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East German 'Strichtarn' Equipment Bag

East German 'Strichtarn' Equipment Bag

Regular price 95,00 zł PLN
Regular price Sale price 95,00 zł PLN
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East German NVA Strichtarn Equipment Bag (Koppeltasche/General-Purpose Field Pouch)

This is a personal equipment bag issued as part of the field gear of the East German National People's Army, made in the Strichtarn ("line camouflage") pattern.

Strichtarn was introduced by the NVA in 1965, officially as part of the "Kampfanzug 64" combat uniform system. One of the stated reasons for the switch was to visually distinguish East German troops from Soviet forces, who wore different camouflage. The pattern consists of broken, vertical red-brown lines set against a grey-green background, giving it the nickname "raindrop" or "rice fleck" camouflage. It remained standard issue until German reunification in 1990. Beyond East Germany, the NVA supplied large quantities of Strichtarn-pattern equipment to allied and communist-aligned forces abroad, particularly in Africa, which is why the pattern is still recognized well outside its original context.

This bag belongs to the category the NVA called a "Koppeltasche" a pouch designed to attach directly to the soldier's belt as part of the UTV (Universelle Tragevorrichtung) webbing system, the modular belt and harness setup used to distribute personal combat equipment around the body. Bags of this type were used to carry items that needed to stay on the body and within immediate reach, while keeping the main rucksack free for larger gear.

  • Unissued like condition, might have signs of long time storage.
  • 100% cotton.
  • 300 x 300 x 130 mm.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping & Delivery

Q: Where do you ship?
USA, Canada, Netherlands, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, most Asian countries and most American countries. UE shipping currently suspended, due to recent PPWR changes. Working on resuming the service.

Q:Customs and Duties?

USA; 15$ UPS handling customs fee applies on each order + 12-15% (varies) customs charge. Paid directly to UPS. 

UE; NONE.

Canada; 5-15% Import Tax on top of the order value.

Australia; 10% tariff charge.

For rest of the countries, please contact me, through the form provided on website.

All of this % only applies to the total value of goods,excluding the shipping cost from the % applied. 

Q: How long does shipping take?
Orders are processed and handed to the carrier within 12 business days of purchase. I'm always including extras, to make up for this long wait. Delivery time after that depends on destination and chosen service, and can occasionally be affected by external factors (customs, holidays, carrier disruptions).
Polish Post Priority: usually 1–2 weeks after dispatch.

Polish Post Economy (for destinations outside Europe): shipped by freight, typically around 2 months after dispatch.

UPS; Usually, within 7 working days, from the day of the postage.

Q: Do you offer tracked shipping?
Yes, tracked shipping is standard on all orders.

Q: What if my package is lost or delayed?
If tracking shows an issue, contact me with your order number. I'll open an investigation with the carrier and, if the package is confirmed lost, offer a full refund or replacement.

Returns, Refunds & Exchanges

Q: What is your returns policy?

Returns accepted within 14 days of delivery. Item must be in the same condition as received. Buyer pays return shipping unless the item was misdescribed, or for any other common sense cause. 

Q: How do I start a return?

Email warsawsurplus@gmail.com with your order number and reason for return. I’ll issue a returns authorization and instructions.

 

Ordering & Payments

Q: What payment methods do you accept?

I accept major credit/debit cards, PayPal, and Apple/Google Pay. All transactions are securely processed through payment provider. No payment details are stored on the website.

Q: Can I change or cancel my order?

Contact me immediately at warsawsurplus@gmail.com, or instagram, with your order number. I can usually cancel or amend orders within same day of purchase, if the item has not been shipped.

Q: Do you support guest checkout?

Yes, you can checkout as a guest. Creating an account speeds future purchases and tracks order history.

 

Product Authenticity & Sourcing

Q: Are your items authentic?

Yes. We specialize in original military surplus and vintage garments. Each item is inspected and described honestly. 

Q: Do you sell reproductions?

If we offer reproductions, they are clearly labeled “Reproduction” in the title and description.

Q: How do you verify provenance?

Verification methods vary by item, maker marks, stamps, service tags, paper provenance, and expert inspection. 

