For years, I have been searching high and low for an actually accurate rendition of my favorite camouflage pattern ever fielded: M38 Palm. There are one or two places worldwide who have, in my eyes, successfully recreated the pattern, albeit with room for improvement. FINALLY I found a reproduction of the famous first pattern "M38" Smock that's not only printed beautifully, but printed on the correct weight cotton duck fabric and actually cut very well to the originals. The pattern appears to have a VERY close repeat to originals (around 50cm)
In summary, the M38 "Palm" pattern was printed and began to be issued as early as 1938 to Waffen SS units. The original fabric was roller printed on medium weight canvas duck, and the smock was to be worn OVER the equipment to provide concealment in the field. Two slits on either side of the smock allowed access to the ammunition pouches. These smocks were reversible from green dominant "summer" colors, to brown dominant "winter" colors. The pattern was created by Dr Otto Schick among several others to mimic a grassy plain and marshy environment using nature as a reference.
Most soldiers ended up wearing their gear over the smocks fairly early on, as the slits provided weren't really the best for accessing ammunition quickly. The Palm Pattern was used extensively in Poland and on the Eastern front, as it was theoretically designed for the reeds and grasses of the plains of Eastern Europe. By 1940, this pattern ceased production and was phased out by other patterns. These saw use through the end of the War, but numbers seen in the field dwindle as the war went on.
These are actually a very nice replica, and are not treated with any sort of waterproofing. Like the originals, these fit someone up to about a 46" chest worn OVER the wool tunic and gear, but I have a 50" Chest and although snug over the tunic, it will work, but not over the gear, if that makes sense. If you have any questions, let me know. Once this batch is gone, there is no guarantee I can get more made as I got sort of lucky on these, so if you want one, I suggest not waiting too long.
