied Europe.

When WWII began in earnest, the SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT) (SS Dispositional Troops) became the Waffen-SS ("Armed SS"), an official military branch of the SS organization. Its formations included men from NSDAP ruled Germany, along with volunteers and conscripts from both occupied and unoccupied lands. They were issued the same type field gear as the regular Heer Army, however they were often made in versions specific to the Waffen SS.

The German Zeltbahn (Tent Sheet) or Army Tent Quarter was a multi-purpose piece of German army regulation equipment that was issued to Wehrmacht soldiers during WWII. This piece of camouflaged material could be combined with three other to make a proper tent, or other quantities to construct shelters of various sizes, it was also used for camouflage, as a poncho or even a stretcher. This example comes in the very attractive reversible German Waffen-SS Oak Pattern A pattern, with most of the original aluminum buttons still present.

The Zeltbahn 31 was developed in 1931 and found its origin in the square Reichswehr tent. It was made of a water repellent material called Makostoff and is imprinted with a variety of camouflage patterns, known in general as in general as Buntfarbenaufdruck (colorful print). This example is marked with the Waffen-SS specific "Oak Pattern A" (Eichenlaubmuster) camouflage, which was in use 1943–1945. This pattern was based on the earlier Platanenmuster (Plane Tree Pattern) used 1937–1942.

This example shows heavy service wear, with some tears around the edge, as well as some torn through grommets and patched repairs. There is one large repair in one corner which has some uneven stitching. All repairs appear to have been done during the period. The camouflage shows fading as well due to the wear, but is still very attractive. It still has original rope installed in some grommets, which could be post war, as these were later reissued. We could not find any markings, but due to the heavy wear, any markings likely would have faded away. It is complete aside from missing buttons and tearing. Ready to display!