 

Condition, Alterations & Damage

Q: What does “Issued” condition mean?

Issued items usually show signs of use, there might be some missing button, or a patch-work. But item is still fully servicable and usable, if possible I make some repairs to the product myself.

Sizing & Fit

Q: How do I know which size to buy?

See 'Sizing Guide' for more. Always use the exact garment measurements provided on each product page (chest, sleeve, length, shoulder  in cm). Historic labels can be inconsistent, measure a comparable item you own and compare.

Q: How do you measure?

Chest = laid-flat width ×2; Total Length= bottom of jacket-to-collar; Sleeve = top of shoulder to cuff. If you need help, send your measurements through the store's contact option and I’ll advise.

Care & Preservation

Q: How should I care for vintage garments?

Handle gently. Hand wash or gentle machine cycle cold, air dry. Avoid bleach and high heat. Specific care notes are on each product page.

Q: Can I wear vintage items daily?

Yes, but remember vintage fabric and hardware may be fragile.

Legal & Safety

Q: Are wartime insignia or controversial symbols sold?

We sell historical items for collection and study, not endorsement. Listings with historical insignia are presented in context. 

Q: Do you sell weapons or functional military equipment?

No. We only sell clothing and deactivated accessories. We do not sell live weapons, ordnance, or restricted items.

High-value items & Authentication

Q: Can I inspect a high-value item in detail?

I offer additional photos, video calls, and secure insured shipping.

Account, Privacy & Security

Q: How do you protect my data?

We use SSL encryption on all pages that handle payment and personal data. We never share your payment details with third parties; our full privacy policy is on the site.

Q: How do I delete my account?

Email warsawsurplus@gmail.com with “Delete my account” and we’ll remove personal data per our Privacy Policy and applicable law.

Marketing & Restock

Q: How often do you get new items?

We add curated pieces regularly. Follow us on Instagram for first access to new finds.

Q: Can you hold/reserve an item?

I can hold items for a short, explicit window (e.g., 24 hours) by agreement. I don’t indefinitely reserve items without deposit, contact me to request a hold.

Wholesale, Consignment & Press

Q: Do you accept consignments or buy collections?

Yes. For consignments or collections, email warsawsurplus@gmail.com with photos and provenance; we’ll respond with terms.

Q: Media or press enquiries?

Email warsawsurplus@gmail.com for interviews, high-res images, or event participation.

Problems & Support

Q: Something wrong with my order — what now?

Email warsawsurplus@gmail.com with your order number and photos if applicable. Expect a reply within 48 hours (usually faster). I’ll resolve damaged, missing, or misdescribed orders quickly.

Sizing Guide

Sizing Guide for Military Surplus;

General Body Size for JACKETS and other tops.

Size Chest Circumference (cm)
XS 81 - 86
S 86 - 94
M 96 - 104
L 106 - 114
XL 117 - 124
XXL 127 - 135

 

 

For Pants.

Size Waist Circumference (cm)
XS 64 - 69
S 71 - 79
M 81 - 89
L 91 - 99
XL 101 - 107
XXL 111 - 116

 

Lenght Guide;

Size Recommended Height (cm)
XS 155 - 165
S 160 - 170
R 170 - 180
L 180 - 190
XL 190 - 195
XXL 190 - 200
  • S (Short): Suitable for people of shorter stature, typically between 160-170 cm in height.
  • R (Regular): Ideal for those with a height range of 170-180 cm.
  • L (Long): Best suited for individuals between 180-190 cm in height.
  • XL (Extra Long): Recommended for taller individuals, with a height range of 195-200 cm.

 

Size Chest Circumference (XX) Recommended Height (BB)
88/170 88 cm 170 cm
92/175 92 cm 175 cm
96/180 96 cm 180 cm
100/185 100 cm 185 cm
104/190 104 cm 190 cm

 

Recommended Height (BB):

  • Use your total body height to find the recommended size for your chest width.

By combining these two measurements (length and chest width), you can find the right size for your military clothing. Compare your measurements with the guide to ensure a precise fit!

 

Your size not available? Message me!