Italian Pattern 37 Web Gear

Here is the Pattern 37 Italian gear I just picked up. I know there is more I am missing but I don't know what. I have never seen any pictures of this stuff in use so it would be great if someone could post some or point me in the right direction.

I have quite a few pieces of Italian WE 37 which I will photograph and post tomorrow.

Wolverine wrote:I have quite a few pieces of Italian WE 37 which I will photograph and post tomorrow.

Looking forward to it. Did you get a hang of the online posting?

Yes, I can upload photos from a third-party site, but can't seem to host them directly from my computer for some reason.

Anyways, here are some examples:

3 types of ammunition pouches, with belt and holster:
On the left is an Italian adaptation of the WE 37 basic pouch; in the centre is a 3-cell charger pouch, somewhat similar to the WE 37 charger pouches, or the 1925 or 1940 pattern; and at right is some type of magazine pouch, but it doesn't resemble any particular British type.


Italian webbing of this type rarely has any markings, except for the sizing on the belt.

Here is an Italian set of WE 37 utility pouches. In this case, the yoke and the front pouch (ie, the pouch with the strap sewn to the lower rear panel) are of Italian manufacture, while the rear pouch (ie, the pouch with the loop sewn to the lower rear panel) is actually an original British example, c. 1941. It is useful to show these side by side, as it illustrates the differences between wartime British canvas, and postwar Italian canvas. All three pieces came from Italian stocks.


Notice that the brass tips on the strap ends of Italian webbing have solid rather than open faced rivets.
For those who aren't familiar with WE 37, the utility pouches were designed to carry various ammunition loads, such as LMG magazines, 2-inch mortar bombs, et cetera. The Belgians and Dutch also made their own versions of the WE 37 utility pouch set.

Here is an Italian WE 37 brace connector - very similar to the original British type, but with Italian canvas, and no markings.

Wolverine wrote:Yes, I can upload photos from a third-party site, but can't seem to host them directly from my computer for some reason.

Anyways, here are some examples:

3 types of ammunition pouches, with belt and holster:
On the left is an Italian adaptation of the WE 37 basic pouch; in the centre is a 3-cell charger pouch, somewhat similar to the WE 37 charger pouches, or the 1925 or 1940 pattern; and at right is some type of magazine pouch, but it doesn't resemble any particular British type.

Italian webbing of this type rarely has any markings, except for the sizing on the belt.

If you click the button with the little disc on it, then click choose file, it should let you select from you computer. From there, click "host it" and it should generate 3 links. Copy and paste the middle one.

Great pics. Any idea where these were used. I'm guessing Lebanon?

Perhaps Lebanon, but not specifically - I think that you would find this kit was generally issued from the 1950s up to the 1980s, or even the 1990s, when the ALICE type was phased in. I have seen images post 1990 of soldiers with woodland uniforms and the WE 37 kit.

Wolverine wrote:Here is an Italian set of WE 37 utility pouches. In this case, the yoke and the front pouch (ie, the pouch with the strap sewn to the lower rear panel) are of Italian manufacture, while the rear pouch (ie, the pouch with the loop sewn to the lower rear panel) is actually an original British example, c. 1941. It is useful to show these side by side, as it illustrates the differences between wartime British canvas, and postwar Italian canvas. All three pieces came from Italian stocks.


Notice that the brass tips on the strap ends of Italian webbing have solid rather than open faced rivets.
For those who aren't familiar with WE 37, the utility pouches were designed to carry various ammunition loads, such as LMG magazines, 2-inch mortar bombs, et cetera. The Belgians and Dutch also made their own versions of the WE 37 utility pouch set.

Interesting, are both straps on the Italian one sewn to the pouch?

Here is another belt, without the rear brace connectors, and some type of magazine pouch. It looks like a perfect fit for a pair of M1 carbine magazines, but that is only a guess.
Again, notice the solid rivets on the brass tips on the belt ends.

abefroman wrote:

Wolverine wrote:Here is an Italian set of WE 37 utility pouches. In this case, the yoke and the front pouch (ie, the pouch with the strap sewn to the lower rear panel) are of Italian manufacture, while the rear pouch (ie, the pouch with the loop sewn to the lower rear panel) is actually an original British example, c. 1941. It is useful to show these side by side, as it illustrates the differences between wartime British canvas, and postwar Italian canvas. All three pieces came from Italian stocks.


Notice that the brass tips on the strap ends of Italian webbing have solid rather than open faced rivets.
For those who aren't familiar with WE 37, the utility pouches were designed to carry various ammunition loads, such as LMG magazines, 2-inch mortar bombs, et cetera. The Belgians and Dutch also made their own versions of the WE 37 utility pouch set.

Interesting, are both straps on the Italian one sewn to the pouch?

There is just one long strap sewn to the pouch, which is passed around the wearer's chest, through the rear pouch loop, and then buckled into itself around front.

And here are some Italian web anklets:

And a well used pair of Italian braces (left and right) - with solid rivets on the end tips.

Found this picture from Lebanon. Notice the interchangable use between the leather strap ones and the snap ones.

Also, any idea if the Canteen is specific to the 37 Pattern or if it is the same used with the ALICE Gear?

abefroman wrote:Found this picture from Lebanon. Notice the interchangable use between the leather strap ones and the snap ones.

Excellent photo!
The snap fasteners are probably mostly on original British pouches that found their way into Italian stocks. The Italian-made ones will have the leather buckles, or possible LTD fasteners.

abefroman wrote:Also, any idea if the Canteen is specific to the 37 Pattern or if it is the same used with the ALICE Gear?

Another great photo. Note that while no ammunition pouches are worn, one man has imply tucked a magazine into his belt.
Given that the canteen carrier has ALICE-type clips, I think it was intended for the ALICE-type equipment specifically. However, no reason why it could not be used with the earlier equipment. The question remains though, was there a purpose-designed canteen/carrier for the Italian WE 37? Or did the army continue to use the old wartime design (see below)?

Just picked up these Italian ammo pouches. Looking for the suspenders and belt still.

There are usually lots of belts on Italian Ebay, although I have found shipping from Italy to N. America to be especially expensive. The suspenders can be found too from the same source.

Here are some more what look like ammo pouches. Wolverine posted one already. For some reason I remember seeing somewhere that these may have been used by the San Marco Battalion but I can't find any sources or pictures to back to that up.

Winter web gear mod.37 used by alpini for old winter suit.


https://picasaweb.google.com/105258022767361692246/18Luglio201502#slideshow/6172845473017467554

Very nice exhibit!

Did Italians (in 50s and 60s) also produce copies of British large and small packs M37? Or they used only British style belt with straps and pouches?

Good questions.