M-1938 Riding Gloves Unlined Info Desired

[jca]

Hello,
I'am new to both this site and forum. My ninty two year old father dug out an old pair of leather gloves that were issued to him during the Second World War. He served as a company armorer in an ordinance battalion of an armored division from 1942-1946. I did some research and found in an old quartermaster issue guide dated 1943 that these gloves were issued as M-1938 Riding Gloves Unlined. I found that there are many reproductions of these gloves available on the internet. However, much to my surprise, I have not found much info regarding original examples. My father's serial number is marked in each glove. and there is also a number 8 and a letter S stamped in them as well. I assume that these are size marks. I found no other markings. I also read that these gloves were utilized by airborne troops. I also read (and surmise based on their nomenclature) they were issued to mounted troops as well. Do these glove types have any value? I would also surmise that these gloves were probably issued in the hundreds of thousands-if not more during the war. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks again in advance.

Information

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[RT Ellis]

The information you have is basically correct, the gloves were designed for use by soldiers assigned duties involved with horses and the specification was approved in 1938. "Army Service Force Catalog QM Sec. 1 Enlisted Men's Clothing and Equipment" August 1943, page 17 illustrates two riding gloves: "Gloves, Horsehide, Riding, Lined" Stock No. 73-G-21398 - 73-G-21421 and "Gloves, Horsehide, Riding, Unlined" Stock No. 73-G-22010 - 73-G-22050 (each size was assigned a separate stock number and your example was probably Stock No. 73-G-22010). The unlined glove is described as "A sturdy general issue glove. Do not use for heavy work for which gloves, leather, heavy, will be furnished. Can be washed in soap and water but not dried near open flames and heat or on radiators."

As you already recognize the "A-6230" is the first initial of your father's last name and the last four digits of his Army Service Number (serial number). Uniform collectors usually refer to this marking as a "laundry mark" because it was by regulations marked on issued uniforms, but also equipment items for accountability. The "8" is most likely an inspector mark, and the "S" for size small.

As you wrote, and is indicated in the supply catalog the gloves were approved for general issue to any unit authorized issue on the table of allowences. The use by airborne soldiers is well documented, and replicas have been produced by several of the companies that supply uniforms and equipment to collectors and reenactors. It is the use by American airborne soldiers during WWII that has driven the collector value of this particular item because of the rarity of originals and the desirability of the item to complete a collection. I would not be surprised that you will receive email offering to acquire these gloves from you.

Military uniform and equipment items, and supplies of all kinds came in two general categories: expendable and durable, that was used to determine accountability. There was no requirement to account for expendable supplies like toilet paper - it was issued and that was the end (no pun intended) of that, no one wanted it back. When anything issued to soldiers were lost or damaged through "fair wear and tear" the item was inspected and condemned (I-C) salvaged and the unit was authorized to requisition a replacement. If the item was lost or destroyed by neglect by the soldier(s) they could be charged a replacement cost. I only mention this because there were of course uniform and equipment items that were more susceptible to wear out and gloves was one of them. To take this one step further when soldiers took uniforms and equipment home after discharge the more useful items often got daily use and wore out. Gloves being one of the more useful items and easily worn out, are relatively low on the survivor list. As a consequence examples, especially in the condition you provided images of, are "rare" and highly desirable as collector items. Demand is high and supply low.

[jca]

Thanks RT!
That is some great info you provided. Just curious- would care to speculate on a value range for these? I did not notice any tears or loose stitching but they are a little soiled.
Thank you very much!
JCA

[RT Ellis]

No clue as to current market value, I'm not a collector and my area of research for a book project does not include uniform items. If you are considering disposing of the gloves you should prepare a certificate of authenticity with your father's story of military service, units, places, awards and decorations, and circumstances of the issue of the gloves. Be sure to have him sign it, and maybe even notarize. A copy of his DD214 would also be desirable documentation to include with the certificate of authenticity. This is sure to enhance the gloves desirability and marketability.

I suggest if you haven’t already done it get your father to tell his story and record it in any way convenient, I set up my father with an extra computer and had him work on his memoirs at his leisure. He didn't complete it but did get through his WWII service. He also kept an album of photos and other memorabilia that I sat down with him and had him recall what he could about each item.

On another occasion I tape recorded my maternal grandfather telling what history of the family he could recall. I also taped an interview with a veteran of U.S. Mexico Border Service and WWI that would have been forever lost.

[jca]

Thanks again RT!
This is great advice and I will definitely do the things you recommended if I decide to sell them. I have his Ike jacket, dog tags and some other items along with pictures and in the early ninties I used his DD214 to get his medals/awards from the Military Records Office in St Louis. I have them in a shadow box. In the mid ninties, we both took a trip to Europe and retraced the route of his division from France through Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Austria where they ended up at wars end. I have tried to get my father to tell his story on paper or recorder for years but he is a worse procrastinator than I am ( runs in the family).
Thank you very much!
JCA

[browningautorifle]

I know this isn't what you asked, but those are very desireable I think. You seldom see them and they're great shape. If one was doing a Jumper display, they'd be much needed. Very nice...