![]() ![]() However, they are designed so that, no matter how the shelter quarters are buttoned together, the camouflage patterns will interlock and continue to flow. ![]() Each one has a different series of patches, spots and blobs, and each uses a slightly different color palette. Numbered Planetree Patterns: There are three similar but unique designs in this group, described by the numbers incorporated in the patterns. The Germans always have a system- Ordnung! Block and Lateral patterns are 30 inches long- exactly the measure of a smock from shoulder to hem. However, my assertion about the other patterns is "new". The repeat of is nearly 7 feet long- exactly enough to cut two Zeltbahn panels. For many years it has been known that the numbered patterns were designed specifically for shelter quarters with the cutting pattern for the triangular main panels actually incorporated in the camouflage design. Two classes of patterns were made- Zeltbahn patterns (the numbered designs) and un-numbered smock patterns Block, Lateral and later, Polyspot. Planetree Patterns- purpose made: The initial patterns appeared in 1936-1937. This mades them very difficult to produce- both in 1940 and today. The numbered Plantree patterns are entirely different animals- they have "repeats" of 85 inches, or just over 7 feet. US WWII "Frogskin" camouflage is only 14 inches. Size: Nearly all camouflage patterns are designed for rotary printing, and their size is thus restricted by the circumference of the available rollers- typically 18"-24". The Planetree patterns would actually be the penultimate designs, with those following them seeking to maintain the effect while being more efficient to produce. These goals, random flow and avoiding repetitions, would come to dominate nearly every one of their designs in the coming years. The goal was to recreate the appearance of natural foliage as closely as possible, on a tough and hard wearing fabric.ĭuring their research, the team determined that the most effective design would have a natural, irregular flowing form, without repetitions. Manufacturing firms were consulted to explore all available printing methods, and great effort was expended developing the fabric. ![]() Schick's team spent considerable time in the field, studying and testing colors and shapes to determine the best combinations to break up outlines and conceal troops. Together they would create some of the most famous and effective camouflage designs in history. Schick, in turn, hired Adolf Schmid, an artist who had previously worked for the German Army as his assistant. Otto Schick was hired to fill his position. However, before much work was done, Linnekogel died, and Professor J.G. The design team quickly rejected the geometric patterns then in use by the Army as ineffective and decided to create their own. His idea was accepted and in 1935, a man named Linnekogel was hired to oversee the project. In the case of Planetree, the name refers to the significant similarity to the camouflage pattern and the bark of Planetrees, known by that name in Europe and "sycamore" in the USA.ĭevelopment: Shortly after the SS-VT units were established, one of the battalion adjutants conceived the idea to create camouflage jackets and helmet covers for the new troops. All names currently used to distinguish the various patterns are late 20th century collector inventions. The Name: To date, despite quite a bit of archival, wartime SS correspondence regarding their patterns being available, the actual names or designations of the various camouflages have not been found. This article will seek to clear up some of the myths and mysteries regarding these patterns. Their large size also makes them quite difficult to accurately reproduce. The "Plane Tree" patterns are among the most famous, yet the reason for their design and specific purpose are often poorly understood. Today, authentic wartime examples are some of the most popular and expensive pieces in the military (and camouflage) collecting world. The majority of these designs were created and worn by the SS formations. All items pictured on this page are original, WWII production.ĭuring WWII, the German military developed, produced and utilized well over a dozen unique camouflage designs for their troops. ![]()
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