Field Desk

[MPicciotto]

Well first you need a table. Until the large desk that I have came out very late in the war all the field desks were set on top of tables. I'd suggest finding one of these:

http://store.colemans.com/cart/table-folding-field-us-gi-unused-p-1940.html

The US Army field table. For authenticity yours should have square legs and not round ones as are used later. But the design is virtually unchanged from WW2 until the 80's. On top of that you can put your typewriter and other "stuff" For a shelf and doubles as storage/carrying case for your "stuff" I'd get an ammo or ration crate. Like one of these:

http://www.rationcrate.com/

Alternatively you could use other crates that may be easier to find for you depending on where your WarCo was located. An Army Air Base is going to have lots of stuff in crates of all sizes for aircraft and vehicle maintenance. A French town might have some wine crates...

Matt

 

[JustCallMeLexie]

Thanks so much for all the help! If/when I get one put together, I'll post some pictures.

 

[Phantomfixer]

For a field table cheap: Find a few wood skids, like the ones behind walmart. Carefully take them apart, harder than it sounds. Cut the boards to length(your choice) and piece together a table. We did this to add to our field table inventory. The only cost was paint and hinges. The wood is rough so a belt sander is needed to smooth out the top when put together. Paint is not required as they were built "in theater". Made a wash basin too, from skids.

I like the idea of an old foot locker for a field desk. Very cool.

 

[John in Covina]

I am reminded of the little dissertation about the field desk the guys built for their expedition by Steinbeck in "The Log of the Sea of Cortez" which is a wonderful lesson on planning.

 

[Shangas]

I wanted to share this with others.

In another forum which I frequent, a member recently asked for suggestions regarding a portable/carry-anywhere desk. Another member recommended an army-surplus field-desk. They look like this:

Apparently they date to WWII, and they're made of sheet-steel. I just think it's really cool. I thought others here might get a kick out of seeing it.

The same desk, updated for the 21st century:

 

[MPicciotto]

The large field desk is an M-1945 model also called a "Pacific" model field desk. I'm assuming they were used only near the end of the war. They are actually made of wood with metal and fiber reinforcing much like an old steamer trunk. The stool straps into the "lid". I have one at home. I'd also like to point out that I've seen them over here still being used to this day, albeit more for general storage then anything else.

Matt Picciotto
Firebase Maholic
Kandahar, Afghanistan

 

[John in Covina]

Out this way is a neat surplus place called Major Surplus and they get in some really wild stuff. I have seen some type of foreign field desk in their listings ages ago.

Her is their site http://www.majorsurplus.com/

 

[Shangas]

That is quite an impressive website!

 

[John in Covina]

That is quite an impressive website!

I get their sales flyer with all sorts of great stuff. Going there is fun, they get in some really weird items What i am always a sucker for is the military stuff was made to specifically carry , store , hold something with a precise fit and i am always interest to see if it can be used for something else...