WWII HBT

--Found a very convincing WWII style HBT coverall this past weekend. As per the norm, this was picked up at a thrift-store, and therefore-- no pedigree was included, nor was there anyone to ask about a point of origin. Also, as usual-- it was dirt cheap. Seeing as how a repro would cost me upwards of $80.00 anyway-- the fact that I dropped $14.00 on this is not a tragedy by any stretch.

Is it possible that something from the 1940's could be in such good condition? I have gotten NOS WWII items before, and even in the very best condition, there are still usually signs of age. This item appears to have none.






There's ink-roll marks. Several about the interior waist that say "120," plus, a red stamp that says "SQ-104 200" in a very convincing period-font.

Had an original one of these years back and while I cannot ID yours,have you had a look inside one of the various pockets as from memory mine had the cloth spec tag inside one of teh pockets.

Those are a very nice find, whether original or not. The repros out now are pretty good. I think if you have a black light (essential for the WW2 collector) the thread will glow under it if it's a repro. Some companies use all cotton thread. I think those might be repro, based on the thread color which seems just a bit off to me, but it's a tough call on a computer monitor. Most companies (Sturm, ATF, etc) will mark the item in some fashion a a repro.

Thanks for the input, lads!

'Bunker... I kinda' ran with your idea and snipped a few stray threads, and burned them. The result was organic, and not a synthetic-- so if it a fake, ,it is a good one. Which is... *almost* a bummer. I had ideas of wearing it whilst working on the Bimmer...

But, I guess I'll just have to live with cataloging it and stowing it.

I know what you're saying about Sturm, and I appreciate that they do it the way that they do.

Thanks to you both.

--Dan

Did you check for labels?

Hey, Gulf-- can I get a "hell yeah?"



=]

Thanks! I *thought* I looked in all of the pockets, but I apparently missed one, repeatedly.

Doesnt look like a repro label so looks as if you struck gold there.

Just found this. You did great on this one. It's the real deal! I've got 2 1st pattern hbt jackets and a pair of M43 pants that are so mint they are scarry. Stuff like that still turns up.

Fins...

It is *so cool* when they do, right?

I never go out expecting to find anything of 1940's vintage. I used to just think that's what ebay was for, but-- in point of fact-- I've found almost all the WWII stuff I have at second-hands, and though most of it is not *rare*, it is also not common.

It is a rush, for sure. Maybe not "Indiana Jones" material, but close enough to make me happy.