Original Item: Only One Available. This is a heavily service-worn original U.S. WWII frogskin camouflage Jungle Pack, commonly referred to by collectors as the M1942 Jungle Pack, manufactured by Carter Bros., Inc. in 1943. Particularly noteworthy, the front flap was originally ink stamped U.S., then later stenciled U.S.M.C. over that marking before the Marine Corps stencil itself was subsequently painted over. This is the first clearly Marine Corps-marked example of this pattern we have offered, quite significant.
The pack under the front flap is stamped:

CARTER BROS., INC.
1943

The zipper on top of the front flap is in functional condition and is faintly stamped PRENTICE on one side. The pack has various field repairs, including small stitch repairs to tears, and the shoulder straps appear to have been restitched as well, all during the period and likely as a result of being carried by a marine in the field. The brass fittings have some verdigris but overall this set has survived well. There is some color fading as well.

The WWII Pack, Jungle, official stock number 74-P-15, was developed as specialized field equipment for tropical service. The first pattern was tested in Panama before being issued in both camouflage and olive-drab fabric, with substantial use in the Pacific during 1943 and 1944 by both U.S. Army and Marine Corps personnel.

The pack consisted of a large rain-resistant main pouch supported by web shoulder straps, with an adjustable capacity and a protective upper flap. A smaller zippered compartment was incorporated into the upper portion for personal equipment and small articles, while the main compartment could accommodate clothing, rations, and jungle equipment.

External straps allowed additional equipment such as a blanket roll or poncho to be secured to the pack, while attachment points were provided for items including an entrenching tool or bayonet. Web loops on the upper section could also be used to hold natural camouflage material such as grass and foliage.

A later olive-drab version with a larger main compartment was issued for use in the European Theater. That version was officially designated Pack, Field. Collector terminology sometimes applies designations such as “M1942,” “M1943,” or “M1944” to the various Jungle Pack patterns, but these were not the official wartime nomenclature.

The combination of the 1943 Carter Bros. manufacture, faint PRENTICE zipper marking, complete original straps, field repairs, frogskin camouflage fabric, original U.S. stamp, and later U.S.M.C. stencil subsequently painted over makes this an especially interesting service-used Jungle Pack. The layered markings and period repairs provide strong evidence of a long working life and give this example considerably more character and historical interest than an unused pack.