|
Tunics
Because of the time period we are portraying, a
model 42/43 tunic is preferred. Other models can
be obtained for earlier time periods as a
secondary tunic. All of the tunics offered by
the listed suppliers are not perfect, but they
are the best available at this time. All will
require a bit of fitting to your particular body
shape, as well as other little modifications.
The wool used in all the examples below, with
the exception of the Sturm uniforms are all 100%
wool plain weave broadcloth. The originals from
mid to late war period would have been the same
with the addition of a percentage of cellulose
spun into the yarns. No matter which
source you use for this item, be sure that the
jacket fits properly. To read an article
on proper tunic fit: Click
Here
| 1) |
Janke
tailoring firm in Germany |
|
www.stby.com/bbm |
|
The
Janke tailoring firm in Germany is
manufacturing the best tunic at this
time. The tailoring is top quality as
are the materials used in manufacture.
Through talks with Bill Bureau who
deals with them, they use original
patterns for their garments. The
pattern used does not have the darts
on the body from the armhole to the
top of the upper chest pocket flap. I
have not handled an original that
didn’t have that dart, but I have
seen a few photo’s that didn’t
have it on the 42/43 pattern tunics
(44 pattern tunics did not have this
feature). Buttonholes are correct
corded keyhole style and they also use
a correct cotton or linen thread.
Tunics can be ordered from Bill
Bureau.
|
| 2) |
Richard
Underwood |
|
www.richardaunderwood.com |
|
Richard
Underwood in the UK also has a good
tunic for sale. The wool used in its
production looks to be from the same
mill in Germany that Janke uses. The
fit and tailoring is nice although the
buttons will need to be replaced. The
buttonholes are keyhole style, but
have no cording or bar tack. They use
a poly thread that is noticeable. They
use a more modern eyelet machine for
the tunic hook holes but can be fixed
with a little work.
|
| 3) |
SM
Wholesale/Grigsby/1944 Militaria |
|
www.grigsbymilitaria.com,
www.1944militaria.com |
|
All
of these tunics are manufactured by SM
Wholesale. The wool used is from the
same woolen mill in Germany as the
other suppliers. Buttonholes are of
the correct style, poly thread is
used. Construction quality can vary
from nice to really, really bad.
Unless you have the tunic in hand and
have someone with you. Buyer beware!
|
| 4) |
Sturm |
|
www.hessenantique.com,
www.atthefront.com |
|
The
Sturm tunics for the price are not too
bad. The tunic is cut for a larger
person (you will need to order a size
smaller than your actual size). It
does have a few other flaws. The
buttonholes are a bit short and they
use a nylon thread. The inside of the
collar also needs to be fixed. We can
show how to do this in a few pictures.
Some of the buttons need replacing or
at least re-stitching temporarily to
keep them on the tunic. The textile
used is a nylon/wool blend. The early
style tunics (model 36 and 40) will
require internal suspenders and also
need a hook from a hook and eye set
sewn 2” below the lowest tunic hook
hole to hold the bottom of the
internal suspender. Remember on early
tunics that the eagle on these would
need to be sewn on by hand since if
you sew it by machine through the
liner the internal suspenders will not
work. Later style tunics can be sewn
through the liner. |
Insignia
There are many dealers of repro insignia and a
lot of them sell bad ones. 1944militaria,
Grigsby,
Bill
Bureau all have decent repro whichwe believe
a lot of it comes from SM Wholesale. Original
eagles, litzen, buttons etc. can also be used of
course. Shoulder boards can be purchased from Vit
Zemanek or Bill
Bureau has Janke made boards that are really
nice. Stay away from the boards that are way too
big with huge ugly piping on them!
Trousers
Model 42/43 keilhosen are the style we are
using. They may also require a bit of fitting to
make them fit correct. Make sure you get them
long enough so they don’t pull out from under
your gamaschen when kneeling (exposing the
vent).
| 1) |
Janke
tailoring firm in Germany |
|
www.stby.com/bbm |
|
Janke
manufactures all styles of trousers
from the stone gray 36 style to an
olive brown 44 style. They are all
manufactured using the same woolens as
their tunics. Cotton thread is used.
