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WWII Paratroopers first aid pouch


WWII_GI
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Recently picked this one up, it's the first one I've ever owned. Sadly it is in pretty rough shape, split down the bottom with several other tears. It has the small cardboard bandage and the original tourniquet.

 

-Steven

 

post-104606-0-10288100-1517523355.jpgpost-104606-0-82318300-1517523364.jpg

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stealthytyler

By the way, why did these paratroopers often wear it on their helmet? The last thing you want is to add more weight to your lid and place unwanted stress on your neck. Why did they not just attach it to their arm, leg or web gear?

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These medical packed supply pouches are a WWII US Army Airforce medical QM a 2nd type pattern used and borrowed by the paratroopers starting early in WWII.

The first type packet has a zipper closure pouch.

 

The rarer zip up compass pouch is another AAF item the paratroopers got their hands on and used.

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Thanks for all the comments! I'm very happy to have finally found one. The first picture pretty much shows how the pouch looks with the contents inside, would take some pressure to keep the spilt together.

 

-Steven

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​To be a little more clear, the parachute first aid packet was a development of the USAAF, later to be become standard for all parachutes except training. Troop type parachute harnesses were AAF equipment, stocked, procured and issued through them. By technical order, the parachute first aid packet would be issued with troop type parachutes. Because of the popularity of "paratroopers" the packet was more synonymous with use by them being dubbed "paratroop first aid kits". The fact is they were used on all parachutes. So they weren't "borrowed" they were part of the parachute assembly. The use on the helmet is more of a populace thing, a few pictures showed up of it being worn that way and Viola, it became cool and a main stream understanding.

Too bad the pouch wasn't split on the back.

​What is this rare AAF zippered compass pouch?

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To all,

I'm very sorry but according photos, I think the first-aid purchased by Steven is a copy. Any other opinion like mine ?

Thanks.

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At first glance the fabric indeed looks odd, and the alignment dots for the straps seem to be missing. The more valuable morphine syrette is missing as well.

 

This is really odd because the entire kit shows a lot of patina that is not easily faked.

 

Considering how rare these are, could OP just have a kit from a different maker? If this is a reproduction it's a really good one and there should be others out there just like it. If not someone ruined a really nice repro.

 

Really hoping this turns out to be legit.

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To all,

I'm very sorry but according photos, I think the first-aid purchased by Steven is a copy. Any other opinion like mine ?

Thanks.

 

I was hoping that wasn't the case, it was cheap so if it is indeed a reproduction it's not a huge loss. It came in a small group of other medical and military items from seller on eBay, not another collector. I will take some better pictures of it later today, any areas that I should get closeups on?

 

Thank you

-Steven

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Steven,

Not need better pictures, the first are good enough. Ken88 told all, fabric is not good, and no dots for the straps. Sorry to tell you that.

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Steven,

Not need better pictures, the first are good enough. Ken88 told all, fabric is not good, and no dots for the straps. Sorry to tell you that.

Darn, well Ill still post some better pictures for future reference.

 

-Steven

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Persian Gulf Command

Steven,

Is the inside of the fabric have a thin rubberized coating? This coating should give the inside of the fabric a smooth greenish finish, which I believe I see in your first photo.

 

Based on the letter design of the stamping, the zigzag stitching of the straps, the twist of the straps, and the "v" notches on the edges I believe this is an original First Aid Kit.

 

Here is mine, which is absolutely original:

post-17994-0-19868600-1517606480_thumb.jpg

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​To be a little more clear, the parachute first aid packet was a development of the USAAF, later to be become standard for all parachutes except training. Troop type parachute harnesses were AAF equipment, stocked, procured and issued through them. By technical order, the parachute first aid packet would be issued with troop type parachutes. Because of the popularity of "paratroopers" the packet was more synonymous with use by them being dubbed "paratroop first aid kits". The fact is they were used on all parachutes. So they weren't "borrowed" they were part of the parachute assembly. The use on the helmet is more of a populace thing, a few pictures showed up of it being worn that way and Viola, it became cool and a main stream understanding.

Too bad the pouch wasn't split on the back.

​What is this rare AAF zippered compass pouch?

I'll post a picture.

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Here's the better pictures, there are no dots near the sewing, only stamped guidelines for when the strap was attached. Yes the interior has a rubber green coating. It definitely has the old field gear smell and wear!

 

-Steven

 

post-104606-0-40381800-1517615937.jpgpost-104606-0-71504600-1517615944.jpg

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