Pattern 37 Gear

[Aragorn243]

Most of this I acquired over the last week. Two items I've had for a while, the Utility Pouch and the Holster. I have two others but don't have access to them at the moment. The bayonet frog and the entrenching tool with cover. I have two other pieces coming, the second Utility Pouch with attached strap and the Yoke to finish the set. All are WWII marked with the exception of the L straps which I suspect are postwar but unmarked.

I need the two brace straps and possibly the brace extensions. Not sure if they were used with the basic set. Can't find WWII dated in good condition. Most of this I have appears to have never been issued. The L straps are the only things that have seen use.

Considering stuffing them with newspapers to hold the shape. Can the print damage the interiors in any way?

Large Pack Economy Version







Large Pack Standard Version







MK III Basic Pouch







Canteen Cover and Canteen











Cross Braces









Haversack (small pack) With L Straps











Belt with Basic Pouches







Utility Pouch







Holster (Canadian)

Information

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[Low & Slow]

Nice gear. As far as newspaper stuffing, I'd be concerned with not only the ink, but the acid in the paper itself. Others will know better, but I'd be inclined to at least put the newspaper in plastic bags if you go that route.

[GeeRam]

Yeah, I wouldn't use newspaper.

Ask friends etc., to save old bubble wrap and other packaging they put in Amazon delivery boxes etc., and use that. Or just any old t-shirts or old tea towels etc bought cheap from a charity shop.

[Aragorn243]

Bubble wrap, that's a great idea. Thanks.

I have the complete set minus a few of the specialty pouches on the way now. Have to dig out the two items I have squirreled away somewhere.

[Flying10uk]

Economy Version

The belt looks like one of "economy versions" as well which don't seem that common on the collector's market.

Indian 37 Pattern web gear is about and one normally finds that the person selling doesn't realise that it is Indian. The colour and style of weave is slightly different and, unsurprisingly, they have Indian manufacturers markings.

[Aragorn243]

The belt looks like one of "economy versions" as well which don't seem that common on the collector's market.

Not an economy belt, they have the belt end sewn on, this still has the brass ends. It does have the separate strip for the keepers which was made to allow companies that couldn't do the weaving to make them. So it's modified but not one of the true economy ones.

[browningautorifle]

If you need anything here on this site, they have a bit. I can get it and send it...if you like. Dress and Field Kit

[Aragorn243]

I don't see anything there at present but thanks.

I went and just bought the Bren magazines for the pouches. More authentic, they were available although I doubt they are WWII era.

[Flying10uk]

Not an economy belt

The Karkee Web website suggests otherwise. Pattern 1937 Web Equipment

3x 37 Pattern "economy" belts are shown all made using different manufacturing techniques/methods.

[Aragorn243]

And it STILL is not an economy belt. Now I suppose we could debate what is economy measures all day which would be pointless. This belt has one non-standard feature not done for economy but so manufacturers without the capacity to weave the hook openings could still manufacture the belts. All brass fittings are present. True economy belts used less metal and steel fittings rather than brass. It was to save war materials and this practice started in 1943. This is a 1941 belt. Only two companies had the ability to integral weave the belts, so these belts are not uncommon either, this is standard early war production for all companies besides Mills and M Wright and Sons. These contracts were awarded starting in 1939 as the war started and Mills and M Wright couldn't meet demand.