Web Gear Sets

[Harlan (Deceased)]

I put some web gear pieces I have into sets as they would be carried.
The grommet hole placements are pretty ingenious -
There always seem to be a place for attaching any gear, suspenders, etc

First set is all early 1942-1943 marked with a couple of 'transitional' pieces.

Attachment 28235

The second set is late Marine.

Attachment 28231Attachment 28232Attachment 28233Attachment 28234

The third set is also early with some different types of gear.

Attachment 28230Attachment 28229

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[MeatMarket]

What was intended to be carried in the small pouch hanging under the belt?

[gsimmons]

Its a First aid pouch.

[browningautorifle]

Yes, Carlisle bandage pouch. I found a brand new carlisle bandage still in the brown cardboard yesterday at a friend's militaria store. $5 Cdn. Now for the canvas case...1942 issue only will do.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Dang it Jim, both of my pouches are 1943 - guess I'll throw them out and start looking again.

Both of my bandages are the type with red tins and red color bandages inside. They started making them with green bandages next from what I've read and they're in green tins. Then they started putting them in cardboard boxes with a wax-like coating. I've never opened one to see what's inside though.

The tins are easily dented and they're a little difficult to find without being distorted.

[browningautorifle]

Mine has a wax cardboard outer that has no ends. The cover is black. I think this is some kind of coding as to what's within. Yes Harlan, you will have to discard those pouches. Just send them here and I will dispose of them properly. It's just that my belt is a 42, I want to match it. I have a 42 marked pistol belt too, but I don't think it will ever get set up.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Too late Jim. They went out with the trash this morning. Couldn't stand looking at them after I realized they were 1943.

Seriously, I'll keep my eye out for a 1942 pouch for you. I don't think web gear is as hard to find down here in the States.

I've also been thinking of selling the bottom set above, but I'm sure you wouldn't like it - It's a mix of 43 ans 42 with a WWI dated shovel cover and canteen so it's a real fashion faux pas!

[browningautorifle]

I just need the single pouch Harlan. I'd go broke setting up with all you have. Like you say the rarity up here is unreal. Most of it just doesn't show up.

I guess a 43 would be ok but I didn't know they were still tan then. I thought the first ones in 42 were it.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Oh yes, Jim, many things were still made khaki (O.D. #3) in 1943, and some even later. There were SO many manufacturers, as you know, who made this gear, many had huge stocks of O.D. #3 and they used them up before changing to O.D. #7 (Olive drab green) They even made some items using both colors on the same item so they could use up their stock of O.D.#3.