Original German WWII M1931 Pattern Zeltbahn. MISC 915. Original German WWII M1931 Pattern Zeltbahn. MISC 915. Antiques & Militaria

Second World War period German Army issue multi-purpose cape. The M1931 pattern Zeltbahn was the first mass-produced item used by the German military to be made of camouflage print material. The zeltbahn was a multi-purpose item of personal equipment and could be used as a groundsheet for cleaning weapons in the field; as a shelter when three more could be buttoned together to form a four-man tent; and as a form of camouflaged over-garment when buttoned together in one of its many configurations. The wearer could use it on foot, horseback or cycle. When not in use the soldier would roll the zeltbahn and secure it to his equipment by two leather straps, worn on the back. Made of windproof and waterproof material, the zeltbahn was often used as the base material by unit tailors and individuals to make other non-regulation garments such as field caps, shorts, shirts and jackets. This practice was particularly popular in Italy, Russia and Western Europe in the later stages of the Second World War. A cape/shelter square-shaped cape 143 x 152 cm made of high density water-repellent cotton material printed both sides with splinter pattern camouflage ('splittermuster') of brown and dark green angular patterns on light khaki/green field. Light green 'rain pattern' verticals are overprinted onto the whole design. One side is of a lighter shade to the other. To the centre is fitted an aperture, so that the wearer might use it as poncho. Fitted to edges are 30 *6 absent* metal dished buttons, with 21 button holes and 10 larger metal grommets, two to each corner and two to the edge. The price includes UK delivery. MISC 915.