You may want to replace the pocket
buttons and add the underwear holding
tape and snaps. The tailoring and
workmanship is the best available.
|
| 2) |
Richard
Underwood |
|
www.richardaunderwood.com |
|
Richard
Underwood uses the same quality wool
as his tunics are made from. The
patterning is good. They do have a few
flaws that can be repaired. They use a
poly thread and the buttonholes are
the same as on the tunic. Missing the
gimp cording and the bar tack. They
are also missing the watch ring or tab
by the watch pocket which is easily
fixed. The leg tape ties can be
replaced with the linen/rayon ones,
and the tie holes for the leg tapes
are square instead of round. Again,
this can be repaired with a bit of
time.
|
| 3) |
S&M/Grigsby/1944
Militaria |
|
www.grigsbymilitaria.com,
www.1944militaria.com |
|
S&M/Grigsby/1944
militaria are all made by S&M
wholesale and as with the tunics; they
are a hit or miss with quality of
manufacture. Same quality wool as the
Janke and Underwood.
|
| 4) |
Sturm |
|
www.hessenantique.com,
www.atthefront.com |
|
Sturm
trousers are manufactured from the
same Nylon blend wool as the tunics.
Overall decent quality of manufacture
for the price. They are manufactured
for people with around a 27” inseam
so may be too short for the normal to
taller guys. You want the pants to fit
baggy but with the waste worn high.
This is done with the length. If your
length is too short, the vents will
pull out of the leggings when
kneeling, which is a no-no! Some
buttons may want to be replaced. |
HBT
tunics and trousers
As of right now there is no current manufacturer
of good quality HBT uniforms. We will be
constantly looking at what comes available to
check them out and add them to the list.
Suspenders
Early post war Czech suspenders can be worn.
These are available from Vit
Zemanek, 1944militaria,
Grigsby,
and a few other vendors. They are fairly cheap
and look pretty close to some of the wartime
examples and are sometimes sold as originals. Be
careful as not every post war suspender is
correct. Good quality original civilian suspenders are
encouraged, but the pattern must be approved
first before wear.
Shirts
We are currently looking into more shirt
suppliers. One in Czech right now may be
promising.
| 1) |
S&M/Grigsby/1944
Militaria |
|
www.grigsbymilitaria.com/,
www.1944militaria.com |
|
Again,
the shirts are manufactured by S&M
wholesale. Most seem to be fairly
consistent in quality. The ones I have
viewed looked great after button
replacement and washing.
|
| 2) |
Lost
Battalions |
|
www.lostbattalions.com |
|
While
we do not recommend their tunics &
trousers due to their weave of cloth
used, we do recommend the M1941 Army
Shirt (be sure to request the mouse
grey) that they make. You will need to
change the buttons to original paper
ones. |
Underwear
We are currently looking for good sources for
period underwear. Right now we are recommending
the following:
| 1) |
Lost
Battalions |
|
www.lostbattalions.com |
|
They
sell a reproduction of the tropical
underwear set.
|
| 2) |
Vermont
Country Store |
|
www.vermontcountrystore.com |
|
Vermont
Country Store sells correct French
style civilian boxers. These are a
good variant to use.
|
| 3) |
Sportsman's
Guide |
|
www.sportsmansguide.com |
|
They
sell Swedish Mil. Long John Bottoms
that have button fly, suspender loops.
You will need to replace the buttons.
These are not the best, but are better
than nothing. Again, we are working on
finding good quality repros of the
long underwear.
|
| 4) |
Originals |
|
Original
European civilian short & long
underwear is acceptable for use after
obtaining approval first. |
Overcoats
Model 40 or 42 overcoats are preferred; however
36 style may be used. Original overcoats can be
worn along with the Sturm repros sold by Hessen
Antique or At
The Front. These repros are a
bit long and need to be cut down as needed. They
also have a few other flaws which we will make a
“How to fix” page soon to cover these
aspects.
43
Caps
There are a few good manufacturers of 43 caps
right now. Stay away from the flannel ones made
by LB, At The front, and others. Also, you
will want to be sure that you have correct
insignia. To read an article on proper cap
insignia: Click
Here
| 1) |
Janke
tailoring firm in Germany |
|
www.stby.com/bbm |
|
Janke
manufactures a good cap made from
quality wool. You have to hand sew
your own insignia on.
|
| 2) |
Vit
Zemanek |
|
Vit
Zemanek (email for availability) |
|
Vit
Zemanek from Czech. Carries some good
caps made from quality wool. You will
need to check with him to see what he
has.
|
| 3) |
Hessen
antique |
|
www.hessenantique.com |
|
Hessen
antique carries a decent 43 cap made
from quality wool. You will have to
sew your own insignia on.
|
| 4) |
Richard
Underwood |
|
www.richardaunderwood.com |
|
We
need to see one of Underwood’s caps
before we can review. From the
photos, they appear to be good.
|
| 5) |
S&M/Grigsby/1944
Militaria |
|
www.grigsbymilitaria.com/,
www.1944militaria.com |
|
Again,
all made by S&M Wholesale. Made
with good quality wool. They come with
insignia, but as with the tunics and
other items the construction quality
can vary greatly between caps. Check
them out first!!!!! |
Socks/Footwraps
Make sure you order the correct size and buy a
few pairs! If purchasing footwraps, to
learn how to wear them: Click
Here
| 1) |
Ostfront |
|
www.ostfront.com |
|
Ostfront
carries correct style socks of a good
weave and with the proper ring sizes.
Be sure you make sure you order the
correct size for your foot.
|
| 2) |
Ebay
Seller (warhats) |
|
www.ebay.com |
|
Has
good variants of the issued socks with
size rings. |
| 3) |
1944
Militaria |
|
www.1944militaria.com |
|
Sells
good early postwar Fußlappen (footwraps). |
Sweaters
There are a few sources out there for good
reproduction issued sweaters. They range from
crew neck, v-neck, & turtle neck styles.
Remember, sweaters back then were worn form
fitting and should not fit baggy.
| 1) |
Bill
Bureau Militaria |
|
www.stby.com/bbm |
|
Bill
Bureau sells the standard v-neck or
crew neck issued sweaters. They have
the turn back cuffs. You will need to
remove the tag in the collar.
|
| 2) |
Bunker
Militaria |
|
www.bunkermilitaria.com |
|
Bunker
Militaria sells a nice variant of the
v-neck issue sweater. Slightly
different color than the repos above.
|
| 3) |
Ebay
Seller (warhats) |
|
www.ebay.com |
|
We
are waiting to see examples of his
standard issued sweater repros.
|
| 4) |
Richard
Underwood |
|
www.richardaunderwood.com |
|
Nice
variant of a mid-war crew neck
sweater.
|
| 4) |
The
ZUG |
|
www.dererstezug.com/WHturtleneck.htm |
|
We
have been able to obtain quality
reproductions of the m1942 German
issued turtleneck sweater. |
Boots
Get a pair of low boots first. Jackboots are a
secondary item. Be sure to get proper laces.
Please be sure to blacken the boots (if desired)
& oil the boot heavily prior to the
event. If you wish to blacken the boots as
per regulations: Click
Here
| 1) |
Richard
Underwood |
|
www.richardaunderwood.com |
|
Underwood
is carrying at this point the best
quality low boot. The shape of the
boots, the quality of construction,
leather is great. The hobnails and toe
plates used are not the best but can
be replaced or ordered without (will
take longer to get them without). The
boots MUST be dubbed, or
blackened/dubbed before use. They
currently have jackboots out but need
to be seen before being reviewed for
wear.
|
| 2) |
At
The Front |
|
www.atthefront.com |
|
At
the front has a boot out that’s not
as good a quality as Underwood’s and
may not last as long, however it is
acceptable for wear.
|
| 3) |
Lost
Battalions |
|
www.lostbattalions.com |
|
Lost
battalions also have a nice looking
low boot for sale but the price is
expensive and I don’t think the
quality is as good as the less
expensive Underwood low boot. |
Gamaschen
Original Gamaschen should be worn or good repro
which is hard to find. Original Gamaschen with
replaced straps are available. No postwar BW
gamaschen! There should be no more than 3 holes
in each leather tab. To read an article on
Original Gamaschen: Click
Here
| 1) |
Thuringen
Militaria |
|
www.thuringenmilitaria.com |
|
Real
nice reproductions of both the 1st
& 2nd models.
|
| 2) |
Grigsby |
|
www.grigsbymilitaria.com/ |
|
Grigsby
carries the original gamaschen with
replaced leather straps. Unfortunately
he is now using post war leather on
them, so they have more than three
holes. You will need to cut the
leather tabs done to make them
acceptable for use.
|
| 3) |
Other |
|
This
is an item you will need to look
around at shows and websites to find.
Also check Ebay. |
Dog
tags & Soldbuchs
Even though we hone our impressions to the event
scenario, we are asking all members to get at
least one Soldbuch & Dog tag. The unit in
your first soldbuch should be that of the GR 915
/ 352nd Infantry Division. Here is the permitted
dog tag templates to use when having your
information stamped: Click
Here
| 1) |
Die
Stabskompanie |
|
www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Bunker/3879/documents.html |
|
The
source for both dog tags &
completed Soldbuchs is Brad Hubbard.
