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Reproduction WWII Zeltbahn in the late variant Polyspot camouflage pattern. This pattern appears to have only been made in relatively small quantities- surviving original examples are one of the rarest of all WSS camo items today.
Items in this particular camouflage appear to have been produced in 1943-44. Today, a handful of original M42 smocks, a Zeltbahn, a few camo caps and helmet covers are known to exist.
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An original Polyspot Zeltbahn.
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Fall side.
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Our Zeltbahns are made exclusively for ATF, using the WWII pattern schematic, exact reproduction hardware and the correct oplin fabric treated with a durable water repellent finish. They fit together properly, are cut and sewn like originals and they actually shed water in contrast to most reproductions.
Our fabric is 100% cotton poplin, tightly woven just like the original cloth. When it gets wet, the fibers swell, closing the spaces in between and repelling water. Originals fabric was treated with a paraffin based product called Peristol which is no longer made, so we use a modern water repellent that is invisible and does not change the feel of the cloth.
Construction/ Misprints: We were able to persuade the factory to use mixed shades and patterns on the Zeltbahns, just like nearly every original one can find. The Polyspot Zelts have Blurred Edge borders and window flaps, most of which has some mis-prints such as smudged or lighter/ darker areas as visible in the photos of the "Fall" side.
Buttons: Original Zeltbahns used either cast aluminum/ zinc or stamped steel buttons. We chose to reproduce the cast buttons as they don't rust and they're much easier on one's fingers when they have to close dozens of buttons to assemble a shelter. They are now properly sewn with heavy gray cord in the correct locations.
Grommets: We had the WWII 8mm and 15mm zinc grommets reproduced exactly. They are silver when new- oxidation/ corrosion leads zinc to slowly turn to a dull gray color.
Not Hurricane rated! Like originals, our Zeltbahns are not rated for gale force winds. If a Zeltbahn tent is left up in a severe thunderstorm or hurricane, some damage to the grommets is likely to result. Neither an original nor reproduction Zeltbahn will be happy in such conditions.
Imported
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