Helmut Thorvald
XX Sturmann
Europe
SS Sniper
WWII
DidD80019
1. Character head sculpt. 2. Did model ‘F' body. 3. Improved bendable hands. 4. M43 field blouse (w/ separate collar tabs and insignias) “Scharfschutzenabzeichen” snipers’ badge, 2nd class, Marksman 1st class badge. 5. SS-Eichenlaubmuster (Oak-Leaf A) reversible M44 HBT Jacket. 6. SS-Leibermuster M44 trousers. 7. Camouflage facemask. 8. Helmet liner – leather. 9. Steel helmet w/ wire net cover and field finish camouflage paint. 10. Y strap – leather w/ metal fittings. 11. Binoculars w/ field made cover. 12. Waffen-SS Duty Belt – leather with metal buckle. 13. Shoes - half boots w/ weathering finish. 14. Kar 98K sniper rifle w/ 4 x Kahles telescopic sight and burlap camouflage. 15. Kar 98K stripper clips x 10. 16. M39 Egg grenade x 4 17. Sand bag x 1 18. Wood log x 1 19. Trench section display base.
On December 1944, Himmler had issue an order to step up the use of sniper among the German armed forces. To answer the call, soldiers from both the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS had signed up and received sniper training. Our impression, SS-Sturmmann "Helmut Thorvald" signed up immediately and quickly earned his “marksman 1st Class” badge in the sniper school. Helmut was issued with a converted Kar 98K rifle with a high turret mount 4 power Kahles telescopic sight. Helmut quickly earned his Scharfschutzenabzeichen (Snipers’ badge, 2nd class) and advancing to the next level with confirmed 60 enemies’ elimination. Helmut was also issued with a pair of M44 trouser made with newly designed SS-Leibermuster pattern, which had less signature when viewed through infrared night vision optics. A camouflage facemask in SS-Eichenlaubmuster pattern is also worn to help him blend in more with the environment at the Kustrin bridgehead at the outskirts of Berlin.