Waffen-SS Fall Oak HBT Wrap

[Nighttrain]

I recently purchased a reproduction Waffen-SS Fall Oak HBT Wrap from my friend Bill Bureau. He has had it for awhile and we both believe it to be a very early manufactured item by SMwholesale. I reenact Waffen-SS infanterie and I really have no use for this piece other then display. Couldn't really pass it up as it fits me, price was right and its very nicely made with correct heavy HBT.

Panzer type uniforms are not my specialty and I need some help guys!

#1 What's the deal with these? Is this considered a field made item?

#2 What insignia should or would likely be applied to this wrap?

#3 Any historical pictures of such a item in use?

#4 Is this more of an officer or EM/NCO item?

Any help greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[Gran Sasso]

#1 What's the deal with these? Is this considered a field made item?

No, factory made from leftover material of the last model reversible smocks (thats why its printed on both sides). Smock prodction stopped in 1943, for the non reversible M44 peapattern suit.

#2 What insignia should or would likely be applied to this wrap?

Armeagle only

#3 Any historical pictures of such a item in use?

Yes, they exist

#4 Is this more of an officer or EM/NCO item?

Was worn by all ranks.

[Max Wünsche]

edit....

[Gran Sasso]

And shoulderboards...

Your foto shows a one-piece coverall

[Max Wünsche]

I was just about to say....ive shown a combi by mistake....

Your foto shows a one-piece coverall

[Max Wünsche]

Uniforms of the Waffen SS - Vol.3 bottom of Page 873. Shows two Nordland volunteers wearing oakleaf jackets....

[Bobwirtz]

Yes these existed but were in herring bone twill, not waterproof cotton duck. The material was originally designated to become reversible smocks but the plan changed. They instead became the first two-piece camouflaged panzer uniform, replacing the combination for two reasons: (1) lack of cotton materials and (2) when wearing a combination in a sitting position, sometimes your movements were restricted. This camouflaged panzer uniform was made from HBT material printed on both sides; however, only the autumn side was used on the exterior. This was produced in 1943 and then replaced by the dot pattern in 1944, which was printed on one side only. Check out Mike Beaver's book Camouflaged Uniforms of the Waffen-SS, as stated. There are examples from collections in there as well as era photographs.

[Nighttrain]

Thank you for everyone's help. It has been most helpful!

Hope everyone has a great week!

[Gran Sasso]

Yes these existed but were in herring bone twill, not waterproof cotton duck. The material was originally designated to become reversible smocks but the plan changed. .

Smocks were made in HBT, check page 64/65 of the book you mentioned below.

This camouflaged panzer uniform was made from HBT material printed on both sides; however, only the autumn side was used on the exterior..

At least trousers are known, with summer side out, check page 181 of same book.

Check out Mike Beaver's book Camouflaged Uniforms of the Waffen-SS, as stated. There are examples from collections in there as well as era photographs.

[Bobwirtz]

I've never seen any of these with the spring colors on the outside. Of course that doesn't mean they didn't exist. Are you sure they were the HBT panzer trousers and not the parka trousers? They were made with spring side out and are considered difficult to find as they were made almost at the end of the war in preparation for Spring 1945.

[Fritz]

and not the parka trousers? .

No, not parka trousers.

Cheers

[Gran Sasso]

Are you sure they were the HBT panzer trousers and not the parka trousers?.

Of course I am sure!

They were made with spring side out and are considered difficult to find as they were made almost at the end of the war in preparation for Spring 1945.

Obviously you dont read the books you mention, otherwise you would know that your statement is complety wrong: The camo winter suits (both in autum and spring colors) were instituted in autum 1943 - well before "the last big final spring battle of 1945" or whatever...

[Gran Sasso]

I've never seen any of these with the spring colors on the outside. Of course that doesn't mean they didn't exist. Are you sure they were the HBT panzer trousers and not the parka trousers?

As you dont look in your book, here is another one: