UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT ITEMS

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It is the duty of every Leibstardarte Panzergrenadier to have the most historically accurate, complete, and authentic impression at all times. This will be strictly based off the original issue of items list as prescribed for the 1941-44 era Waffen SS Panzergrenadier. Any and all variations, which may be in part due to the current supply situation, must first be authorized by the unit command. A reason for variation may be a result of the current supply situation, as was sometimes the case during the period of the war we are replicating. Remember, it is our unit goal to replicate the average issue of the 1944 LAH-Division Panzergrenadier. Studying wartime photos of the actual 1.SS-Panzerdivision "Leibstandarte" will be of great assistance. We must accurately replicate our division during its time and not another, especially during a different time of the war. On the following pages is a summarized issue of items list as prescribed for the LAH-Division. Along with items you will find a list of any and all of the authorized suppliers marked with a .

There are a wide variety of vendors on the market with varying ranges of quality. For this reason, there are two standard rules set forth by the unit command pertaining the acquisition of any and all uniform items and equipment:

1.) All items must only be obtained through authorized suppliers. Any and all items obtained through un-authorized suppliers must first be approved through the unit command prior to purchase. Any existing items may be deemed unauthorized upon inspection. If you do not have a uniform you can purchase an approved uniform through the unit for much less money than any of our listed vendors, i.e., tunics for $100, helmets $100, etc. Contact the unit commander for details.

2.) The minimum of (1) item be obtained prior and between each event. This may include the upgrade and/or repair of items already obtained. At any time, any item may be deemed un-authorized by the unit command. This may be the direct result of the constant upgrading of reproduction techniques. It is not our mission to fall behind, but rather lead the way as the most authentic looking and best trained Waffen SS Panzergrenadiere in the world!

Commonly Asked Questions:

1.) Q: I'm a collector and I have plenty of original uniforms and equipment, can I use any of them?

A: It is strongly discouraged to use original items, however it is entirely up to the individual. The authenticity is unquestionable, but It would be best to utilize the authorized reproductions as they will hold up to the rigors of combat far longer than an item over 60 years in age. Also, the utilization of reproductions will serve to protect the historical and monetary value of the original. Special note: As almost every item of issue has been reproduced, several items have yet to be. Therefore, several original items as prescribed will need to be utilized and/or obtained.

2.) Q: I'm pretty handy with sewing and leatherwork myself, can I make my own uniforms and equipment?

A: Any and all uniform and equipment items not produced/or supplied by authorized suppliers must first be inspected and approved by authorized unit command prior to utilization. Special note: Chances are, that one-off hand made items will not replicate those made by wartime or post war replica industry.

3.) Q: Why can't I wear it, the unit I used to be in said that this piece of equipment was just fine?

A: Every unit has it's own set rules, regulations, and authenticity guidelines. There is agood chance that your other unit may have had lax rule when it came to authenticity. We in the 1st SS strive to replicate the men in the 1940's, and it would be a dishonor to be less than accurate in everything we do. You are in 2.Kompanie, where authenticity and constant improvement rules above all! Uniforms & Equipment: The following is a brief summary of what is required, regarding items of uniform and equipment. The complete original list as prescribed to the 1943-44 Waffen SS Panzergrenadier will be supplied at a later date.

1.) Side cap/Schiffchen: SS Model M-40 (1 ea.) Janke, Lost Battalions When ordering your Schiffchen, ensure that it is two sizes larger than your normal head size. This will ensure that it looks correct on your head. Field cap/Feldmutze: Model M-43 Janke, At the Front, Lost Battalions All members must first obtain a Schiffchen prior to obtaining a Feldmutze. It is recommended that the single button model Feldmutze be acquired as was the majority of Feldmutzen worn by 1.SS-Division Panzergrenadiere. Example

2.) Tunic/Feldbluse: SS Model M-36 or M-40 (1 ea.) Janke, At the Front, Lost Battalions It is preferred that most Panzergrenadiere obtain the SS-Model M-36 Feldbluse. If needed, all Feldblusen must be altered by a professional tailor. All alterations must be done by machine in such a manner, as to replicate the original practice done by any Kompanieschneider/Company tailor. See the insignia section for details as to the type of insignia needed, as well as the application technigues authorized. Example

3.) Pants/Keilhosen: Model M-36 (1 ea.) Janke, At the Front, 1944 Militaria These must be of the tapered wool type. Example

4.) Socks/Socken: (4 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria All issue socks must be gray wool with white rings denoting size. Any and all Socken sent from home as replacement must first be approved by unit command and only after the issue Socken has been obtained. However since we portray mostly late war battles, it was very common for soldiers to have all manner of Socken. Home made wool socks will add a nice touch to the impression. Example

5.) Foot wear/Fussbekleidung: (2 ea.) Wephaus, Where available, a.) Low boot/Schnurschue b.) Mountain boot/Bergschue (Swiss made) It is preferred that all Panzergrenadiere obtain the Jack boot/Marschstiefe, but the Schnurschue is also authorized. This was the case in the original 1.SS-Division due to the fact that they were the first SS unit to be outfitted for the military. The Bergschue may be authorized in a case by case basis, but speaking from experience, these are very uncomfortable and its advisable to get the correct type right from the start.

6.) Work shirt/Hemd: (2 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria The Hemd must be of the gray pullover type. It is mandatory that more than one Hemd be obtained. The brown shirt is also recommended as they were worn by all SS divisions, and issued through out the war. Example

7.) I.D. Disk/Erkennungsmarke: (1 ea.) Supplied by 2.Kompanie with your membership fee. Worn at ALL times when on duty/In Dienst.

8.) I.D. book/Soldbuch: (1 ea.) This item is supplied by 2.Kompanie with your membership fee. At the Front, 1944 Militaria Example

9.) Gaiters/Gemaschen: (1 pair) At the Front, 1944 Militaria Up to and perhaps 1/3 of the1.SS-Division was not issued Gemaschen for reasons of supply, it is not mandatory to obtain this item. Funds may be better spent obtaining other items of more importance. When not worn, it is up to the Panzergrenadier to either leave his Keilhosen bloused into the Fussbekleidung, or utilize the Socken role. Example

10.) Belt and Buckle/Koppel und Schloss: SS Schloss (1 ea.) At the Front,1944 Militaria Only the leather type is authorized. The Koppel must be worn very tight as to ensure that the weight of additional equipment will not pull the Koppel down. A tighter Koppel ensures a crisp and professional appearance of a Waffen-SS Panzergrenadier. Example

11.) Helmet/Stalhelm: Model M-35 or M-40, Original shell (1 ea.) Where available It is preferred that the Model M-35 Stalhelm be aquired as was the majority in the 1.SS-Division. Only the single SS rune decal (right side of Stalhelm) will be worn. The chin strap/Kinnriemen buckle is worn on the wearers left side. Example

12.) Camouflage clothing/Tarnbekleidung: A. Smock/Tarnhemd: Type I Example or II Example SM Wholesale, At the front, 1944 Militaria. The most common Tarnhemd worn by the 1.SS-Division was first, the Type II Blurred edge/Rauchtarnmuster and second, the Type I Palm/Palmenmuster. It is recommended that one of these be obtained.

B. Helmet cover/Tarnhelmuberzeug: Type I Exampleor II Example SM Wholesale, At the Front, 1944 Militaria Only Type I or II Tarnhelmuberzeugen of the following patterns will be authorized: Plane tree/Plattenmuster, Blurred edge/Rauchtarnmuster, or Oak leaf/Eichenlaubmuster. Due to rarity of issue, absolutely no Palm/Palmenmuster will be authorized.

C. 44 Dot Tunic/Erbsenmuster Feldbluse: Janke, SM Wholesale, 1944 Usually worn short and snug, yet loose enough to allow the wool Feldbluse to be worn underneath. It is recommended that SS sleeve eagle be applied to the left arm. Only the machine embroidered sleeve eagle will be allowed.

D. 44 Dot Pants/Erbsenmuster Keilhosen: Janke, SM Wholesale, 1944 Usually worn as a set with the before mentioned Feldbluse, the erbsenmuter Keilhosen may also be worn in conjunction with the Tarnhemd.

E. Italian camouflage clothing/Italianisch Tarnbekleidung: Where available All material must be of war-time or approved stock. Only the following garments will be authorized for wear: Pants/Hosen, panzer coveralls/Panzer Kombi. The Italianische Tarnfeldbluse will only be worn by the rank/Dienstgrad of SS-Untersturmfuhrer and up.

F. Shelterquarter/Zeltbahn: (1 ea.) SM Wholesale and suppliers, At the Front Although not a widely utilized piece of equipment, it is of utmost necessity when in the field. Its importance is often greatly overlooked until it is needed! You must obtain a Waffen-SS type Zeltbahn. Read the "How to Fold a Zeltbahn Quarter Guide" Example

G. Camouflage field cap/Tarnmutze: SM Wholesale and suppliers, At the Front The M-40 Schiffchen must be obtained prior to a Tarnmutze. Due to rarity, no insignia of any type will be authorized for wear on the Tarnmutze.Example

H. Winter camouflage parka/Winter Tarnbekleidung: SM Wholesale and suppliers Parka and pants only to be worn as a set and never individually as per original SOP. An Overcoat/Mantel must be obtained first, prior to the purchase of Winter Tarnbekleidung.

