BACKGROUND: The development of camouflage clothing and equipment had began in the German army in WWI, and continued through the Weimar, Reichswehr, (National Defence Force, Circa 1919-1933), era. The geometric, splinter pattern camouflage was developed in the early 1930's and was first adopted for use with the M31 Zeltbahn, (Quarter shelter/poncho), in late 1931. Further developments in 1943 modified the original splinter pattern by softly blurring the distinct geometric pattern and slightly altering the coloration. This modified camouflage pattern was designated the Tan/water camouflage pattern and was once again altered in 1944 by an even stronger blurring of the distinct geometric pattern. Further camouflage pattern development continued through-out the war and additional subtly different patterns were created with the intent to equip all personnel with the same camouflage pattern but this was never achieved. The M31 Zeltbahn was a standard issue item for all EM/NCO personnel and besides it’s basic use as a protective rain poncho it came accompanied with tenting accessories that consisted of the M1892 tent rope, the three piece M1901 breakdown tent pole, and two M1929 tent pegs enabling the individual to utilize his Quarter shelter with others to form assorted sized tents.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Rare zeltbahn with Luftwaffe markings, brown leather greatcoat straps and rare Zeltbahn issue rope section. Every soldier was issued one rope section along with a tent pole bag with a collapsible 3-section tent pole and four stakes. Two men had enough to make one pup tent by connecting their two shelter quarters. Each soldier had a collapsible 3-section wooden pole to hold up one end of the tent, and a rope section to secure it to the ground with a tent stake (provided in the bag). This example is Berlin maker-marked and dated 1939. Extremely rare Luftwaffe markings -- fewer than 1 in 100 Zeltbahns are found with Luftwaffe ink stampings. This one is LBAB 39 marked (Luftwaffe Bekleidungs Amt Berlin or Air Force Uniform Office Berlin). Also has man’s laundry label sewn to one edge. Matching brown leather Luftwaffe greatcoat straps are 1939 dated and in mint condition. Impossible to upgrade this exceptional piece of Luftwaffe field gear. You could search for 10 years and not find one this nice and complete.