GERMAN WWII WEHRMACHT M31 SPLINTER PATTERN SHELTER QUARTER ZELTBAHN - REVERSIBLE

Also known as Splinter Pattern, Heeressplittermuster, Splinter A, Buntfarbenaufdruck 1931.  This is a thick water repellant 100% cotton canvas. Comes with 2 leather straps. 

First Issue 1932
Used until 1945

This Zeltbahn was one of the most versatile pieces of gear the soldier could carry as it was his rain poncho and part of his tent. Four soldiers would put their own quarters together and make a tent.

This was the main Army pattern from 1932 to 1942. The pattern dates from First World War paint schemes used on ships and land installations. It was issued to all units except Waffen SS. Uniform items for Luftwaffe were updated in 1941 and Army uniforms were updated to new patterns from 1943, but zeltbahns continued in this pattern up to 1945.  It consists of green and brown geometric shapes printed onto a grey or beige ground. An additional rain pattern of fine green lines is printed on top of the pattern. There are two colour variants but they are very similar. Zeltbahns usually had the light colour version on one side and the darker one on the other side. The pattern was printed using rollers and repeats every 44cm.