Post by Tuuka Gustafson on Apr 1, 2011 23:13:05 GMT -5
I haven't updated this forum in a while and I realized that most of my rants on this (as well as other subjects) were made on our Yahoo group (which I highly suggest joining if you can). SOOOOO...Here it is, in it's entirety.
According to the Finnish m/36 uniform Regs a Finnish soldier was supposed to be issued both Trousers and riding-type Breeches. This was a pipe dream, apparently, as photographic evidence is lacking as to the widespread use of Breeches. Even during the Winter War these seemed rare, though in comparison to their use later on in the Continuation War, they were definately more likely to be issued. I haven't found evidence that the breeches were even produced post 1938 so whatever supply that was issued to enlisted men during the Winter War were most likely from the earlier production. The Finns were the masters of economy during the war and would phase out various aspects of their uniforms that were either too expensive to continue to produce or those that used valuable resources. A good example is the fact that the Finns discontinued all but two of their seperate uniform types (they had 6 or seven, including a walking out uniform and dress uniform) and the use of the Cypher insignia during the Continuation War. From the photographic evidence, as well as the few surviving inventory rolls I've viewed, I have come to the conclusion that the Breeches were very uncommon for lowly enlisted men. For Officers and senior NCOs, it's a different story, as most of their uniforms were privately purchased and rarely followed the established standard (most followed a more "trendy" standard) or regulation. So please, take this into account when ordering from Hiki-shop!
If you are wondering what you can use instead of the Hiki Breeches, I suggest going with German M37 or M40 trousers (he sells these as well and they too are GREAT quality) as these are generally the same cut as Finnish trousers as well as a good color. M43s work as well, especially for late Continuation War impressions, such as what we portray.
According to the Finnish m/36 uniform Regs a Finnish soldier was supposed to be issued both Trousers and riding-type Breeches. This was a pipe dream, apparently, as photographic evidence is lacking as to the widespread use of Breeches. Even during the Winter War these seemed rare, though in comparison to their use later on in the Continuation War, they were definately more likely to be issued. I haven't found evidence that the breeches were even produced post 1938 so whatever supply that was issued to enlisted men during the Winter War were most likely from the earlier production. The Finns were the masters of economy during the war and would phase out various aspects of their uniforms that were either too expensive to continue to produce or those that used valuable resources. A good example is the fact that the Finns discontinued all but two of their seperate uniform types (they had 6 or seven, including a walking out uniform and dress uniform) and the use of the Cypher insignia during the Continuation War. From the photographic evidence, as well as the few surviving inventory rolls I've viewed, I have come to the conclusion that the Breeches were very uncommon for lowly enlisted men. For Officers and senior NCOs, it's a different story, as most of their uniforms were privately purchased and rarely followed the established standard (most followed a more "trendy" standard) or regulation. So please, take this into account when ordering from Hiki-shop!
If you are wondering what you can use instead of the Hiki Breeches, I suggest going with German M37 or M40 trousers (he sells these as well and they too are GREAT quality) as these are generally the same cut as Finnish trousers as well as a good color. M43s work as well, especially for late Continuation War impressions, such as what we portray.
