East German Strichtarn 3-Finger Gloves

NVA Strichtarn Gloves

These cold-weather gloves were issued to the Nationale Volksarmee (NVA), the army of the former German Democratic Republic. The three-finger layout gives more dexterity than a mitten while keeping your fingers grouped for warmth. A long gauntlet cuff runs over the sleeve to close the gap at the wrist. Collectors, Cold War reenactors and anyone who wants a practical winter glove with real provenance will find them useful.

Features

• Strichtarn Camouflage — The shell carries the NVA's rain pattern, short broken vertical lines of red-brown printed on a grey-green field.
• Three-Finger Layout — Separate compartments for the thumb and fingers let you grip and handle gear more easily than you could in a full mitten.
• Cotton Canvas Shell — The back of the hand and the cuff are cut from cotton canvas, a tightly woven fabric that stands up to field use.
• Leather Palm — Suede leather covers the palm and the inner faces of the fingers for grip and resistance to abrasion.
• Fleece Lining — A fleece layer inside adds insulation for the gloves' intended cold-weather role.
• Gauntlet Cuff — The extended cuff overlaps a jacket sleeve so snow and wind have a harder time getting in at the wrist.
• Elasticated Wrist — Gathering at the back of the wrist pulls the glove in snugly against the hand.
• Bound Cuff Edge — Grey tape binding finishes the open end of each gauntlet.
• Lightweight Pair — The pair weighs about 7.4 oz (0.21 kg).

East German Issue

These gloves were made in the DDR for the NVA and are genuine government-issue kit. Strichtarn was the standard East German camouflage through most of the Cold War, so the gloves match period NVA uniforms and field gear. The materials are as originally specified: a cotton canvas shell, leather palms and a fleece lining, built for soldiers serving through Central European winters.