The last of my Tropical / DAK stuff

[MilitaryCollect]

Tropical biker jacket.

[MilitaryCollect]

Tropical biker's gloves. (41' dated).

[MilitaryCollect]

DAK (KG Briel) vet photos.

[MilitaryCollect]

POW camp stuff.

[MilitaryCollect]

Maps of 3./ Heer Fla. 606 engagements.

[MilitaryCollect]

Blanketcoat.

[MilitaryCollect]

Hello,

Here's the last of my DAK / Tropical collection.

Enjoy.

C.

[Johnny R]

Hi, are you sure the cape is for an officer? It looks like a variation of an issue Bicyclist cape?

[MilitaryCollect]

Hello,

Had to break into someone's DAK library box for reference. Please see page 107 of the "Kurtz" book: "AFRIKAKORPS...", ISBN: 0-7643-1920-5 (Schiffer Publishing).

Regards,

C.

[NickG]

Great DAK material with many early dated pieces. Thanks for sharing!

[Johnny R]

Hello,

Had to break into someone's DAK library box for reference. Please see page 107 of the "Kurtz" book: "AFRIKAKORPS...", ISBN: 0-7643-1920-5 (Schiffer Publishing).

Regards,

C.

I actually think the book is wrong, this is an issue item and is identical to issue bicyclist capes aside from having the more common encountered hood. What ever is it I do not think it is an issue cape specifically for Officers.

[MilitaryCollect]

Hello John,

I certainly respect your opinion.

Regards,

Christopher

[Johnny R]

Hello John,

I certainly respect your opinion.

Regards,

Christopher

Don't, I am just belittling it to knock down the price but don't tell anyone

Seriously, they were trying all kinds of sort of odd experimental stuff in the Tropical Research institute, this may be one of the issue items that they made for whatever reason, I suspect it is a issue items for bicycles or guard duty etc. Officers were almost never issued accessory items like this and the wide cut for the arms is identical to the issue bicycle cape that came in a pre-splinter shelter weight quarter type duck material.

[MilitaryCollect]

Seriously, they were trying all kinds of sort of odd experimental stuff in the Tropical Research institute, this may be one of the issue items that they made for whatever reason

Agree with that. The Tropical Research Institute appears in one of my DAK dvd's and is mentioned by name. And I believe it was created in 1940 too.

My 40' dated cape is made from DAK tunic material. The material isn't canvas, rubberized or waterproof. Further, the wearer's arms are positioned inside the cape - and not outside to work. So I don't think it's for a bicycle guy.

Rather, capes were in vogue in pre to early war Germany. All the branches had them, including the A. SS. So I think it lends creedence to the notion that a "walking out" cape was perceived as needed for the tropical officers. Just a theory.

Period photos would be dispositive. Perhaps other and more knowledgable collectors could shed some light?

Christopher

[Johnny R]

Don't the long slits in front open for the arms? The dress capes you are describing (I have several) do not have slits like that. The openings on the other capes appear just like yours and are intended to allow the bicyclist cape to be worn while bicycling. The continental capes are made of just normal utility cloth, like the windblusen. Neat cape but I do not think it was issued as a issue item or dress item for officers.