Hi,
I am trying to finish up a SDKFZ 251 and am wanting to add a jerry cans on the side. I am making a "shelf" on the sides with some pe strips as the tie-down webbing. My question is what color would German tie down straps be? I am intending for this to look like a field modification by the troops, rather than a factory made option. Thanks!

Art;

Hi!

Lots of WWII German tie-downs (straps - as versus the metal spring-clasps) were made of leather. Some of these were tanned brown, others were later painted or waxed in a dark brown or dark green color. My personal preference - no basis in fact but just plain preference - is for darkened leather-brown straps for can-racks and other "obvious" leather straps, as on those fire-bottles on fenders. (Noting here that some inside-vehicle equipment was secured in racks using metal straps with clasps on the end, while other stuff used leather straps with buckles)

Just as a what-if opinion, here... perhaps a field-shop rack could have used some ex-soldier leather belts - which could be satin black leather or darkened brown with some remaining black, for a worn belt? Just a thought!

Cheers!

Bob

Thanks for the info Bob! I think I will make a brown leather strap to hold the jerry can on one side and a black leather strap on the other side of the vehicle just to make it look more thrown together. Thanks again!