Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original French WWII M1935 pattern shelter half and poncho, constructed in the distinctive multicolor geometric camouflage pattern used by the French Army during the period.

Much like the German Zeltbahn, the French shelter half was designed as a multipurpose piece of field equipment that could be worn as a poncho and combined with another section to form a basic shelter. The French pattern differed in both shape and camouflage treatment, using a square format and a distinctive geometric design.

Unlike many other camouflage shelter quarters of the period, the French pattern was screen printed rather than roller printed. This resulted in a very characteristic appearance, with some colors applied more heavily than others. On surviving examples, the heavier colors can sometimes bleed through the fabric and remain visible from the opposite side.

This example is especially attractive because it retains the camouflage pattern on both sides, with very good overall color retention despite a naturally faded service used appearance.

As far as we can determine, all of the buttons are present and original. The buttons appear to retain maker markings, although oxidation has made some of the markings difficult to read.

The fabric shows age and use throughout but remains very presentable. The overall fading gives the piece an appealing field used appearance while still allowing the geometric camouflage pattern to remain clearly visible.

This is only the second example of this pattern that we have offered, and the double sided camouflage printing makes it particularly appealing. Surviving French WWII camouflage shelter halves are considerably less commonly encountered than comparable German examples.

A very nice example of a difficult to find French WWII field shelter and camouflage garment, retaining its original buttons and strong pattern on both sides.