WW2 German SS Elite Original Reversible Oak B Leaf Camouflage Pattern Helmet Cover (Original)
SKU: 460
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer:
Year Manufactured: 1940's
Model:
Pattern: Oak B Leaf
Size: Fits M35, M40, and M42 steel helmets
Markings:
Construction: Printed cotton fabric
Condition: 98%/Excellent
Price: $700.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: EB350
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description:
This Extremely Desirable German Third Reich SS Elite Original Reversible Oak B Leaf Camouflage Pattern Helmet Cover. This cover was combat worn and has a 1.5 inch stiching repair.
History:
The SS elite forces of Nazi Germany developed some of the most advanced field camouflage systems of the Second World War, designed to provide concealment in a variety of combat environments. Among these, the reversible Oak B Leaf camouflage helmet cover became a distinctive and highly recognizable piece of equipment for Waffen-SS troops.
Design & Construction
The helmet cover was made from printed cotton fabric, tailored to fit tightly over the standard German M35, M40, and M42 steel helmets. It was constructed with integral rocker clips, which gripped the helmet’s edge and kept the cover secured in place. The cover also featured small fabric loops sewn onto the surface, enabling soldiers to attach natural foliage for enhanced concealment in woodland or field conditions.
This particular version was manufactured in the “Oak Leaf B” pattern, which consisted of large, bold, overlapping oak leaves in greens and browns, with darker accents to mimic forest shadows. The cover was reversible, with one side printed in spring coloration—brighter greens and tans for use during the growing season—and the other in autumn coloration, incorporating darker browns and muted tones suitable for late-season or forested terrain.
Camouflage Development
Introduced in the early 1940s, Oak Leaf B camouflage was part of the SS’s pioneering work in disruptive pattern designs, which predated the widespread adoption of camouflage in many Allied armies. The Waffen-SS were the first German units to receive such printed camouflage uniforms and equipment, distinguishing them both visually and symbolically from the regular Wehrmacht.
Operational Use
The reversible Oak B Leaf helmet covers were worn extensively on the Eastern and Western Fronts, particularly by elite formations such as the 1st SS Panzer Division “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler,” the 2nd SS Panzer Division “Das Reich,” and the 12th SS Panzer Division “Hitlerjugend.” They were often paired with matching camouflage smocks and Zeltbahn shelter quarters, creating a unified field appearance that contributed to both tactical concealment and unit identity.
