Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original U.S. Marine Corps WWII reversible “Frogskin” camouflage shelter half manufactured by Powers & Co. in 1944. It retains vibrant camouflage colors, nearly all of its original buttons and grommets, the worn but still legible contractor label, an original 1944-dated collapsible tent pole, and seven tent pegs.

A shelter half was one of the most basic and important pieces of a Marine’s field equipment. Each man carried one section, and two Marines could button their shelter halves together to form the familiar two-man “pup tent.” The assembled tent provided basic protection from the weather while remaining light enough to be carried as part of an individual field pack.

Unlike the later waterproof poncho, the American shelter half was not designed to be worn as rain clothing. It could also be used as a ground cloth, equipment cover, or improvised concealment, but its primary purpose was to form one half of a two-man field shelter. U.S. Army Quartermaster history specifically notes that the American shelter half could not be used as a poncho and that a separate lightweight poncho was developed during WWII.

This example is made from the highly desirable reversible camouflage fabric commonly known by collectors as “Frogskin.” One side uses a predominantly green camouflage pattern intended for jungle and heavily vegetated terrain, while the reverse uses a lighter brown and tan pattern better suited to beaches, dry ground, and less densely covered areas. This reversible design gave Marines greater flexibility during operations across the varied terrain of the Pacific Theater.

This example retains the original contractor label stitched to one end, though it is stitched a bit slanted. It reads:

SHELTER HALF
CONTRACT NOM 45097
POWERS & CO. 1944

The 1944 date places this example firmly within the later years of the Pacific campaign, when camouflage equipment had become one of the most visually distinctive features associated with the wartime Marine Corps.

The camouflage colors remain strong overall, with scattered staining, fading, and wear from age and field use. The center portion is noticeably more faded than the surrounding fabric, consistent with prolonged exposure, folding, equipment contact, or use in the field.

The shelter half is in outstanding overall condition with just some staining and color fading, there is no serious tearing or other damage, though there is minor verdigris to the fittings. Nearly all of the buttons and grommets remain present, allowing the original construction and fastening arrangement to be clearly appreciated.

The included tent pole set is stamped U.S. EHINGER MFG. CO. / 1942. The pole collapses into sections for easier transport and would have formed part of the equipment needed to erect the shelter. All seven tent pegs are unmarked and are in varying conditions. There is a yellow rope included as well. 

Ready for display.