Wehrmacht Wool Socks, Gloves and Winter Toque !!! Need Opinions Please ???

[CWP]

Green rings on the socks, white rings on the gloves and mittens, all very different.

[CWP]

I saw a web site that says that the knit trigger finger mittens are pictured on page 168 of "Uniforms & Traditions of the German Army 1933-1945 Volume 3". I don't have that book, can someone who does let me know if the trigger finger mittens are in fact depicted in that volume?

[Soldat de Fer]

Hello
Socks came with mainly white stripes ,however green, black and even red were made. Gloves came mainly with white stripes ,but I used to own a pair with green stripes and even a pair made of darker wool with a larger white stripes.
Originals should feel rough to the touch ,not soft like the modern repros,original were made of recycled wool/fiber and other materials. I am not sure how German soldiers managed to wear them and be comfortable.
When it comes to the ones pictures ,I am not too sure about them.
Best Regards
Pierre-Yves

[Ostfries]

colour?,

I have heard that the stripes for socks come in white, red, green and even yellow. if you look thru past threads there is some good info on them. I am looking for a pair of socks myself but want to hold out for a non white striped pair. who knows when those will come my way though. Glenn

Thanks for the additional information Glenn, does the colour indicate who/which factory/producer made the socks/gloves or perhaps a different branch?.

[CWP]

Given the amount of variations in German field blouses and uniform cloth between 1935-45, I would assume that there may be many variations in original issue socks as well. I assume there would be a noticeable difference between socks issued in 1937 and 1944. I believe that the different colors of wool used for size rings has nothing to do with branch but rather, simply what color yarn the factory had on hand.

[Ostfries]

theory,

Given the amount of variations in German field blouses and uniform cloth between 1935-45, I would assume that there may be many variations in original issue socks as well. I assume there would be a noticeable difference between socks issued in 1937 and 1944. I believe that the different colors of wool used for size rings has nothing to do with branch but rather, simply what color yarn the factory had on hand.

You also thanks for your input Chris, I can go along with your theory about the difference in colour of size rings on socks and gloves.

[Glenn Barbaritz]

what Chris says about the colored size rings is what I have heard also. whatever was available at the time. Glenn

[djpool]

I've gathered my references. So now I'll start putting together separate discussions on gloves and socks. From the discussion so far on this thread theres obviousily a lot of knowledge we can share with each other. But before I begin working on it I wanted to leave you with a few thoughts:

If I was to ask most collectors what materials were socks made from; I would most likely only hear wool and rayon. What most collectors don't realize is that Perlon(nylon) was also used in the manufacturing of socks.As far as I know its the only item of military clothing that used it.

Here are some facts about Perlon.

Perlon was used as fabric for high pressure hose in airplane tires, as stiff bristles for cleaning weapons, for cords and ropes for parachutes - but also for lady´s stockings as a Christmas present for the wives of I.G.-Farben managers in 1943 and as reinforcement in socks used by the German armed forces.
DATE INTRODUCED: Dr. Wallace H. Carothers (1896-1937) directed the research program which resulted in the discovery of nylon. Nylon first appeared on the United States market in the form of brush bristles and sewing thread, and in 1940 hose made of this yarn were available. In Germany a similar fiber called Perlon was developed in 1938.
DESCRIPTION: Nylon was the name applied to all materials that are “synthetic fiber-forming polymeric amides having a proteinlike chemical structure, derivable from coal, air, and water or other substances and characterized by extreme toughness and strength. It's characterized by high strength and elasticity, lack of sensitivity toward moisture and various chemical agents and it can be spun into fine filaments. It is stronger and more elastic than silk. It is nearly as strong when dry as when wet. It is resistant to alkali's even in concentrated form and also to mildew, molds and moths.
OTHER NAMES: Perlon T, Perlon U, Nylon 6, Nylon 6.6, Perulan
IDENTIFICATION: The fibers melt and fuse into a glassy round-shaped uncrushable mass.

Now why did I bring this up? What I failed to mention when I posted my socks is the fact its made up of rayon fibers and blended Perlon fibers. Here a closeup of the after affects of a burn test. Remember the Perlon is blended with wool/rayon so the glassy bead is not as prominent as a pure Perlon bead would be. Its definately not polyster!

Off to my research.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

WR Jim

[edoudou68]

Thanks everyone for helps !

Merry Christmas

Edouard