Original U.S. WWII US Army Signal Corps Lineman’s Tool Set With CS-34 Leather Pouch, Kutmaster Pocket Knife and TL-13-A Pliers
In stock
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Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is a very good original U.S. WWII Army Signal Corps lineman’s tool set consisting of a CS-34 leather pouch, Kutmaster electrician’s pocket knife, and EMCO TL-13-A lineman’s pliers. Sets of this type were issued for field communications work and gave Signal Corps personnel the basic tools needed for cutting, stripping, preparing, and repairing wire. Period advertising for Army surplus sets after the war specifically describes the combination of a TL-29 knife, TL-13-A six-inch side-cutting pliers, and carrying case as a U.S. Army Signal Corps electrician’s set.
The set includes the following items:
- Electrician’s Pocket Knife by Kutmaster, not marked as TL-29. The TL 29 is often thought of as a WW2 pocket knife but actually predates WW2. The TL-29 started life as the Signal Corps Knife and dates back to at least May of 1919 when the first Army specification was put together. This example is not marked TL-29.
These early knives are often just considered Signal Corps Knives. Signal Corps knives are typically marked on their escutcheons with either SC-USA or Signal Corps. Another key identifying feature of these knives is the presence of a half circle cutout on both sides of the screw driver blade like this example.
As the knife progressed through the 1930s, through World War 2, and into the post war era, quality and craftsmanship began to decline. Post World War 2 knives are most frequently made with plastic materials and the more expensive brass bolsters and liners are often replaced with steel. This most likely began during World War 2 as brass was a much needed commodity for other water materials.
The overall condition of the knife is fair showing heavy use and oxidation. It is not marked with TL-29.
- EMCO TL-13-A Pliers. Good shape with heavy service wear.
Lastly is the CS-34 type leather pouch that is marked:
POUCH, CS-34
SIGNAL CORPS U.S. ARMY
This set is particularly noteworthy for the combination of its Signal Corps-marked CS-34 pouch, Kutmaster electrician’s knife, and military-designated TL-13-A lineman’s pliers. Together, the three pieces represent the compact hand-tool equipment used to maintain the wired communications systems that remained essential to U.S. Army field operations throughout WWII.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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