The colours used on Austro-Hungarian Artillery

The question of what colours was used on the War Machines of WW1 is a constant problem. The Standard French, German, British and Russian colours are pretty much nailed down now. That cannot be said of the colouring of the heavy equipment of the Austro-Hungarian Army. The crux is the same as with any WW1 army colours: there are only very, very few colour photographs (and interpreting black-and-white photographs regarding the correct hues is almost impossible) and many times the surviving pieces of equipment have been repainted.

Here I have gathered some photos of surviving pieces of Austro-Hungarian guns from WW1. These have been chosen because they all appear to have their original coat of paint.

From these, it appears that two principal types of hues were used. Note that there are shades within these principal colours, depending either on the different fading that these types of equipment have been subjected through the years, and the different batches of colour. 

First, a somewhat pale olive green, with a hint of brown in it, thus:

       

The best approximation of this hue, when it comes to model paint, is probably the Humbrol no 159, Matt Khaki Drab, or Humbrol no 105, Matt Marine Green.

Secondly, a light leathery brown, a bit of khaki mixed with nut and a bit of brick-red, thus:

           

The best approximation of this hue, when it comes to model paint, is probably the Humbrol no 62, Matt Leather. This seems to have been the most common mode of camouflage.

Thirdly, patches of light green and sand yellow over light brown, with the green patches dominating, and together with the yellow patches forming a sort of segmented camo, thus:

   

This camo with all probability is a development from camo no.2, the overall light leathery brown. New colours are added by brush.

These are just simple suggestions, based on these surviving pieces of WW1 equipment. If anyone has any new information or correction, do not hesistate to send them over!