This zelt came in a grouping. I did a search here and found out that sqaure brown Zelts were used by the RAD, SA, HJ, and the Swiss also have Zelts in this configuration, but I couldn't narrow it down further than that. It has the loops and rope going through it to form a V shape used when wearing, the hardware looks German to me, but the button hole finishes are a tighter sewing pattern than I'm used to seeing. Can someone help to tell at least whether this is German rather than Swiss? I saw that pre 31 Zelts were also configured like this, but this is not one of those, is it?
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The hardware and button hole finish -
Hi Nick,
Yours is a very good question. These square zelts seem to be a bit of a night mare to pin down exactly when they were produced when they lack maker marks. This style of zelts was first produced in the late 1800's, throughout WWI and continued to be produced until at least 42 or 43. It seems almost everyone used them including Heer. I have seen them with so many different kinds of buttons, eyelets and button holes, types of stitching/thread and some with and without the knotted thread loops used to secure the rope in place. Most often there is no stamp which makes it all the more difficult to date the features.
Other than Swiss ones, yours is the first I've seen with the centre rope included. I dont know if they were issued with or without this rope and left up to the individual to find a piece of rope if needed. Your looks in mint condition.
Looking at the hardwear my guess would be prewar late 30's issued since it is Aluminum but bear in mind this is only a guess. I have a mint grey one with, if memory serves me correctly, the same buttonholes and similar hardwear. It is in storage at a friends place in Germany so I cant compare. It had a mnfg label but I cant remember who made the zelt. It lacked the ropes that yours has.
Hopefully someone can add to this - I hope this helps somewhat.
Cheers
MarkComment
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Mark, thanks for taking the time to reply with a long answer. I guess I'll just have to leave it as a mystery for now.Comment
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