Großdeutschland Late-war Impression

[sgttom]

Here is my Late-war Großdeutschland impression that I am working on. I was invited into a reenacting unit that portrays the Großdeutschland, that is why I am doing it.

Pictures
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Impressions/DSC09573.jpg
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Impressions/DSC09575.jpg
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Impressions/DSC09574.jpg

Tired
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Impressions/DSC09577-1.jpg

Gear List:
M43 Tunic and Trousers- Ant-Z military
Service Shirt- Post-war lookalike
Belt and Buckle- Surplus shop unknown brand
Breadbag- Post-war converted
K98 Bayonet- Fieldwerks rubber
K98 Scabbard- Hessen Antique
K98 pouches- Custom made
Canteen, cup, and cover- Not sure what brand
Low boots- Swiss converted
M35 Helmet- Original with post-war liner
Mauser Kar98- Wartime, mixed serial numbers, dated 1938

I know I need a haircut ;D. I will get one before the next event.

I put my breadbag on the left instead of right which I will fix next time I wear my impression. I still need to dye the breadbag green as it is post-war. I know they came in a lot of different colors but I want to do the norm.

I replaced my officer eagle with an enlisted one.
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Impressions/DSC09602.jpg

I got a new helmet and this time it fits! It looks a little small on me but I guess that doesn't matter. The liner appears to be post-war. I think I could just convert it by putting 5 holes on each liner strap. I will also paint it in the Late-war scheme.
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Impressions/DSC09600.jpg
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Impressions/DSC09601.jpg
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Impressions/DSC09599-1.jpg

Here are the custom K98 pouches. I bought them used off of someone on here. The person said they were custom made by a leather smith if I remember correctly.
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Impressions/DSC09596.jpg
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Impressions/DSC09597.jpg
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Impressions/DSC09598.jpg

Here's the Swiss boots. They are not perfect even after the converting but they only cost me $60 altogether. They will do for now.
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Impressions/DSC09555.jpg
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Impressions/DSC09554.jpg

Lastly here is the Kar98 I just purchased.
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Weapons%20Folder/DSC09579.jpg
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Weapons%20Folder/DSC09580.jpg

1938 Date
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Weapons%20Folder/DSC09582.jpg

Other markings
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Weapons%20Folder/DSC09588.jpg
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Weapons%20Folder/DSC09585.jpg
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Weapons%20Folder/DSC09584.jpg
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Weapons%20Folder/DSC09583.jpg

It was missing the metal spring peice.
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Weapons%20Folder/DSC09591.jpg

i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Weapons%20Folder/DSC09594.jpg
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Weapons%20Folder/DSC09593.jpg
i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Weapons%20Folder/DSC09590.jpg

Look like an ok price for $380? The bore is reasonably shiny and I can see the rifling clearly, if that means anything.

Anyways I still have a long ways to go before I can call myself done. All comments and such are welcome.

[mauser98k]

Off topic- Where did you purchase your swiss boots from? I would like a pair of those.

[jplow83]

Looks like you're wearing the bajonett on the wrong side. Switch it with your canteen. And yeah, the helmet is too small for your head.

[privypiper2002]

Loosen the string in the liner crown. That should bring it down.

[sgttom]

I'll try that. It isn't too tight though. My last helmet was too tight and the one before that too big. I am tired of buying and selling helmets .

mauser98k, I got my Swiss boots used off of a forum. I believe Military Tour sells them though.

[sgttom]

After reading this article I see my stance is wrong too
www.dererstezug.com/RifleDrill.htm

I tried loosening the liner. It looks more normal but it sits too far down on my head and feels weird. I guess I need a bigger helmet. I'll have to look for a size 64 as this one is a 62. A 58 liner fits nicely though.

[hicks]

Ok.(Please do not take this personally ) heres the bottom line. overall, not bad. To start from the top,Find out your correct European hat size. I've seen too many peaple in my unit guess at it and get it wrong 80% of the time. your bayonet/spade is always on the left and bread bag on the right viewed from the rear. (canteen can be on left or right on bag as per personal choice. Boot cuffs (Gamashen) should be an olive green grey (sort of ) yours are the wrong color, period. Boots look fine. Rifle is on wrong shoulder always on the left. ps..your helmet is a postwar border patrol (well made,Quist, I believe) they where all made in shell size 64. The liners were simplified models which allowed a greater number of hat sizes in comparisen to its wartime counter parts (shell size 64 is a 56 or 57 Euro or 7 or 71/8 American for war time and pre war helmets.)if your hat size is a 58 you need a 66 helmet shell with a 58 liner. There is more to this but your on the right track,which is more than I can say about a lot of others in this hobby (newbies especially). Im treue fest,Gefreiter Nordinger,7th komp GD. p.s leave the breadbag as is,its fine and the color is correct.

[sgttom]

No problem sir, I am always glad to hear good advice. I know my liner size is 58 as this one fits perfect, I've also tried on another size 58 helmet. The helmet shell is not 64 though it is marked 62. I have a friend who has an M42 helmet with a 58 liner he is looking to sell, I'll have to see what size the shell is.

