SS 3/4 length Snow Camo

[Scott A. Hess]

Does anyone own an example they can post of the SS 3/4 length light weight white snow Camo which one sees used frequently in the winter offensive in Kharkov in 43? It is quite different than its army counterpart which matched the length of thse usual Heer/Luft version. It was worn over the Kharkov 3/4 anorak.
Page 92 of Vincent Slegers book on Heer/Luft winter uniforms I believe shows the SS version but is listed as an army variant. I believe these are quite scarce and have to date only seen two, and know of a third in a European collection.I would be interested in other opinions. I can post some photos of the piece being worn, it has several very distinct features not seen on the standard army camo suits.
Thanks!

[Scott A. Hess]

Where are the winter gear lovers and experts?

[SJP]

Hi Scott ,post some photos if you can
Cheers Steve

[clint-magnum]

Hello Guys ,
here is mine : nothing to do with the WH example but specific for the ss parka .
it is very rare !

the length is matching :



the big sized hood is matching :



the lower pocket's opening is also fully matching :

[Scott A. Hess]

Double post, sorry

[Scott A. Hess]

Bingo Clint, that's the exact piece! Mine is identical! What type of buttons does yours have? Mine are off white glass, marked JFS 42' it's made of a very sturdy off white cloth, size 1 and 1944 dated. Thanks so much for showing yours, I will post pics of mine later today.
Unmistakable in photos are the length, very oversized hood and important the hood drawstring which is not integral and begins high above the collat.

[Fred Fokkelman]

Hello Guys ,
here is mine : nothing to do with the WH example but specific for the ss parka .
it is very rare !

the length is matching :



the big sized hood is matching :



the lower pocket's opening is also fully matching :

A nice and very piece your got there!

[Scott A. Hess]

I believe if you look at page 93 of Sledgers book, you will see also the full length Schneemantel...a side by side comparison (as well as period use) leads me to believe this is also an SS issue piece, many of the incorporated details are the same. I know it is pictured in that book being worn by some Heer soldiers but I imagine if you got your hands on one you wore it regardless of origin. There is also a photo I will post of about 5 or 6 of them being worn in the last battle of Kharkov by a Totenkopf assult group. From the photos both items used either the standard white painted or glass buttons, or the large pressed paper buttons you often see on the white side of SS Oak fall/spring/blurred edge standard reversible winter jackets.

[Scott A. Hess]

Front and rear of my piece..I left out a few details for the fakers. Clints piece appears to be made of a twill or stepped twill material, this one is standard box weave. This piece I believe was never issued, retains all original buttons, glass white JFS 42...9 of them...and original button thread, nothing repleaced or messed with. It does have typical storage spots and patina, which is always a good thing to see. It is size 1..1944 dated and maker marked. I know its not a screaming sexy piece, but if you really love winter clothes/gear as I do, I think its quite a nice item! The Heer/Luft issue ones survived in great numbers, however, not these.

[clint-magnum]

Bingo Clint, that's the exact piece! Mine is identical! What type of buttons does yours have? Mine are off white glass, marked JFS 42' it's made of a very sturdy off white cloth, size 1 and 1944 dated. Thanks so much for showing yours, I will post pics of mine later today.
Unmistakable in photos are the length, very oversized hood and important the hood drawstring which is not integral and begins high above the collat.

Yes, buttons are off glass . I cannot remember about the date actually......

[Scott A. Hess]

Cuff details, also identical in construction to the long Schneemantel on page 93 of Vincent Slegers book...I believe this piece (the long schneemantel) to also be SS issue.

[Scott A. Hess]

Rear which shows vertical pleats, the longer schneemantel has 10.

[Scott A. Hess]

Closeup of Left and right pleat. In period photos, you can see the two pleats on a few pieces.

[Scott A. Hess]

Yes, buttons are off glass . I cannot remember about the date actually......

Thanks again for posting your piece Clint, I have been wondering about this piece for many years..I could be wrong, but I have seen now 3 since I've been looking..there are a few books, Remy's Platz der Liebstandarte and a few recent ones....they show it in wear obviously, the long hood tie way up the collar is to be seen in many, but the cuff closure and two vertical back pleats are only seen in a very few photos, as well as the five button closure. The piece in Vincent's book is attributed to Bart Jansen I believe.

[Scott A. Hess]

Any thoughts SJP?