By: Frank W. K. Hall

Frank W. K. Hall — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:52:29 +0000

I would like very much to see the shelter half unfolded & opened up. I’ve been told the WWI shelter half only had a fly on one end so that when paired with another to make a pup tent, only one end of the tent could be closed up. I notice the M1903 Springfield rifle is in the M1903A1 configuration with the quite uncommon type C stock so highly valued by collectors. This stock has a full pistol grip and no finger grooves on the sides of the stock. My authorities state the C stock first appeared in 1929 for use on National Match rifles. They were so well received that they were used on service rifles in the 1930s. Also. you show an early scabbard with a leather sheath – a M1905 modified from Birnie hanger to the 1910 hook & eye system. The M1910 scabbard usually encountered has an outer web sheath with a leather tip. The left side of the ammo belt has oval rather than round eyelets which is unusual; early snaps with eagles (rather than the later “push the dot” snaps); and the individual pouches have puckered bottoms typical of the woven Mills belt. Later mass produced belts had flat bottoms simply stitched into place. Interesting that in two photos you show two types of shaving kits: the Gilette “kakhi” model in it’s hard shell box and another type in a cloth or canvas wrap. Altogether a terrific series of photos of a great collection of individual gear and equipment. regards, Frank

Comments on: The Doughboy’s Uniform and Equipment

By: Frank W. K. Hall