Original Items: Only One Set Available. Now this is a fantastic and rare opportunity to add a ready to display mannequin. The mannequin is equipped with the uniform and equipment that is iconic to the June 6, 1944 Operation Overlord D-Day Invasion.

Some of the items featured in this lot:

- Original WWII Complete Early War McCord Fixed Bale M1 Helmet With Net and Westinghouse Liner
- Original WWII Full HBT Uniform With Flannel Shirt
- Original WWII M1923 Cartridge Belt
- Original WWII M1928 Haversack With Messkit
- Original WWII Entrenching Tool With Carrier
- Original WWII Waterproof Gas Mask Carrier
- Original WWII Chemical Detection Brassard (Repro)
- Original WWII Issued Boots With Leg Gaiters
- Original WWII M-1938 Wire Cutter in Canvas Pouch.
- Original WWII M1942 Bayonet by Union Cutlery
- Original WWII M1910 Canteen Set

And more! There is a lot to unpack with this display and is an incredible chance to dive into a plethora of research potential.

The United States Army in World War II had a distinct advantage over the Axis when it came to equipment. Both in terms of quality and quantity the power of American industry kept the GI’s well supplied. For a Soldier, equipment is a matter of survival. Even something as simple as a button can make the difference between victory and defeat if it fails to function properly at the wrong time. For this reason Soldiers have a strong tendency to become attached to equipment they like, and to modify or discard equipment they find unreliable or useless. Among the Infantry, who have to carry their equipment wherever they go, this tendency is even stronger.

Soldiers must carry everything they need for combat operations with them at all times.

Individual load carrying equipment is designed to allow the Soldier to carry a basic load of ammunition, food, water, and first-aid gear. The exact make-up of this load varies from conflict to conflict. In more modern times the load has grown to include additional equipment such as gas masks, maps, compasses, and radios. Because of the cost of replacing equipment for Soldiers is high, equipment is usually replaced in phases, with front-line troops receiving the new equipment first. Support units typically receive equipment later as older equipment wears out or becomes obsolete. Because of this, Soldiers in World War II went to war using several different versions of the basic load bearing gear.

Comes more than ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements:
Jacket:
Collar to shoulder: 10"
Shoulder to sleeve: 25”
Shoulder to shoulder: 17.5”
Chest width: 19.5"
Waist width: 19.5"
Front length: 29"

Shirt #1
Approximate Measurement: 36R

Shirt #2
Collar to shoulder: 10"
Shoulder to sleeve: 22.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 17.5”
Chest width: 21.5"
Waist width: 21.5"
Hip width: 17”
Front length: 34"

Pants:
Waist: 38"
Inseam: 32"

Waist: 36"
Inseam: 34"

Shorts:
Size 40

The basic load for the infantry remained just about the same as it had been in World War I. In the early 1920s the Ordnance Department had redesigned the cartridge belt. The new belt included elements from both the pre-war belt, such as an interior strap in each pocket to assist in removing the ammunition clip, and the wartime version, such as the lift-the-dot fasteners. The result was designated as the M1923 cartridge belt.

The pouch for the first aid packet was redesigned with a triangular flap secured by a single lift-the-dot fastener; the new pouch designated as the M1924. The haversack was changed by the addition of quick release buckles, and the button on the flap of the meat can pouch was replaced with a strap and buckle arrangement. It was then designated as the M1928.

Between the wars, the M1910 canteen cup and cover remained unchanged, but beginning in 1942 the Army experimented with making the canteen in a variety of materials including plastic, enameled steel, and corrosive resistant steel. The metal canteen cup was replaced with a black plastic cap beginning in 1942. The new cup was initially flat on top, but beginning in 1943 the cap was made with a recessed top.

In 1942, the manufacture of canteen cups made of corrosive resistant steel began, although aluminum cups continued to manufacture throughout the period as well. The new steel cup had a flared edge, while the aluminum cup continued to have a rolled edge.

The M1910 intrenching shovel and cover continued in use throughout the war, but beginning in 1943 a shovel with a folding blade was introduced along with a new canvas carrier. The shovel and carrier were both designated as M1943. Shortly after production of the new shovel carrier was begun, the Army changed the design by adding a gusset on the back with three pair of eyelets, one above the other. The double belt hook, instead of being in a fixed location could now be adjusted, depending on where the carrier was worn.

In 1944 a new pack system was developed by the Army based upon the system then being used by the United States Marine Corps. The system consisted of three parts, the Pack, Field, Combat, M1944; the Suspenders, Pack, Field and Combat, M1944; and the Pack, Field, Cargo, M1944, that attached to the bottom of the combat pack with quick release straps. The packs were made of cotton canvas with cotton web straps; all were in olive drab shade 7. The Field, and two straps to close the main flap, two flaps with eyelets were provided: one on the top center for the intrenching tool, and one of the left side flap for the M1 bayonet. Bottom straps attached to the Cargo Pack to join the two.

The suspenders could be used alone to support the weight of the pistol or cartridge belt or used to hold the combat field pack. The combat pack had a waterproof liner and interior divisions used to carry the soldiers essential items including field rations, the meat can, knife, fork and spoon, a change of underclothing and socks. A tab with eyelets at the top center of the outside of the pack was used to hold the M1943 intrenching tool and the eyelets on the left side of the flap held the scabbard for the bayonet. Spare clothing and other items not considered to be essential were packed into the cargo pack. This pack could be attached by quick released straps to the bottom of the combat pack, or if not needed, could be detached and left with the company trains. The cargo pack had a waterproof lining and web carrying handle on top so that it could be used as a furlough bag.

The new pack system saw very limited field use in Europe near the end of the war, and it was soon replaced by an upgraded version designated as the M1945. The straps of the two versions were not interchangeable, so many of the M1944 pack were refitted with the new pattern straps, making the M1944 version in its original configuration, somewhat rare. The new system was adopted as Army standard and continued to be manufactured into the 1950s.