BACKGROUND: During WWII the German army fielded no fewer then nine Mountain Divisions with an additional six Waffen-SS, (Armed-SS), Mountain Divisions. Of Note: Although official classified as "Divisions", some of the Mountain Divisions were no where near full strength with some only being roughly regimental size, and some, primarily the three SS Mountain Divisions manned by Muslims, were remarkably unreliable. Generally speaking the Mountain Divisions were specially trained and equipped Infantry Divisions. Due to the nature of the terrain and the commonly colder climate that the Mountain Divisions were expected to serve in, special clothing, footwear and equipment was developed specifically for their use. In late 1941 or early 1942 a lightweight, snow camouflage uniform consisting of a pull-over anorak and pants was officially introduced exclusively for Mountain troop personnel but they were eventually issued, in limited quantities, to personnel serving in all branches of service by 1943. The design of the pullover anoraks were based on a civilian styled pullover and the very earliest models of the snow camouflage anoraks were produced in a white cotton fabric which was soon altered to a reversible white/green or white/field-grey model. Later production models of the anorak were manufactured in a cotton/spun rayon blend material, with higher rayon content as the war progressed. Apparently limited quantities of the anorak were manufactured in the screen roller printed, Sumpftarnmuster 43, (Swamp/Marsh camouflage pattern, 1943), now commonly referred to as the Tan/Water camouflage pattern. Photographic example of the Swamp/Marsh-Tan/Water camouflage anorak can be seen in W. Palinckx and J. F. Borsarello’s book, Camouflage Uniforms of the German Wehrmacht, pages 149-157. The only insignia authorized fr wear on the anorak was sleeve rank insignia for Officers and NCO’s ranks, but apparently they were seldom utilized. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the army’s Kleiderkasse, (Clothing Account), system. The Officers and certain senior NCO’s could choose to purchase their uniforms from the armed forces clothing depots or to privately purchase garments of higher quality. Originally Officers and senior NCO’s responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and headgear were required to purchase the new winter garments until regulations of December 1942 extended the issue winter clothing to all ranks in the colder theatres of operation. The anoraks were designed to fit over the standard field uniform and equipment and as a result were cut quite large. Interestingly, the mountain trooper’s anoraks were outfitted with an integral hood but unlike the camouflage smocks the integral hoods on the anoraks were not large enough to accommodate a helmet, but were intended to be worn beneath the helmet.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Later pattern tan water camo, three quarter length, mid-weight, water repellant, construction reversible, pull-over, snow camouflage anorak features a short, vertical, V-neck slash with five pair of alloy lace-up grommets (drawstring is missing). The V-neck slash has dual, overlapping, wind flap panels with three, stitched button eyelets to each and corresponding buttons (one missing) to both the white and grey/green sides. The anorak has three, horizontally aligned, patch pockets running across the upper breast. The anorak has a tunnel looped, woven, white cotton/rayon, fit adjustment, drawstring positioned horizontally at the waistline. The drawstring is only accessible from the white side, being inserted through two, small, natural alloy grommets. The anorak has straight cut, dual-ply hemmed, sleeve cuffs with three, small, vertical, tapering darts and a horizontal fit adjustment strap with a corresponding buttons. The reverse tail skirt has dual, horizontal, slash pockets with scalloped, button down, flaps. The bottom edge of the tail skirt has a dual-ply hem. All original buttons and stitching. The anoraks were cut large enough to fit over the standard uniform and this example would fit a roughly 46", (116.8cm), chest. Nice worn and used example showing the expected age and wear.