Leibermuster
Encyclopedia
Leibermuster was a six-color military camouflage
pattern developed by the Third Reich in February 1945. Known in German as "Buntfarbenaufdruck 45" ('Colorful print 45') for its year of introduction, Leibermuster (Body pattern) was issued on a very limited basis to combat units before the war ended. It was the first pattern issued to both regular army (Wehrmacht
), and Waffen-SS
units. The pattern consists of black, brown, olive, pale green, white, and red.
Although it has been claimed that "carbon black" was used in the pattern to defeat then nascent infrared night vision devices, it is more likely that the red in the pattern was used for that reason, as the issue in night vision is how to make camouflage colors reflect more infrared light rather than less.
Wartime photographic evidence shows herringbone twill field blouses (tunics) and trousers made in the Leibermuster camouflage. At least one apparently genuine example of a winter parka in Leibermuster was seen after the war. More often, Leibermuster material shows up as post-war examples of clothing for civilian use.
Reproduction Leibermuster uniforms, created for collectors and reenactors
, have become available on the market through European vendors. Reproductions are made in China
and Turkey
.
Military camouflage
Military camouflage is one of many means of deceiving an enemy. In practice, it is the application of colour and materials to battledress and military equipment to conceal them from visual observation. The French slang word camouflage came into common English usage during World War I when the...
pattern developed by the Third Reich in February 1945. Known in German as "Buntfarbenaufdruck 45" ('Colorful print 45') for its year of introduction, Leibermuster (Body pattern) was issued on a very limited basis to combat units before the war ended. It was the first pattern issued to both regular army (Wehrmacht
Wehrmacht
The Wehrmacht – from , to defend and , the might/power) were the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945. It consisted of the Heer , the Kriegsmarine and the Luftwaffe .-Origin and use of the term:...
), and Waffen-SS
Waffen-SS
The Waffen-SS was a multi-ethnic and multi-national military force of the Third Reich. It constituted the armed wing of the Schutzstaffel or SS, an organ of the Nazi Party. The Waffen-SS saw action throughout World War II and grew from three regiments to over 38 divisions, and served alongside...
units. The pattern consists of black, brown, olive, pale green, white, and red.
Although it has been claimed that "carbon black" was used in the pattern to defeat then nascent infrared night vision devices, it is more likely that the red in the pattern was used for that reason, as the issue in night vision is how to make camouflage colors reflect more infrared light rather than less.
Wartime photographic evidence shows herringbone twill field blouses (tunics) and trousers made in the Leibermuster camouflage. At least one apparently genuine example of a winter parka in Leibermuster was seen after the war. More often, Leibermuster material shows up as post-war examples of clothing for civilian use.
Reproduction Leibermuster uniforms, created for collectors and reenactors
Historical reenactment
Historical reenactment is an educational activity in which participants attempt torecreate some aspects of a historical event or period. This may be as narrow as a specific moment from a battle, such as the reenactment of Pickett's Charge at the Great Reunion of 1913, or as broad as an entire...
, have become available on the market through European vendors. Reproductions are made in China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
and Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
.