BACKGROUND: Helmet covers were originally introduced with other camouflage items in 1942. The development of camouflage clothing and equipment had began in the German army in WWI, and continued through the Weimar Reichswehr, (National Defence Force, Circa 1919-1933), era. The German army’s geometric, Splittertarnmuster 31, (Splinter camouflage pattern 31), was originally developed in late 1929 and early 1930 and was first adopted for use with the M31 quarter shelter/poncho in late 1931. Further developments in 1943 modified the original splinter pattern by softly blurring the distinct geometric pattern and slightly altering the coloration. This modified camouflage pattern was designated Sumpftarnmuster, (Swamp/Marsh camouflage pattern), although it is now commonly referred to as the Tan/Water camouflage pattern, which was once again altered in 1944 by an even stronger blurring of the distinct geometric pattern. Further camouflage pattern development continued through-out the war and additional subtly different patterns were created with the intent to equip all personnel with the same camouflage pattern but this was never achieved. After the devastating winter of 1941-1942 on the Russian front the German army found that it was drastically under equipped with cold weather garments to withstand the severe cold and a wide variety of improvised garments including a broad assortment of donated civilian garments were utilized as a temporary solution. To rectify the situation the OKH, Oberkommando des Heeres, (High Command of the Army), began testing heavier winter clothing in the spring of 1942 to develop suitable garments for the Russian front. In April 1942 Hitler approved the chosen designs and the first models were issued in the autumn of that year, in the reversible blue/mouse grey/white colorations, which was modified to camouflage pattern/white combinations in 1943.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Second pattern helmet cover of light weight, water-proofed, cotton duck construction with the subdued geometric swamp/ march (tan/water) pattern camouflage to exterior. Cover is constructed of five separate panels with two panels to each side and one larger rectangular center panel. Panels are attached to each other with dual rows of machine stitching. Each of the side panels has a single machine stitched foliage attachment loop while the central panel has three foliage attachment loops. Bottom edge of cover with machine stitched tunnel loop for the retaining drawstring. Retaining drawstring intact. Cover has a few minor small picks and holes mostly from rim wear from the edge of the helmet. Camouflage pattern shows a faint bleed through to interior. This is not the regulation cover, but would be a field made variant. The material used in the construction is identical to that used in the camo smocks.

GRADE ****                             PRICE $2,380.00