Post war BW field gear

[Klaus1989]

The "late war" German messkits appear on ebay often. The paint looks old and they have WW2 dates (1943-45). If they real, I not know, but there are many of them.

Here are some photos of Soviet messkits to compare. Unfortunately, I have photo for mine no more, because I sold it a few years before, when I collect no more Soviet. First is postwar style. Note shape of handle attachments resemble Berlin Bepo, but folded and pressed, instead of molded to shape. It was dated 1963 and looked like this (only worse condition):


From this thread on War Relics forum, so more to compare below.
http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/equipm...s-kit-17712-2/

WW2 M36 more primitive construction, but handle attachments are better made (like Berlin Bepo):


Soviets used some German style messkits from Baltic states also. Here is Estonian made for Soviets:


The Stig,
Welcome to the forum! Austrians and West Germans would not use same equipment, but some will look similar because German influences in Austrian military. Can you post photo of your early Austrian messkit to compare? I find only later photos of ones like this, very different:

[TheStig]

I'll post a picture as soon as find the SD for my camera, I always lose it. It looks exactly like the bottom one, but it's painted a more greyish green similar to feldgrau. It hasn't been repainted at all since there's scratches straight through to the aluminum underneath and that's the only layer. The markings on the front read "HV 55
U.SCH"

I bought it from Liberty Tree Collectors a while ago when I was looking for some Finnish Mosin sling brackets.

Thanks for the wealth of information here, I have quite a bit of West German and BGS related equipment I'd like to know more about.

[TheStig]

Here's an existing picture I have of a different mess kit I have that I'm unsure of as far as orgin goes. Excuse the quality, it was taken off my phone. I'm only 19 so I haven't really bought a good camera yet. Says "HV 73 PSL"

http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/g...93/messkit.jpg

[Klaus1989]

Your above messkit is Austrian (although PSL is West German maker = Paul Schulze und Co., Lübeck). I think PSL have made messkits not only for BRD, but for contract with Austria also (I forgot about this). West Germany not use this style handle attachments after the 1950s/early 1960s. HV is not normal West German abbreviation on their equipment, probably Heeresverwaltung for the Austrian Bundesheer. Not familiar with Austrian militaria, but Bernd is an Austrian collector here on WAF, you could message him to find out more.

At this "Liberty Tree Collectors" where you bought it, you can see both earlier and later models in photos:
https://www.libertytreecollectors.co...&idcategory=24

Regards
Klaus

[TheStig]

Thanks for the info, my other one I purchased from Liberty Tree is exactly the same so they're both Austrian.

Is this the same Paul Schulze as the "Paul Schulze Brakel" label on 2 of my BGS jackets? Just curious.

[Klaus1989]

No, this is not uncommon name. PSL specialises in metalwares and is located in Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein. Paul Schulze Brakel is in Brakel, Westfalen and makes mainly padding and upholstery. I assume, that they had some contract to make uniforms for BGS in 1960s and 70s (they did not make them in early years - my collecting period).

[TheStig]

Ok, that makes sense. Both of the jackets I have are 1967 supposedly.