Original Item: Only One Available. 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 originally patterned on Septempber 3, 1926 by Walter Reichert, and then adopted by the German Army. It found its origin in the square Reichswehr tent, and was made of a water repellent material called Makostoff, originally made in a blue gray color. This color was then replaced by with a variety of camouflage patterns, known in general as in general as Buntfarbenaufdruck (colorful print), with the Heer, Luftwaffe, and Waffen SS using various different patterns throughout the war. The first pattern in gray was used extensively by the early Waffen SS, as well as other paramilitary groups.

As issued, four Zeltbahnen buttoned together to make up a small pyramidal tent which could serve as a shelter for four soldiers. This would require a total of four poles and eight tent stakes to accomplish, so every zeltbahn was issued with the following:

– 1 Zeltleine 92 (tent rope), a 2 meter long, 4 mm thick cord with two loops on each end. Usually in Dark blue or natural colour.
– 1 Zeltstock 01 (tent pole), a 38 cm long pole with blued steel fittings.
– 2 Zeltpflöcke 29 (tent stakes), Aluminium, steel or bakelite tent stakes with a small piece of 4mm cord at the end.

These where meant to be carried in the Zeltzubehörtasche (tent accessory bag) but they where usually kept wrapped in the rolled up Zeltbahn. It was possible to combine additional parts into a larger tent if needed.

This example in gray is in lovely condition, showing light to moderate wear from service. It shows fading and some deformation and wear to the grommets, but most of the buttons are still present, and we do not see any major damage such as tears or past repairs. It comes complete with 1 Tent Pole, 4 tent stakes, and a rope. The stakes are all maker marked and dated, with one being made from aluminum and missing the cord, and the other three made from steel and retaining the cords. The rope looks like an ersatz replacement made from two gun pull throughs joined together, and is about 2.5m long.

As with others by Walter Reichert, it is stamped by the square corners in rectangles with the maker and date information. The "right" corner is marked with a square inspection stamp and the following information:-

„Warei“ - Zeltbahn
D. R. P.
1937

The left corner has the address information:-

„Warei“ - Patentzelte
Walter Reichert
BERLIN NW 40

Really a great pre war set, as used by the Waffen SS before they had their distinctive camouflage types made. Ready to research and display!

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.