He is a ZUGGER and can help you
develop your first person persona.
|
| 2) |
Vit
Zemanek |
|
Vit
Zemanek (email for availability) |
|
Same
sell as above from Czech. He has
good dog tags.
|
| 3) |
Mike
Wagner |
|
Mike
Wagner (email for availability) |
|
Mike
has good dog tags as well. |
Personal
items
There are a few suppliers of personal items. Ostfront
carries a variety of them. Check his website for
listings. We also have a few of our own members,
namely Don Peterson aka. Pee Wee and Eric Verny
who also reproduce some great stuff.
Equipment
There are
various items in this category and various
sources for each. Below you will find the
recommended vendors. Remember when in
doubt, ask before you buy something.
| 1) |
Belts |
|
Leather
belts should have body and not be like
a rubber band. They need to hold a lot
of weight and should be made from a
good quality of leather. We are
checking to see if Vit
Zemanek will be able to supply
these for us. We also have to look at
the Richard
Underwood
belt that Jon got to see the quality.
Tropical belts must be from the
correct weave. No Kell’s militaria
crap. Thuringen
Militaria
in Czech has them made properly right
now but I believe only has them to a
size 105. Check with him to see what
sizes are available.
|
| 2) |
Trouser
Belts |
|
Trouser
belts- Thuringen
Militaria
carries the correct weave trouser
waist belt if you are using one of
these. The ones most dealers are
carrying are India or Pakistani made
junk. We may also have a few guys in
this group who can make them out of
the closest available webbing imported
from Czech. More to come on this.
|
| 3) |
Buckles |
|
There
is a lot of original buckles available
at shows at a reasonable price. If a
repro is used it must be painted the
correct color and not left the strange
green that they all seem to be
painted.
|
| 4) |
Bayonet
Frogs |
|
Vit
Zemanek carries some well made
bayonet frogs. Original frogs can also
be used. Other makers will be checked
out and added to this list.
|
| 5) |
Bayonets |
|
Original
bayonets only at this point. They are
available from many vendors, Ebay,
etc. Ask on our list as members may
have something available for sale. I
looked at some of the pics of repro
bayonets from IMA and they looked bad.
Stay away from those!
|
| 6) |
Ammo
pouches |
|
Original
ammo pouches can be found at various
dealers, shows, and Ebay.
|
| 7) |
Y
straps |
|
Tropical
web Y straps can be purchased from 1944militaria
and also from Vit
Zemanek. They both are European
made and are constructed from quality
materials. Sources for leather
ones coming soon.
|
| 8) |
Blanket |
|
Original
blankets can be used or one of the ZUG's
repro WH blankets.
|
| 9) |
A-Frame |
|
We
are currently looking into good
suppliers for this item. Most of the
US made one’s use incorrect webbing
and plastic stiffeners. Do not get the
India or Pakistan ones. Ask before
purchasing. This is not a required
item & guys often go without.
|
| 10) |
Bread
bag |
|
Original
in decent repair or currently there is
a repro that is ok that is available
from Grigsby
and S&M, however there are minor
modifications needed to make them
correct. One major detail that would
need to be fixed is the tabs. The
corners need to be tucked into a point
and sewn & buttons adjusted.
|
| 11) |
Gasmask
& Can |
|
Original
gas mask cans can be purchased through
many suppliers. Try Bunker
Militaria
or 1944militaria.
Also can try Ebay or other dealers.
|
| 12) |
Shovel |
|
Original
folding or straight shovels can be
purchased through Ebay, 1944militaria
and other dealers and suppliers.
Postwar shovels of the correct pattern
can be used and purchased from Sportsman's
Guide sometimes and cheaper than
dirt, but obtain approval before
purchasing.
|
| 13) |
Shovel
Carrier |
|
Vit
Zemanek carries both folding and
straight shovel covers. We are also
looking at other manufacturers and
suppliers and will post as we check
them out.
|
| 14) |
Rifle
sling |
|
Original
or quality repro. Make sure the repro
is oiled and darkened. None of the
bright red crappy repro slings. You
will want the sling to be flexible
enough that you can operate it with
one hand as required in drill.
|
| 15) |
Canteen |
|
Original
canteens can be purchased from 1944militaria,
Hessen
Antique, and other dealers.
No larger medical canteens! Be
sure your canteen has the proper
wartime clasp.
|
| 16) |
Helmet |
|
M-42
no decal preffered. M-36/40 shells
also ok, but since we are portraying
mainly a late war unit, we should keep
the decals to a minimum. Original
helmets can be purchased from Grigsby,
1944militaria,
German
Helmets Inc., Armia
Militaria, and others. |
Rifle
Make sure you have a German 98K and not another
in the Mauser family. Russian capture rifles are
available from most gun shops and at gun shows
for a reasonable price. Other members may also
have one for sale. Post to the list if looking
for one. |