I have seen khaki/tan gaiters however I do think mine are a bit yellowish looking and they are also made of the wrong weave materiel. Thanks for the tips!

[whatthecrunchyo]

To add to what was said above:

The helmet may be too small because you have a ton of hair. I would suggest a haircut before spending anymore money on a helmet. However, the color does look off. I'm not 100% positive due to the pictures, but it does look exceptionally green.

The gaiters definitely got to go.

If you are trying to do a drill and ceremony picture, I would probably drop the M43 cap in the belt. Also, the rifle trigger guard should go in the shoulder. Don't over exaggerate the bend in the other arm, either. Other than that, you're coming along!

[sgttom]

Thanks. Next time I will refer to the guide on Der Erste Zug before I do any drill poses. On the helmet I am going to repaint it. About the helmet my hair shouldn't effect how small the helmet looks. The liner fits fine its just the shell is small and looks a bit silly. It fits fine though.

[whatthecrunchyo]

Oh, I forgot to mention on the boots. Don't worry about them. I think they look great. Not everyone can afford $120 shoes and those are a really good replacement. Are those Civil War hobnails?

[sgttom]

I am not sure about the hobnails, the previous owner installed them. I could afford an $120 pair, but I heard the Sturm boots are junky. A good pair costs like $250, that I can't afford.

[hicks]

sgttom,Glad to help. bty I think the paint on your helmet is the origainal Border Guard color ! whatthecrunchyo is basicly correct about the hair thing some origainal helmets (in the correct size)have fit me fine while others have been tight!? so for what its worth keep it in mind.

[sgttom]

Alright. I remember last summer when I had my hair cut short for reenacting season a 58 helmet someone loaned me was a tad loose. Now it fits perfectly. So yea its probably my haircut. None the less I still think a size 58 is what I need.

About the paint there is paint under the helmet's current paint. It shows through in some spots. Seems to be yellow and there is also a decal which was painted over.

[Chris P.]

If you wear a size 58 liner you need a size 66 shell.

[Boogiewoogie]

You can get away with a 64, but it looks a tad small when you wear a 58. A big helmet usually looks okay vs one that is too small. That is the value of repros.

Martin

[sgttom]

Alright thanks for the advice. A friend has one he wants to sell me. I'll just try it on and if it looks good I'll buy it.

One question how do you keep the gaiters from riding up off the boot?

[Ivan Ivanovich]

Jun 13, 2011 16:59:35 GMT -5 sgttom said:

One question how do you keep the gaiters from riding up off the boot?

Where them tight. My gamaschen are original and I've never had a problem with them riding up. Originals are generally made from hemp duck (especially late-war ones) that isn't as stiff as the cotton duck used on many repros. As a result they have better flexibility and generally stay right where they should provided you buckle them sufficiently tight. ATF currently has original gamaschen, though they put repro straps on that might need to be cut down to the proper three adjustment holes. If the gamaschen are still too loose, even when fastened on the last hole, the straps will need to be removed and restitched on further back. That's a fairly easy fix that requires minimal sewing skills.

You might also want to hit up a unit tailor and have your bluse tailored a little. One major problem I have with Ant-Z tunics is the armscyes (armholes) are cut too low. I've tailored almost two dozen of these tunics by now and visibly it's one of the biggest visible problems with the tunic, and causes the fit of the tunic to feel more like a modern blazer than originals. After paying me for all the work I have to do to these things (because the corrections are time consuming to make), guys spend about the same as buying a higher quality repro.

Do you have your belt up over the hooks in the rear? Looks like the belt could be a little higher.

-Ivan

[whatthecrunchyo]

Jun 15, 2011 14:12:24 GMT -5 Ivan Ivanovich said:

Jun 13, 2011 16:59:35 GMT -5 sgttom said:

One question how do you keep the gaiters from riding up off the boot?

Where them tight. My gamaschen are original and I've never had a problem with them riding up. Originals are generally made from hemp duck (especially late-war ones) that isn't as stiff as the cotton duck used on many repros. As a result they have better flexibility and generally stay right where they should provided you buckle them sufficiently tight. ATF currently has original gamaschen, though they put repro straps on that might need to be cut down to the proper three adjustment holes. If the gamaschen are still too loose, even when fastened on the last hole, the straps will need to be removed and restitched on further back. That's a fairly easy fix that requires minimal sewing skills.

You might also want to hit up a unit tailor and have your bluse tailored a little. One major problem I have with Ant-Z tunics is the armscyes (armholes) are cut too low. I've tailored almost two dozen of these tunics by now and visibly it's one of the biggest visible problems with the tunic, and causes the fit of the tunic to feel more like a modern blazer than originals. After paying me for all the work I have to do to these things (because the corrections are time consuming to make), guys spend about the same as buying a higher quality repro.

Do you have your belt up over the hooks in the rear? Looks like the belt could be a little higher.

-Ivan

Do you ever tailor the bottom of the tunics or the sleeves? I can't find any local tailor shops that will touch mine.

[sgttom]

As far as the fit, I am not an expert, but the sleeves and length of the tunic are fine. I'll look into the tailoring you mentioned though. Do you know which brands do and don't have this problem?