13.) Overcoat/Mantel: Model M-42 (1 ea.) At the Front An issued and inspected item for all Waffen-SS Panzergrenadiers. A very important item when standing on sentry duty/Posten! All Mantels must have a machine woven SS EM sleeve eagle applied to the left arm. Sleeve eagle: 16cm down from the shoulder seam centered on the left arm. The Mantle is one of the best equipment purchases for cold weather because it can be worn at any event, and keeps you very warm. The M36 and M40 are recommended, but the M42 is also authorized. Example

14.) Gloves/Handschue: (1 pair) Where available All Handschue must be of the thick wool type in the color gray. If size ringed Handschuen are available, the white rings must be worn on the inside.

15.) Wool Blanket/Wolldecke: (1 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria All Wolldecken must be of the gray type with or with out markings. Captured stocks may only be utilized in the field. For barracks impressions it is also required you obtain the correct blanket cover and pillow case. It should be the white and blue checkerboard pattern as this was the most common type. Example

16.) Ammo pouches/Patronentaschen:

A. K-98 (2 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Bill Bureau In replicating the 1.SS-PanzerDivision, the riveted type is preferred, but the stitched type are also used. All K-98 pouches must be original and in the color of black. Example

B. G-43 (1 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Bill Bureau Worn in conjunction with one K-98 Patronentasche. Both leather and canvas types are authorized. Stitching must be in white. Example

C. MP-40 (2 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Bill Bureau Only canvas type MP-40 pouches are authorized. All stitching must be in white. Example

D. MP-44 (2 ea.) At the front, 1944 Militaria, Bill Bureau Only canvas type MP-44 pouches are authorized. All stitching must be in white.

17.) Bayonet/Seitengewehr: (1 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Bill Bureau Always worn to the rear of the wearers left hip. The carrier must be of the leather type. The mounted type is recommended as it helps keep the bayonet in place during battle. Example

18.) Bread Bag /Brotbeutel: (1 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Bill Bureau Only original wartime Brotbeutelen are authorized due to differences in manufacture of post war examples. Example

19.) Bread bag strap/Brotbeutelriemen: (1 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Bill Bureau Only original wartime Brotbeutelriemen are authorized due to differences in manufacture of post war examples. There are numerous photo's showing soldiers using their Brotbeutelriemen as means of fastening camouflage to their stalhelms. Another common way was using bicycle inner tube bands. Example

20.) Canteen/Feldflasche: (1 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Bill Bureau One of the most important items during action/Einsatz. It is recommended that mostaluminum cups/Trinkbecher be painted light OD. Example

21.) Gas mask/Gasmasken: (1 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Bill Bureau Always worn in Einsatz unless commanded otherwise by unit command. As will be inspected, all gas mask containers/Gasmasktaschen must contain a Gasmask, as when off the field gasmask inspections were common. However, it was not uncommon for soldiers to leave them behind to carry other more important items such as food. Example

22.) Spade and carrier/Spaten und Tasche: (1 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria Note: Only the curved Spaten is authorized for wear by the 1.SS-Division. Always worn on the wearers left with handle pointed away from the leg. Example

23.) Y-straps/Tragneriemen: (1 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria Only leather Tragneriemen are authorized for wear in the 1.SS-Division.Example

24.) Mess kit/Kochgeschir: (1 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Bill Bureau Only an original wartime Kochgeschir will be authorized. The Kochgeschir is either secured to the Brotbeutel or to the assault frame/Sturmgepaeck when commanded. Example

25.) Assault frame/Sturmgepaeck: (1 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Bill Bureau Only worn when going into Einsatz when the Kompanie will not be returning to the present location. These were used to carry the soldiers Zeltbahn, blanket roll and all other equipment that needed to be carried on foot. The use of these will only happen when commanded by the unit commander. Example

26.) Map case/Kartentasche: (1 per authorization) Where available Only an original wartime Kartentasche is authorized. Kartentaschen are only to be worn by authorized Panzergrenadiere such as a Zugfuhrer, Gruppenfuhrer, or Melder.

27.) Binoculars/Dienstglass: (1 per authorization) Where available Only original wartime Dienstglass are authorized. Only assigned Panzergrenadiere may wear Dienstglass. All straps must be leather with steel fittings.

28.) Towel/Handtuch: (1 ea.) At the Front, 1944 Militaria Example

A very important item when washing up after Einsatz! Also important for keeping your billets/Unterkunfts AO uniform with the Kompanie, the Handtuch is secured at the head of the bunk over the frame.

Good luck in the acquisition of all your items of uniform and equipment Kameraden! Looking the best is one of the most important reasons why we stand above the rest. We are Panzergrenadiere of the 1.SS-Panzerdivision "Leibstandarte", or most commonly known among the veterans, the LAH-Division!

1944 Militaria 856-358-3658 http://www.1944militaria.com

At the Front 502-969-4440 http://www.atthefront.com

Bill Bureau's Militaria 508-543-8315 http://stby.com/bbm/