UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons The BCN Bayonet Forum Tropical Frog for review

Hello People,
One friend send to me these pictures of one tropical frog. Is it a good item?
Regards,
Schmidt

I personally dont like the RBNr on backside, is probably wrong stamped with 5 digits in middle part.b.r.Andy

For that, and the way it's put together it would not be one for me either. With something else that 'in hand' is a factor to be looked at is the materials used. FP

I concur with Andy & FP. I particularly question the cross-strap & stitching. Period German reinforcement stitching is much closer and tighter than seen on the example pictured. It is interesting the frog appears to have the pouch, body, and cross-strap made of different colors of webbing. This is certainly true of some wartime tropical frogs I have seen or own. IMHO this frog appears to be a reproduction with what looks like field wear or usage either artificially applied, or the result of being carried during reenactments by a previous owner. Note the accompanying photo of what are considered standard-pattern German tropical frogs. There are a few non-standard patterns known as well which differ from these in a number of details. From left to right:

1. Olive drab color w/blue ink stamp on obverse "OFFERMAN BENSBURG 1942".
2. Reed green color. No markings evident.
3. Dual-color with reed green body, olive drab pouch and cross-strap. No markings evident.
4. Tri-color with yellow frog body, bronze color cross-strap and tan pouch. Large ink contract marking running lengthwise on obverse "2/00??/00??9".
5. The elusive indigo blue tropical. No markings evident
6. Yellow-ochre color with finer weave to webbing. large black ink "892" on obverse.

I agree with both assessments for the reasons stated. Not one for me.