What were the buttons for, those below the chest pockets? they're also on the moleskin uniforms, but I'm curious as to their function.
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hughdotoh - Welcome to the BRD Forum!
You ask a very good question. The only time I've seen the buttons in use is when a soldier would attach the top strap of a flashlight to his shirt button and the bottom strap to one of the buttons sewn on the shirt just below the pocket.
Perhaps one of our Bundeswehr veterans can give us the official answer.
In the meantime, here's a display I set up last year showing my c.1965 "greni" in full battle dress. In this instance I chose to attach the flashlight directly to the web strap.
Again, welcome to the Forum. We look forward to hearing about your BRD collecting interests.
Have a Merry Christmas,
TJComment
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TJ,
I believe that you are correct about the reason for the two buttons on the Filzlaus tunic. I should have mentioned that in my text. I have a current issue camo tunic that have two buttons on the left front about the same distance apart as on the Filzlaus tunic. I doubt if the wearer of a uniform would want the flahlight swinging around as he/she moved. Much more useful to have it held stationary without having to use your hands.
Regards,
GordonComment
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hughdotch,
Welcome to the forum and for your interesting question. Always good to have new members join us and participate.
Regards,
GordonComment
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Thanks. I have a very modest collection of German items, mostly BW and NVA. Some Austrian items too. But there aren't much around here in the Far East.Comment
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Great thread! I don't think anybody mentioned the Gebirgsjäger Filzlaus trousers. These are in the traditional "Kneehosen" style with shortened legs and buckles below the knees. IIRC there are no other differences between it and the standard production model. I have a set I can poke into if someone has questions.
Anybody know the exact last date Filzlaus was made? I'm pretty sure I've seen items made in the 1970s, but I don't recall exactly when.
SteveComment
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Steve,
I didn't add pictures of the GJ Filzlaus pants as I din't have them when I started this thread. I have a pair on the way now so I can post at least one picture of them. I'd appreciate it if you could post pictures of yours, with the label, so I have a comparison when mine arrive.
Apparently there was not a special GJ tunic. They wore the standard issue Filzlaus jacket with their GJ pants.
Regards,
GordonComment
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Hi Gordon,
I'll see if I can get some pics tomorrow. As for the jacket, I am positive there isn't a special jacket. They didn't have a special jacket for Splittertarn (previous model) or Moleskin (later model), so I don't see why Filzlaus would be an oddball exception.
GJ did have anoraks and other specialized gear from time to time. Oh, and if you need some socks to go with your trousers send me a PM. I've got a couple extra sets in decent condition. We need to chat anyway since I just found out we have a Hungarian friend in common
SteveComment
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Steve,
I think you may have misunderstood my comments on the GJ Filzlaus jacket. I meant that there was none, and as you say, there was none for the Moleskin uniforms either. Thanks for the offer of the socks. I think I have what I need for these pants but I'll let you know if I need a pair.
So we have a mutual friend. I'll have to PM you about that.
I have an early anorak I've never gotten around to posting. One of these days maybe.
Regards,
GordonComment
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Hi Gordon,
heh... I was agreeing with you, so I should have made that more clear
Yup, the world is a small place. I finally put 1 and 1 together and realized that you were the same person our mutual friend mentioned. And in other small world news, I randomly met Thomas Cullinane in person years ago at his place and we chatted for a while about stuff. Damned fine WW2 British camo tanker display at the time. Never got back in touch with you after that Thomas, sorry about that!
SteveComment
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Possible the GJ trouser was the last item prodiuced in the filzlaus fabric ... the above shown trouser was made in 1988, another collector owns a 1987 one. No other item made in filz is known to me until now wich is produced at such a late date...
JensComment
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I checked and my Filzlaus GJ trousers were made in 1971. To hear that some were produced in the 1980s is quite shocking to me!
SteveComment
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Gentlemen,
I was tempted to start a new thread for what I am about to post and then reconsidered and decied to post it here. Someone has gone to a great deal of trouble to cut down a Filzlaus tunic to make something that resembles an Ike jacket. The questions is, why? Anyway, we should enjoy someones initiative!
Regards,
GordonComment
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Another view of this enterprising piece.Comment
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And the final view. By the way. These pictures came for ebay.comComment
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