My first genuine Blumentarn

[iannima]

As you might have noticed from my mad photographs before, I have been using Blumentarn reproductions for a while. But Monday next being my birthday, I decided to treat myself to a genuine one, by fighting it out on Ebay. It has arrived today

the trousers might be of a different size but the colours match very well:

The inside of the jacket:

No markings are visible any more. Not even the size label at the collar is legible. It feels as if it has been washed several times and it is in fact very soft. It is amazing how the colours have remained bright nonetheless.
Looking at this synopsis here:
http://www.flaechentarn.de/index.htm
I would venture the guess that it is a late '60s example as the buttons on the front are brown plastic ones sewn on, rather than plugged with a ring. In cut and features it matches Strichtarn ones of the late 1960s early 1970s. There are no elastic bands to tighten it at the waist or at the bottom hem.

[iannima]

And how does it look when worn in anger ? I am sure that that's what all of you are asking...
Mot. Schützen:

Notice how well the colours match the gas mask bag...
And Grenztruppen:

[olivyaya]

Congratulations matteo !
Hurrah hurrah hurrah !!!!!!!!!!!
Very nice indeed ! The colours are gorgeous !

[SanderMan]

Congrats, Matteo, and happy birthday

[Viktor]

Genosse iannima,
That is in Order, Moscow Centre has authorised a wave of the hand while turning away snorting approval, nodding...

The Form Fitting Variant.... sehr gut!.

[Gene T]

Both the jacket and the trousers appear to conform to the norms of the 1970 model year - when the curtain fell on the glorious Blumentarn FDA era.

Congratulations on finally filling this gaping hole in your collection!

So who has been around longer - the crazy professor/birthday boy or the ageless present he treated himself to?


Gene T

[KevinH]

Looks like another smashing edition to your collection Genosse Matteo. And in such good condition!

[Gene T]

Note also the dexterous transformation of oppressive opulence (Queen Anne? Georgian?) into progressive practicality through the enigmatic emplacement of random books and steel helmet!


Gene T

[iannima]

Trying to emulate Genosse Viktor...


... and wearing just about everything I have in Blumentarn. Two of the leather straps holding the Zeltbhan are marked NVA 1961 . The third one is an inferior BGS copy that is momentarily acting as Ersatz in order to ensure the adequate purely-defensive combat readiness as laid down in the norms...

[iannima]

I did say that this photograph was giving me ideas...


...

[olivyaya]

WOOW !

[Viktor]

Genossen,
As ever there is always someone with more Equipment on than me.... (Genossen that know me will get the gag).

[iannima]

Genossen,As ever there is always someone with more Equipment on than me.... (Genossen that know me will get the gag).

Genosse, I can reassure you that NOBODY will ever contemplate wearing as much gear as you ... certainly not I ... for starters because it is such a nuisance to put it all on and then carrying it around is not much fun either... Around my living room, I can cope but not further afield. My pet hatred is the entrenching tool ...
Btw... you know that both you and I are on record having worn both the triple and double magazine pouch... I think we might have to show some restraint next time (I know it will be VERY difficult for you ), because I don't think it was done.
The Keubke Kunz says that the double magazine pouch was devised for "technical" personnel. The evidence I have uncovered shows it worn always on its own (i.e. not also with the triple one)...

The truck appears to be a Garant 30 k A from what is visible...


I think it was meant to be worn on the left, and that's why it slants the other way. The only explanation I can suggest is that, for a driver, a smaller pouch on the left is going to be less in the way than having it on the right where it would impede or constraint gear changes etc. But it is not much of a guess, because as far as impediments to a comfortable drive the list is long: ... gas mask ....

[David H]

Matteo, as ever a good show!

Although does it come in any other colours? Green can be sooo drab... fuschia might be nice

[Viktor]

Genosse iannima,

Regard page 94 (152mm-Haubitzkanone) from the Historical Document

Unsere Nationale Volkesarmee
Deutscher Militärverlag. 1964

The invaluable Document of early NVA Images...


Genosse Artillery men wearing both pouches.....

The only thing we can say is the Two and Three cell pouch can and was worn either way round and by its self if necessary as suited the availability of Scale of Issue and the Combat Mission..... as borne out by the declassified Historical Documents available.




On a lighter note, do you now see how sweet 39 was?, was every moment like drinking from the cup of the gods compared to the down hill trolley ride to doom and corruption we are now both on?.