This thread is intended to discuss some of the unique features between the standard German SS parka construction and the Norwegian variant, for those with an interest in such things.
There has been much discussion about foreign made SS uniforms, headgear, and insignia. The foreign connection is an alibi frequently used for oddities in our collections to explain differences from known German patterns, or justify anomalies. To that point, there are a good number of tailor-made SS caps and tunics that are the genuine article and the highlight of collections.
Other services and industries leaned heavily on foreign industries to produce weapons and Army/Navy uniforms, such as Czechoslovakia and France. However, examples of actual foreign made, mass produced SS uniforms and gear are actually not common. While some foreign components are used in German production - Italian gabardine, HBT, and Olona tropical fabric are notable examples - most of the actual uniform articles are produced in German contract industries, often using German machines or close equivalents.
The Norwegian parka is an exception in that with the exception of the buttons, it is wholly made of foreign materials on foreign machines, using local labor. To me, these are really a fascinating cold weather item that are unique in that they are a completely foreign variant of an existing SS garment.
Key observations:
- The Norwegian model (NM) has a detachable hood; German versions permanently attached hoods
- The NM has a completely difference fabric pattern than standard SS oak with a different material bolt width and repeat print pattern
- NM are made of several types of thinner material than standard SS camo fabric, and have a waterproofing treatment like unissued original camo fabric
- The pockets of the NM are thin, lightly constructed cloth bags instead of thick wool and fur used on German versions
- They lack any stamped markings, size or otherwise
- The NM uses a mix of recycled, heavily used buttons and new buttons
On to the parka.
s/f Robert
There has been much discussion about foreign made SS uniforms, headgear, and insignia. The foreign connection is an alibi frequently used for oddities in our collections to explain differences from known German patterns, or justify anomalies. To that point, there are a good number of tailor-made SS caps and tunics that are the genuine article and the highlight of collections.
Other services and industries leaned heavily on foreign industries to produce weapons and Army/Navy uniforms, such as Czechoslovakia and France. However, examples of actual foreign made, mass produced SS uniforms and gear are actually not common. While some foreign components are used in German production - Italian gabardine, HBT, and Olona tropical fabric are notable examples - most of the actual uniform articles are produced in German contract industries, often using German machines or close equivalents.
The Norwegian parka is an exception in that with the exception of the buttons, it is wholly made of foreign materials on foreign machines, using local labor. To me, these are really a fascinating cold weather item that are unique in that they are a completely foreign variant of an existing SS garment.
Key observations:
- The Norwegian model (NM) has a detachable hood; German versions permanently attached hoods
- The NM has a completely difference fabric pattern than standard SS oak with a different material bolt width and repeat print pattern
- NM are made of several types of thinner material than standard SS camo fabric, and have a waterproofing treatment like unissued original camo fabric
- The pockets of the NM are thin, lightly constructed cloth bags instead of thick wool and fur used on German versions
- They lack any stamped markings, size or otherwise
- The NM uses a mix of recycled, heavily used buttons and new buttons
On to the parka.
s/f Robert
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