My Collection- United States Army

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These are reproduction and original items (denoted in description)

First up is the gear I have to do a Soldier of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 133rd Regiment, 34th Infantry Division.

My impression can cover pretty much everything minus early and pre-war (I don't have a Kelly Helmet or '03 and my wool shirt is the later model convertible collar with the gas flap though I can button it up and at first glance you wouldn't know...

NOW ON TO THE GEAR!

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All my gear (because it feels bigger in one blob)

(o)=Original
(r)=Repro
(t)=throw together (something period but non-issue, or something modern that I use in lieu of a repro/original that I "backdate")

Cap, Garrison, OD, Light Blue Piping (r)
Shirt, Flannel, OD (r)
Trousers, wool, serge, OD, light shade (r)
Jacket, Field, OD (2nd Pattern) (r)
Belt, Web, Waist, EM M1937 (t)
Shoes, Service, Reverse upper (r)
Leggings, Canvas, M1938, dismounted (o)
Cap, wool, knit M1941 (r)
Helmet, Steel, M1 (1943+) (o)
Liner, Helmet M1, New Type (1943+) (o)
Haversack & Meatcan pouch M1910 (o)
Canteen,Stainless steel (1943) (o)
Cup, Stainless Steel (1944) (o)
Cover, Canteen, Dismounted, M1910 (o out of use because of damage)
Cover, Canteen, Mounted, M-1941 (o)
Canteen, Aluminum, M-1910 (Dated 1918) (o)
Cup, M-1910 (Dated 1918) (o)
First Aid Packet, Carlisle Model (o)
Pouch, First-aid Packet, M1924 (o)
Belt, Cartridge, Cal .30, M1923, dismounted (o)
Belt, Cartridge, Cal .30, M1923, dismounted (r)
Knife, Trench M3 (o)
Scabbard, M6 (possible r could be o)
Bayonet, M1 (o)
Scabbard, Bayonet, M7 (o)
U.S. Rifle, Cal .30, M1 (possibly original but has newer parts most likely from a few overhauls)
Carrier, Shovel, Entrenching M1910 (r)
Shovel, Entrenching M1910 (r)
Messkit and utensils (dated 1944) (o?)
Jacket, Herringbone Twill, Special (12 March 1943) (r)
Trousers, Herringbone Twill, Special (10 March 1943) (r)
Fingerless Gloves, Civilian Made (t)
Boots, Service, Combat (r)
Pattern 1940 Brass ID Tags with chain (r)
Helmet, Steel, Parachutist's, M1C (o)
Liner, Helmet, M1C, New Type (1943+) (o)
Boots, Jumper, Parachute, (r)
Holster, Pistol, Cal .45, M-1916 (r)
Pocket, Magazine, Double-web, M-1923 (r)
Carrier, Pack, M-1928 (o)
Coat, Parachute Jumper (r)
Trousers, Parachute Jumper (r)
Suspenders, Belt, M-1936 (o)
Bag, Canvas, Field, OD, M-1936 x2 (o)

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Shoes, Service, Reverse upper





These were an issued service shoe that started appearing about 1943 or so. Before that they wore the smooth side out service shoes with toe caps. These have no toe caps and are darker from use and dubbing (around 5+ coats of mink oil since I bought them) they are from World War Two Impressions and are an excellent set of boots. They even have the proper soles. The laces were nylon to keep them from rotting.

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Leggings, Canvas, M1938, dismounted



These are standard canvas leggings in a very faded olive drab. They are originals but the dates and information wore off of the poor things a long time ago. And yes they are a pain to lace but you do get faster with practice.

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Pattern 1943 Trousers with the gas flap behind the fly. That was an addition made to Army uniforms mid war. Otherwise you wouldn't be able to tell. Made of a flannel wool, they can be quite comfy if you dig flannel. World War Two Impressions Repro

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Pattern 1941 shirt with convertible collar. Also made of flannel wool this was the dual field/service uniform for the Army. The original didn't have the gasflap (shown in second picture, its the flap of fabric that gets buttoned behind the regular buttons) and had a full button up collar. Sadly I haven't got a tie to tie and tuck behind the thing, but I never wear these things to any dress up events and we aren't Patton's Army. Wool on Wool Pfc stripes are handsewn. World War Two Impressions Repro.

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The M1941 Field Jacket. This was worn over the wool shirt for field use. There was a 1940 model prior known as the Parson's Jacket, it differed in having button flaps on the pockets. This particular one has rayon Pfc stripes and an original 34th Division Patch handsewn on. The back shows the adjusting tabs. The inside is a flannel wool liner, very comfy to have as a jacket, If it wasn't so large and had patches and chevrons on it I'd wear it as a late fall early winter jacket. At The Front Repro.

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A Garrison Cap in olive drab wool with the Infantry Piping. I do not have a 133rd DI (Distinctive Insignia) to place on it. They aren't around (even on Ebay) and if they are they are quickly bid on. World War Two Impressions.

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The 2nd Pattern HBT uniform. Ironically it was made to be worn over uniform items (which makes for interesting combinations you may or may not notice). This was supposed to be a Summer uniform of sorts, not a full replacement. Ironically they issued these in large quantities before Torch because they felt it would be very very hot in the desert... it was... but it was also very very cold. Ironically they made the same goof in Sicily/Italy thinking it would be nice cool Mediterranean temperatures and issued wools... and it was steaming Hot. Pictures detail the very large cargo pockets as well as the HBT weave and the 13 star buttons. They also include a gas flap (not shown) and my biggest compaint is that they are lacking in hip pockets... Trousers are repro from At The Front but they do use original buttons.

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This is the 2nd Pattern HBT Jacket. It also has the gas flap and two large chest pockets. These were made to be worn in lieu of the field jacket but at times you can see them tossed on over just a shirt, it was obviously more comfortable during the summer.