When was Palm pattern camo intoduced?

[eclipsen]

What date was SS palm pattern camoflage introduced? Also, what are the earliest dates it was actually used or seen in period photographs?

[Fritz]

What date was SS palm pattern camoflage introduced? Also, what are the earliest dates it was actually used or seen in period photographs?

The palm pattern was in production from 1940-1942, I have not seen a palm pattern piece during the campaign in the west, so IMO it was issued by the middle or end of 1940 especialy to the new units of the waffen ss (by that time former regiments became divisions and completely new divisions were formed, all these new man needed camouflage items). Palm pattern smocks were very common during the invasion of the soviet union in 1941.

Hope this helps a bit.

Cheers

Fritz

[Vinland]

Beaver's Book on camo mentions 1938 introduction of the palm into production.

[Daniele C]

there s a very nice SS palm smock for sale on E STAND right now!sometimes id like to have bill gates money....

[Fritz]

Beaver's Book on camo mentions 1938 introduction of the palm into production.

Please do not mistake here, it is true that "M38" smocks in this pattern exsit, but these palm "M38" smocks weren't made before 1940. The pattern is a roller printed pattern and introduced in 1940.

Cheers

Fritz

[Vinland]

Fritz: thanks for the details, make sense regarding m38 versus 1940. thank you

[Matthew S.]

While we are on the topic, does anyone know if camo helmet covers were made in the palm pattern? I don't mean the field-made ones soldiers would produce themselves but factor-made examples.

[Fritz]

While we are on the topic, does anyone know if camo helmet covers were made in the palm pattern? I don't mean the field-made ones soldiers would produce themselves but factor-made examples.

Yes, they were.


Cheers

Fritz

[Rheinmetall]

I found this topic to be of interest. Which camo patterrns WERE in use during the 1940 "Campaign in the West" and before?

[Fritz]

I found this topic to be of interest. Which camo patterrns WERE in use during the 1940 "Campaign in the West" and before?

I have seen in operations in poland and early manovers:

Block (helmet covers and smocks), Lateral (helmet covers and smocks), SS-VT-Platane ( zeltbhanen, smocks and helmet covers ) and Army Splinter Pattern (for zeltbahnen).

During the campaign in the West:

Block (helmet covers and smocks), Lateral (helmet covers and smocks), SS-VT-Platane for zeltbahnen, smocks and helmet covers.

It may be that very few examples of the "variegated leaf" pattern smocks or covers were in use during the campaign in the west but I have not seen a picture that would make me believe so. This is why I think that the 1st of these were issued shortly after the campaign but also in 1940.

Block and SS-VT were the earliest of the ss patterns that were issued in larger quantities. Both were introduced in 1936.


Cheers

Fritz