kamouflage.net camouflage data

Like all Waffen-SS camouflage designed before 1944, SS-Rauchtarnmuster exists in predominantly brown and predominantly green colour schemes. It is actually a variation of SS-Platanenmuster, with identical base colours. [Image: Daniel Peterson/The Crowood Press Ltd.]

SS-Rauchtarnmuster (spring–summer)
Greater German Reich

The German Reich's development of disruptive pattern camouflage uniforms, for use by the Waffen-SS, was arguably the most significant advance in uniform design in the 20th Century. At least eight — and probably more — distinct patterns were eventually developed; and the innovations attempted and lessons learned, then, continue to influence the design of personal camouflage today.

SS-Rauch­tarn­muster ('smoke camouflage pattern') — also known as 'burred edge' or 'blurred edge', among English-speaking collectors — appears to be one of the more enduring Waffen-SS camouflage patterns; photographs show that it was in service from 1939 until 1944. Moreover, it was probably used in the production of more types of regulation SS garment than any other pattern; although all examples are comparatively rare, it is found on Zeltbahnen (shelter quarters), first and second pattern helmet covers, field caps and smocks — even the last type of smock, manufactured in herringbone twill (HBT) linen. When the non-reversible, two-piece camouflaged drill uniform — ge­tarn­ter Dril­lich­an­zug — was introduced, from January 1944, surplus stocks of Eich­en­laub­muster ('oak-leaf pattern') and Rauch­tarn­muster HBT were used in its production, alongside the more typical Erbsen­muster ('pea pattern') HBT.

Like all of the Waffen-SS camouflage patterns that were designed before 1944, SS-Rauch­tarn­muster exists in a predominantly brown autumn–winter colour scheme and a predominantly green spring–summer pattern. The autumn–winter variant, shown here, is a four-colour design of black (or dark brown), earth brown and yellow ochre elements on a chocolate brown background. It is actually a derivative of SS-Platanenmuster, with identical base colours; the 'smokey' black overprint used is the only significant difference between the two designs.

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