Finnish Defence Forces Surplus: Canteen, sweaters etc.

**Martti Kujansuu** · 24-04-2012, 06:35

Within a month in May there are a few Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) surplus depot sales near where I live in Southern Finland. The main attraction, to some, are the old vehicles on auction (depending the year; tanks, vans, trucks etc.) but they also will sell up to 70 years old unused clothing and other personal items for fixed prices.

Are there anyone interested for a group buy? The exact lists for items to be sold during the events are yet to be released but based on the advance information and previous year's list I estimate that at least following items can be bought from these events:

All photographs by the event organizer sa-kauppa.fi.

1) Finnish Army Sweater from the 1930s, unused, sizes 52 and 54, 10€ per piece.

2) FDF Stainless Steel Canteen, 1980s?, used, 2€

3) FDF Leather Boots, black, unused, welt construction, 1960s?, 30€ a pair
4) FDF Leather Combat boots, unused, welt construction, 1980s?, 30€ a pair

5) FDF m/62 camouflaged jacket and trousers, 1960s-, used, 10€ and 10€.

6) FDF wool mittens, 1940s-?, unused?, c. 2€ pair

**TeeDee** · 24-04-2012, 08:53

Do you know how good the Canteens are? IE Do they have a rep for being well made?

**Martti Kujansuu** · 24-04-2012, 09:14

Originally Posted by TeeDee

Do you know how good the Canteens are?

I have handled few of them before and they seem to be durable enough for the purpose they were designed for. It seems that they were a part of some experimental patch that existed from the 1980s onwards to a point where they were replaced by plastic canteens the FDF still uses. The only point I would imagine them failing is the cap but then again it is the same as in the new plastic canteen which has served me well for many years, both military and civilian usage.

A Finnish review with additional photographs can be seen behind the link. The canteen holds around 0,85 liters of liquid. Change the cover with one made out of wool cloth and you will have a great vintage canteen!

http://bushcraftfinland.atfreeforum....aton-t298.html

**Chris the Cat** · 24-04-2012, 09:52

Sweater, 54 ( cm? ), whats that, about a 42" ?
Hmm.. Stretchy? do you know Martti?
I am a 46" but love the look of the sweater.
Thanks for this sir.
My best.
Chris.

**Martti Kujansuu** · 24-04-2012, 10:36

Originally Posted by Chris the Cat

Sweater, 54 ( cm? ), whats that, about a 42" ?

The size refers to the European jacket sizing where size 52 corresponds to chest size of 104 cm/41" ("medium") and size 54 to 108 cm/42.5". ("large"). Indeed these are a bit too small for you if you're indeed 46". A proper size for you would be then 58 or 60. The sweaters are knitted and will probably scretch about the same as any other knitted wool sweater.

**Chris the Cat** · 24-04-2012, 15:00

Shame.
Thanks Martti!
Chris.

**Jock** · 24-04-2012, 19:23

I'd be interested in taking 2 canteens

**mrcairney** · 24-04-2012, 19:29

I'm always after a 52 size wooly jumper. Did I read that correctly that they are from the 1930's?

**Martti Kujansuu** · 24-04-2012, 20:01

Originally Posted by mrcairney

Did I read that correctly that they are from the 1930's?

It is possible. The pattern was introduced in the 1930s, during year 1936 I believe, and it went out of production during the 1950s or 1960s. However as all the examples I have seen are unused or in new condition it is more likely that they were made after the War.

P.S. It can not be seen from the photograph I posted but these sweaters have "open cut" armpits without mesh or anything extra.

**mrcairney** · 24-04-2012, 20:02

Well, if anything goes ahead, put me down for a jumper and a pair of mittens. I don't have huge hands, if that helps.

**rik_uk3** · 24-04-2012, 20:24

2 canteens for me please

**hiraeth** · 24-04-2012, 21:10

I would be in for a couple of pairs of mitts, and a canteen please.(Mitts for large hands)

**TeeDee** · 24-04-2012, 21:21

I'd take 5 canteens please.

**The Cumbrian** · 24-04-2012, 21:29

I'll have a couple of pairs of mitts please Martti if they are available in big sizes.

Cheers, Michael.

**Martti Kujansuu** · 25-04-2012, 14:27

Originally Posted by The Cumbrian

I'll have a couple of pairs of mitts please Martti if they are available in big sizes.

I asked about the mittens and all of them are the same size, a bit larger than size 9 (medium).

**Andy BB** · 25-04-2012, 14:30

I'll take 2 canteens too please!

**dave53** · 25-04-2012, 19:37

i will take a canteen please regards dave

**The Cumbrian** · 25-04-2012, 20:25

Originally Posted by Martti Kujansuu

I asked about the mittens and all of them are the same size, a bit larger than size 9 (medium).

That sounds good Martti.

Cheers, Michael.

**tiger stacker** · 25-04-2012, 20:46

Like the boots which sizes ?
ditto 2 canteens with covers hopefully

**para106** · 26-04-2012, 12:20

2 canteens for too please, Martti. Regards.

**Martti Kujansuu** · 26-04-2012, 13:58

Originally Posted by tiger stacker

Like the boots which sizes ?

It is yet to be seen but based on previous for-sale lists, I would say at least few pairs of every sizes between 41 and 47. Some of the boots are equipped with leather soles but most of them are with rubber sole. However as the boots are made with a welt, one can change a type of sole s/he likes the most.

Originally Posted by tiger stacker

ditto 2 canteens with covers hopefully

All the canteens I have seen are sold with the green covers.

**Granite Head** · 30-04-2012, 22:21

Hi Martti,
I would be interested in mittens (x2), canteens (x2) and a sweater (size 52) please, if this group buy goes ahead.

Cheers,

**Dougster** · 02-05-2012, 17:06

I'd be interested in a canteen or two, a jumper and maybe some mitts.

**potboiler** · 02-05-2012, 19:45

Could you add another couple of canteens to that list if there are any left please - they seem a good choice!

Cheers

**addo** · 02-05-2012, 19:54

I'd be interested in two size 54 Sweaters please.

**phil wright** · 17-05-2012, 06:14

I know that I am new here but I would also be interested in 5 canteens if possible.
I can paypal over the money in advance if needed.
Regards
Phil

**shaggystu** · 17-05-2012, 11:02

is this still a goer? if so i'd be interested in two size 54 sweaters and four pairs of mitts please

thanks

stuart

**dwardo** · 17-05-2012, 11:24

Tank please!

Group buy and we get to keep it for a week each

**Martti Kujansuu** · 17-05-2012, 16:20

Originally Posted by shaggystu

is this still a goer?

Yes it is. The definitive list of products and sizes to be sold during the event should be published within a week. I will then create a list of users and products ordered where everyone can check their orders. However at this point I would like to notice that due of so many orders it is a possibility that everyone might not receive their orders if there's buy limitations (I will check these later from the seller).

Originally Posted by dwardo

Tank please!

Unfortunately (or fortunately) FDF sold its surplus tanks from the 1940s and 1950s few years ago. One could choose from German Sturmgeschütz IIIs, British Charioteers and Comets.

**Toots** · 17-05-2012, 20:49

I'll take a jumper (52) and a pair of mitts if all goes ahead please.

Thread: Finnish Defence Forces Surplus: Canteen, sweaters etc.

Thread Tools

Display

Finnish Defence Forces Surplus: Canteen, sweaters etc.

Posting Permissions