Mint, Unissued, Gorgeous, WWII, Jungle Boots

[rambob]

Well I spent 5 hours driving, tolls and gas to get to the Greater Pittsburg "Nazi Military Show" known commonly as the Max show. Not a bad show really, but I had pretty much struck out. I bought a mint 1943 cap, because the price was right and a reference book, to help increase my knowledge. But at the very back of the show I discovered the treasure I was seeking, sitting on a non-descript table. I made a beeline to that table and was able to negotiate the posted price down $50 and the prize was mine.

 

For your inspection I present what I believe is one of the finest pairs of mint, unissued, WWII dated jungle boots in existence. Take a look at the pictures and what you see are matched boots that have never even been laced and are still tied together by the shoelaces, as they were done at the factory. Note, they also have the correct laces, two per boot, one lace for the lower and one for the upper. Every aspect of the boots is pristine, including the soles. The ink stamp inside is 8 CONTRACT W155-QM-14000 September 19, 1942 HOOD RUBBER COMPANY A DIV. OF THE A. F. GOODRICH COMPANY

 

The last interesting thing I noted with the boots is that there are no cushioned, insoles inside of either boot. I had read that they were issued with them, but believed they were put inside the boots by the manufacturer. Could they have been issued separately? Comments?

 

Bob

[rambob]

Back of Boots.

[rambob]

The soles.

[rambob]

Ink Stamp inside.

[HoovieDude]

Oh momma! I've been wanting to add a pair of these to the collection for a long while now. Great pickup and worth the drive and all in my opinion!

[craig_pickrall]

Great pair of boots Bob. Congratulations!

 

The insole is felt much like those used in Mountain Boots or The Duck Boots.

 

Here is the info from the OMC Study #5 that describes it. I have 3 pair of these and they all have the insole. One pair is in new condition like yours and that came with the insole in the boot, not separate.

 

[craig_pickrall]

I forgot to add that all 3 pairs I have were made by US Rubber. Yours are the first pair of Hood I have seen.

 

B F Goodrich also made them.

[rambob]

Craig, thanks for the comments. I also noticed the unusual Hood Rubber Company maker.

 

Bob

[rambob]

Well, duh on me!! I pulled these jungle boots out of the cave for a quick inspection and when I looked inside I noticed that what I originally thought were the boot bottoms were actually the liners. The liners were very thin and not what I expected and when wedged into the bottom of the boots, they looked just like the white, canvas, cloth used for the inside of the soles. Well here they are, better late than never.

[WI1944GPW]

Hello Bob,

 

New to the forum, but have seen your very nice original jungle boots while I was doing research awhile back. I suddenly came into two pairs now in my collection and will have to try to get some pictures of my pair uploaded in order for you to have a look/see. When I first got mine home from auction of WWII Veteran's estate I began doing some research I initally thought mine were a bit off, but being that they were unlaced with two pairs of laces attached found that to be correct and similar to WWII jungle tennis shoes I have; however the laces were black and have nice white insoles. I see that yours are dated Sept, 1942 and mine are dated Aug 8 1942 both of which are U.S. Ribber Company examples.

 

A few days after getting the boots I was talking to my brother showing him the boots and then he goes into his basement and pulls out a second pair (believed to be my uncles) that had been hanging in the house for, who knows 1945??? Anyway although the second pair is a bit used without insoles they are without tears, holes and are still very solid soles as they were hung from the ceiling as kept dry for all those years. Now get this the maker, not U.S. Rubber Company like all the others, but Converse Rubber Company dated June 23, 1943. Both pair are size 9. Anyway thought when I got onto this forum that I would try to get into contact with you to chat about these fine examples that we seem to have and see if you know or have any information about Converse's contribution to these jungle boots. I've not found a thing, but will keep trying. Actually looking to see if anyone has a WWII company add as most did then supporting the war effort. Hope to chat with you soon.

 

Best Regards

Jim

[Old Marine]

That is a great find. Congratulations on a great addition to your collection. Thanks for posting them.