Swiss Military Tent Pole Set

Swiss Army Tent Poles

This is the pole and stake set the Swiss Army issued for its shelter-half tents. A shelter-half (Zeltbahn, or Militärblache in Swiss service) is a canvas panel that joins with a second one to make a small two-person tent. The set holds three wooden pole sections, three metal stakes and the canvas pouch they pack into, which together make up the frame and anchor side of that system. Campers who run a Swiss Zeltbahn, reenactors and collectors of WWII-era Swiss kit will get the most from it.

Features

• Three Wooden Pole Sections — Hardwood sections join end to end to form a single upright pole of roughly 43 to 45 inches (about 110 to 115 cm).
• Metal Ferrule Couplings — Each section has a metal sleeve, or ferrule, at one end that receives the tapered tip of the next section and protects the wood where the joints take load.
• Three Metal Tent Stakes — Tapered stakes of approximately 9.5 inches (about 24 cm) have a flared head with a small hole for a cord or pull loop.
• Canvas Carry Pouch — A drab canvas pouch holds all six pieces together so the set packs as one unit.
• Snap-Closure Flap — Two metal snap fasteners secure the top flap over the poles and stakes.
• Leather Carry Loops — Two stitched leather loops on the back let the pouch ride on a belt or strap.
• Original Issue Stampings — The inside of the flap carries an "A.S.L. 40" ink stamp and a Swiss cross marking.
• Zeltbahn System Component — Designed to support the Swiss shelter-half, with one pole set forming part of a two-person tent.

Issue Pattern And Markings

The set is genuine Swiss Army issue from the WWII era. The pattern pairs wooden poles with metal couplings, the same practical approach the Swiss used across their field equipment. Pouch markings stamped in ink inside the flap identify it as government property. Because these are original sets, they make a correct companion for an issued Swiss shelter-half in a collection or a period camp display.