Some small details noticed

[Collectinsteve]

Today I received some new Filzlaus and Arbeits pieces as either spares or for my collection. This caused me to look at the pieces I already have and decide what to keep. In the process I noticed two things:

1. There are at least two variations of the Arbeitsdiensthose. One has leg pockets with the bottoms stitched directly to the leg, the other has billowed leg pocket bottoms (similar to what Österreich BH trouser legs look like). Can anybody confirm this? I ask because the ones with the stitched bottoms were extensively tailored and I don't trust that what I'm seeing is original.

2. Filzlaushosen have at least two variations. One has ties for the leg bottoms and the other two position snaps. I think the ties are earlier and the snaps later. Can anybody confirm this? All of mine are 1962 or 1963. I suspect there are differences with the late 1960s versions.

Anyway, small pieces of trivia that might not turn out to be very interesting

Steve

[Asbjoern]

Steve, this question sounds as if a certain logistc process found an positive end...

As far as I can say there will be no 100% proof answer to this question - the more items you compare the more different details you`ll find. I don`t know how detailed the single item was described in the requirement specification back in the 50ies but if you go through actual TLs there will be enough space for individual interpretation. Beside that there was always a individual tailoring for those with abnormal measures. So there will be items completely custom made or at least changed to fit the individual soldier...


Regards,

Jens

[Gordon Craig]

Steve,

The only pair of Filslouse trousers that I can access at the moment is dated 9 62. They look like normal trousers from the outside but on the inside they have two male snaps on the one side and one domed female on the other. This would allow the wearer to tighten the bottom of the trousers around his ankles in two different positions. I assume this is what you are talking about in #2? Sorry that I can not access more trousers to help shed more light on your observations.

Regards,

Gordon

[PASSAUER8884]

I have a pair of filzlaus trousers stashed away at a local surplus store that are dated 1959. I'll be snagging them hopefully this weekend. I'll try to send some pictures if there are any differences from the 62 dated pair I have

[Asbjoern]

If they are really from 1959 take them anyway ... this is supposed to be the first year of production and not really easy to get even here in germany !

Regards,

Jens

[hoover]

1959 would be a nice item for any collection.
I have some from 1961, 1963 and the last one from 1965. I never saw a 1959 or 1960 for sale.

I would like to compare if any differences between the early and later ones exists.

Bye
Frank

[Collectinsteve]

Excellent! I appreciate other people being interested in this too.

Do we know exactly when production of Filzlaus stopped? From memory I would say it was around 1974, but I do not know if this is accurate.

My guess is that any Filzlaus item made after 1968 would have the same modifications that the 2nd Model Moleskin uniform has. That is because 1st Model Moleskin is based on Filzlaus uniform, so if one changed design I suspect both changed.

Steve

[PASSAUER8884]

I had better get down there and get those 1959 dated trousers. The sad thing is I remember once seeing a 1959 dates jacket too down there before....and I missed them. Didnt have a spare $25 at the time.

[PASSAUER8884]

Well, with the blessing of my wife I shelled out $30 and got those 1959 dated filzlaus trousers...

I cant post pictures yet but hopefully I can send them to Steve and he can post them for me.

I found in the pile as well a MINTY pair dated 1/60. I have those hidden away now.