Tuesday 17 April 2012

Endicotts Army Surplus...The Endicott Norwegian Strip av lerret. (or the Zeltbahn justification) ...




ENDICOTTS
shop_pix_army_surplus
EST. 1937

 endicotts army surplus spoon carving first steps

 Sarah and I travelled to Exeter during the spring vacation and visited our friend Kevin in his shop.
This has to be the best little shop of it's type I have ever known.

endicotts army surplus spoon carving first steps

Kevin sells all manor of equipment for use in the great outdoors.
I have been a customer at his shop for twenty years or so and used to buy equipment for heavy use when I was a S.A.R. Team member.

endicotts army surplus spoon carving first steps

In the past I have spent many months at a time abroad,  living under the stars using equipment from Endy's.

endicotts army surplus spoon carving first steps

This guy has been hanging around for a long time now.
Probably related to this chap...

endicotts army surplus spoon carving first steps

 Kevin and his assistant Paul are always busy serving customers or packing up kit for mail order.

endicotts army surplus spoon carving first steps


endicotts army surplus spoon carving first steps

On this visit I bought some O.G Lightweight trousers and placed an order for some good quality summer boots. Which means I'll have to make another visit...J;-)
I also found an interesting roll of canvas marked (tent).
I had a look at it in the shop and decided to buy it.

endicotts army surplus spoon carving first steps

It's a Norwegian ' Strip av lerret'.
It's better known using the German word for it. 
 Zeltbahn.

endicotts army surplus spoon carving first steps

It's a shelter sheet, poncho and an individual part of a bigger tent.
The idea being that you can button two, four, eight, twelve or sixteen of these sheets together to make larger group shelters.

endicotts army surplus spoon carving first steps

A bit odd looking I must admit,  I bought mine to wear in the evenings by an open fire, I figured it would keep a breeze at bay and not melt at the first hint of a spark.
It can be folded and worn in many different arrangements.
It is also long enough to use with my very long hammock.

endicotts army surplus spoon carving first steps


endicotts army surplus spoon carving first steps

You can just make out the instructions printed on the Zelt for constructing larger tents.

endicotts army surplus spoon carving first steps

I figured that if I were to use this sheet other than a windcheater I had better improve its waterproof qualities.
I hung it up in the garage and gave it a liberal coating of 


It does what it says on the tin.


This treatment can darken the colour of the canvas, on this occasion there was little change.
Whatever you do...
Do not use this treatment on modern carbon based material.
It will dissolve  !!!


Well, if these clouds are anything to go by, it looks like I'm going to need my new bit of kit to keep the weather off.

spoon carving first steps

You can call Kevin on 01392 433331
Or visit his site at...

Endicotts Military Surplus and Outdoor Survival Equipment.
2 West Street
Exeter
Devon

EX1 1BA


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