Original Item: Only One Available. The concept of Camouflage is probably as old as life itself. Derived from the noun form of the French verb camoufler (“disguise, to hide”), it has been used successfully by animals with adaptive coloration for millions of years. Its use in the modern military sense is however much more recent development, as previously being recognized and forming a cohesive unit on the battlefield were much more important during the days of the sword and flintlock muskets. This was still true for the most part up until the latter half of the 19th century, when technology had developed to the point where ranged attacks from small arms and artillery were a much larger part of the picture.

At this point Ships began to use disruptive camouflage, and military forces adopted much less colorful attire, so as to not be easily seen at long distances, and by WWI the use of colorful field uniforms had been virtually abandoned. Forces on both sides began to hand paint camouflage on their helmets and vehicles, and by early 1930s countries such as Germany had begun to develop official patterns of military camouflage, beginning with their Splittertarnmuster (Splinter Pattern) style. Development continued through WWII, and continues to this day.

During WWII, the United States also developed numerous camouflage items, both to protect personnel as well as materiel.  Being spotted from the air or by telescope was definitely not advantageous, so tents and other items began to be camouflaged. When no in use vehicles and artillery pieces were also camouflaged as well, as even with the OD green paint, their shape could give them away.

Here we have a MASSIVE U.S. Camouflage Net from WWII, acquired at a recent military show. We unfortunately were not able to measure it completely, but it completely fills a box measuring 25" x 22" x 13", even when properly folded. It is large enough to fit over a Jeep, and possibly larger items. The netting itself is about 1/4"-3/8" thick, with much thicker rope around the edges, and has long brown and green burlap strips attached, which would help with the disruptive pattern of the net.  It has some fastening straps and clips to help keep it in place.

Just the thing you need to hide your WWII Jeep from prying eyes!