WW2 US rifle case?

[BurtonP]

I've recently acquired a number of soft rifle cases, many of them military, and among them are these two. They have similarities to the carriers for US 1903 Springfield, which is what makes me think they're US. One is dated 1942, and the other possibly 1945, but other than an 1162 stamp on both there are no other markings. They are cotton canvas webbing with leather trim. Strangely, they are different lengths, so one may have been modified/repaired.



Does anyone recognize them?

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[MAC702]

Can you tell between which features the lengths are different? It appears to be the same from the front of the strap to the tip, which is where I would have first looked for a length difference based on a repair.

Looks to be between the front of the strap and the middle of the strap. Odd, to me.

[RCS]

I also have a case which I am unable to identify, it is US issue from WW1 and re-issued during late WW2. I t could be a M1903 or M1917 rifle case, a rifle with a scope mounted or a M1918 without bipod. have posted these photos before and never a clear answer, my only guess is that it can be used for anything that fits inside !

[BurtonP]

You are completely right. On closer examination I can't find evidence of modification, so it seems that this case came in different lengths. Very curious. Have you seen this type before? Am I right to think it's US military?
I'm pretty sure it's not a commonwealth forces type.

[BurtonP]

I also have a case which I am unable to identify, it is US issue from WW1 and re-issued during late WW2.

There are similarities between the fittings on our cases. The strap ends are different, but the buckle is similar. The webbing looks the same, while your canvas seems like a heavier grade than mine. These are all quite different than the Commonwealth equivalents.
If they are military I'd have expected them to be really common. The only match I can find for mine is one sold that is attributed to a USAF Colonel.
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1024...isting_details

[BurtonP]

I'm not certain either way and I'd believe that scenario. I'm perfectly happy for it to be civilian, as it will be used either way, and I picked them up cheaply as part of a job lot.

I think maybe the 1162 stamp accompanied by a date in the same place on both of them undermines that interpretation somewhat, as I've never seen anything similar on a civilian version. If it's re-use of previously stamped military material I wouldn't expect it to be in the same place on both of them, or there at all.