Description
This is an original WWII German rain poncho fashioned from an early M36 olive-green Zeltbahn shelter quarter, a multipurpose field item commonly issued to Wehrmacht troops. The Zeltbahn was originally designed to serve as both a shelter half and a camouflage garment, and this example has been period-adapted with the addition of a sewn-in hood, converting it into a functional rain poncho — a known field improvisation used especially in early- to mid-war campaigns. It retains its original button closures and reinforced metal grommets, consistent with M36 production standards. The fabric shows honest signs of use, including small punctures, light
staining, and minor edge fraying, all typical of service wear in field conditions. Faint ink markings remain visible on the interior panel, likely denoting manufacturer and acceptance stamps, which reinforce its authenticity. The olive drab color and hardware indicate early-war manufacture, prior to the shift to later camouflage-printed Zeltbahnen. This piece represents a scarce and authentic variant of German field gear — ideal for advanced WWII collectors, reenactors, or museum display.
