Item Description
Original Items: Only One Grouping Available. This is an excellent grouping of WWII US Marine Corps uniforms and equipment. This type of grouping would be considered a “ready to display” group where all you would need to do is assemble it. It isn’t very often that you come across a grouping like this, especially one that is composed of 90 percent unissued items.
During WWII the U.S. military used cotton webbing and canvas materials to produce personal equipment to be used in the field by it's personnel. The predominant color of the USMC equipment from that era was a mustard shade of khaki. As the war progressed and by the time the USMC landed at Okinawa the USMC started issuing their gear in a similar color to the U.S. Army's light OD #3. However, the USMC did not waste precious equipment and the use of mustard/khaki shade canvas gear continued will into the 1950s when the USMC landed at Inchon, Korea. Many Korean nationals termed the Marines "Yellow Legs" because of the mustard/khaki shade canvas leggings. The images below may at times not show an accurate representation of actual color shade of the item.
The most notable items in this lot:
- Unissued 1944 M1 McCord Swivel Bale Helmet with First Pattern USMC HBT Camouflage Cover and Firestone Liner: This is a very nice example of a genuine WWII helmet Issued to the world's finest fighting force, the U.S. Marine Corps complete with a very rare First Pattern HBT Reversible Camouflage cover. While it is not marked with an EGA, these were only issued to Marines during WWII, and were all made of Herringbone Twill fabric, unlike later versions. It is a "1st Pattern" due to the lack of securing holes for foliage that the later WWII patterns had. This is a beautiful example of a genuine unissued M1 helmet!
The U.S. WWII M-1 helmet was only produced from 1941 to 1945. The first production batch resulted with over 323,510 M-1 helmets before the start of the American involvement in the war. This helmet is heat-lot stamped 1032 A, indicating approximate manufacture during August - September 1944, shortly before the move to a rear seam.
The included USMC reversible camouflage cover is in very good condition which still retains vibrant coloration. There is no stenciled EGA present, a common sight to see on these covers. This stamping on the covers was done post war and into the Korean War, meaning this either escaped that fate or was never used post WWII. This is of the early first pattern variety which was not fitted with slots on the surface for foliage. Needless to say, these covers are seldom found today, as many were used and subsequently worn out during WWII.
The liner is the correct “high pressure” WWII issue and stamped with an F "Shield" logo over 26 for the FIRESTONE TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY. Manufactured in Akron, Ohio this “high pressure” manufactured M-1 helmet liner is identified by an embossed “F” in the crown. Firestone Tire and Rubber Company started M-1 helmet liner delivery to the US Army in September 1942. They produced approximately 7,500,000 M-1 helmet liners and discontinued production around August 17 1945 when the war ended.
This true US WWII M-1 helmet liner be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WWII features include cotton OD Green #3 herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in lightly worn condition, with some areas having light discoloration. This HBT suspension is held tightly within the M-1 helmet liner by rivets and a series of triangular "A" washers. The three upper suspension bands are joined together with the correct OD green string, so that the wearer could adjust the fit. The sweatband is in good condition, showing light wear and is a lovely light brown color. The liner chinstrap is present and in solid condition with slight surface cracking.
- Unissued USMC HBT Herringbone Twill P44 Combat Field Utility Uniform Set: This is a wonderful example of the legendary USMC P41 HBT uniform. The uniform itself does not show signs of wear and is presented without any damage aside from fading. A wonderful feature is the visible 1925 Eagle, Globe and Anchor on the left breast pocket. On May 28, 1925, a new, standard version of the EGA was approved by the Commandant of the Marine Corps Major General John A. Lejeune and the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore D. Robinson. This version, designed by Staff Sergeant Joseph H. Burnett, featured: a side-looking eagle grasping the middle of a “SEMPER FIDELIS” banner on top of a globe, featuring the detailed view of the Western hemisphere with curved lines of latitude and longitude.
The 1941 Pattern Utility Uniform was one of the standard uniforms of the United States Marine Corps during World War II. The uniform was exceedingly simple, consisting of only two pieces. These were the green or khaki, cotton jacket and trousers. While initially intended only to be a working uniform or one to be used for general purpose work, it quickly became adopted as standard for field and combat duty. Most importantly for the Pacific, it was straightforward and did not contain unnecessary features that would hinder marines in combat.
The jacket itself had three pockets, all without flaps, and only three metal buttons that ran down its center. The trousers contained more variables, with pockets being shifted and or removed depending on manufacturer. Notably, it was reported by marines in combat that the standard utility uniform held better camouflage characteristics than the dedicated M1942 One-Piece Camouflage Suit when moving.
The 1941 Utility Uniform was standardized for widespread usage on November 7, 1941. Because the utility uniform was used for basically all combat, field, and harsh environments and used without the service uniform underneath, the service uniform was effectively reserved only for formal events. By the end of the Pacific War, the M1941 Utility Uniform along with the M1942 M1 Helmet Cover effectively became the stand out icon of the United States Marine Corps and its service during the conflict.
- Lightly Worn Size 8 USMC “Boondocker” Boots Field Shoe (Matched Pair): The field shoe was introduced in 1941 to provide Marines with a more durable shoe for use in the field. During the interwar years the polished, cordovan, leather soled shoe was utilized for both field and garrison duty. Designed primarily for style and comfort, the cordovan shoe featured a full lining, leather outsoles, a highly polished exterior complete with toe cap and brogue holes; features that weren't necessarily ideal for rough terrain. The new field shoe reintroduced rough out uppers, a feature which hadn't been used on a general issue shoe since WWI, and full rubber outsoles and heels. These two principle features enabled the shoe to better resist moisture and increase its wear in the field - vast improvements over the cordovan shoe. Later, the Army and Navy would adopt field shoes with similar characteristics.
This shoe is an unlined, plain toe, high-top, blucher pattern with flesh-out uppers and a composition rubber sole and heel. It was issued to both officers and enlisted men for use in the field.
These shoes were worn with various field uniforms. They were also occasionally worn with the winter and summer service uniforms, especially overseas during the latter part of the War.
- Unissued KA-BAr USMC Fighting Knife.
Plus many more items, see photos to understand what is included. This is a fantastic grouping packed full of research potential. All items are in wonderful condition and are either in mint unissued or very lightly used excellent condition. Comes more than ready for further research and display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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