16-285 Garand Picture of the Day

[mdarnell19]

This has always been my favorite picture of a GI with a 1903 A4 sniper. Thanks for posting!

[gsimmons]

They kinda look like gaiters have been altered and attached to the tops of the issue rough out boots.

[Paul S.]

They aren't issue boots and they aren't altered and attached gaiters.

[browningautorifle]

They aren't issue boots

Sort of my thoughts too. The lumberjack boots theory comes closest I think. After all Danner for one has been making that type of boot since snakes first laid eggs...

[Mark in Rochester]

Note the similarity of the boot heal with the above picture

Also the seven eyelets in the original boot then the pitch of the eyelets changes.

Finally the stitching pattern appears identical at the heal and where the upper attaches to the lower.

This suggest to me some type of field modification.

Finally here is a pair of field modified ww2 boots



Scarce modification pre-dating the M1943 buckle boots. Nice leather construction with rubber soles and "BF Goodrich" heels. Original set of brown cotton laces. Identified with initials inside.

[Paul S.]

Mark, I believe you will find the boots the bloke has on has quick lace hooks instead of eyelets at the top, but otherwise you are right that the tops are sewn-on leather.

[Mark in Rochester]

yes I can see the quick lace hooks now that you have pointed them out

[browningautorifle]

This is where I came from in the first place...the boots he has on are 7 eyelets like the roughouts pictured. They have speed lace eyes on the top part. The modified boots pictured have 8 eyelets and then the top piece...not the ones.

[Bill Hollinger]

Mystery solved

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

The depth of knowledge & tenacity in solving a mystery here is second to none.