Trousers

[matei]

I picked up a pair of Army (US) woolen trousers from what appear to be the 1940s, I think they're part of an enlisted man's uniform, although I couldn't be sure/

Any way to pinpoint the time of manufacture? Wow - they are heavy duty. Super thick, like overcoat material. As a matter of fact, my overcoat is made from thinner wool.

Outstanding. I wish they'd make stuff like this nowadays.

 

[Feraud]

Can you post a few pictures of the pants and any labels? We have quite a few WWII experts around here who can probably i.d. the pants.
As an aside, MrBern gave me a pair of WWII era wool pants for my son to wear to the QM. They are so well made and a perfect style for a men's pant. I wish I had a few pair in my size!
They really do not make materials like they used to.

 

[nightandthecity]

there should be a label with both pattern date and date of manufacture - usually on the back of the pocket bag. It may be washed out however.

However, without consulting my wardrobe or my books (so I might get a few details slightly wrong!) if they have two open top rear pockets without buttons they will be probably be 1937 pattern and made between 1937-44 ("mustards") if they have one open top/button down and one flapped/button down rear pockets they will be 1944 pattern and if they have two flapped/buttoned rear pockets they will be 1945 pattern and made between 1945 and circa 1953/54.

But pictures would help. For a start French Army pants of the era are very similar and often mistaken for WW2 US.....

 

[matei]

Hi guys...

No label (anymore) on the pocket. I do remember those labels from my days in the Army - I was hoping that there would be one there, guess not!

The rear pockets are open top w/ buttons.

What is nice is that the braces buttons are placed close to the top margin of the waist - so that the trousers won't fold over if you wear them with braces.

Perhaps these aren't US (or maybe repros?) There is a number stamped in the waistband - K5241 (and US5241), with the size stamped on the other side.

 

[MrBern]

Sometimes theres a label, sometimes when you flip over the right forward pocket, the info is stamped onto the lining. But it eventually fades away.

Usually the wool trousers are 18 oz serge wool. But I've seen them made of much heavier 22 oz & the same heaviness as the overcoats. But I dont think the really heavy stuff actually got delivered in time for the winter battles.

 

[matei]

Thanks all for the info...

I actually stand corrected - the back pockets do indeed have flaps, it is just that they were tucked inside the pockets themselves.

Jeez - they do keep you warm! Just what you need for a cold European winter. They're a wee bit long, so I'll have to have them taken in a bit.

One thing is for sure - they don't make 'em like they used to. I can't see the BDUs that I was issued during my stint in the military lasting this long.