1st pattern and 2nd p. P44 camo differences?

['Flage Guy]

Below, an example of early vs. late dyes: the Helmet Cover from the Suit above (right), compared to a later Cover made with the "new improved" dyes (left). Both Covers show about the same amount of fading, but note that the early Cover still holds the original shades on the flaps which were hidden under the Helmet shell. Again, the background shade is decidedly green. If you come across a used HBT 'Flage piece, it's always interesting to look inside the pockets or other areas hidden from view to see what the colors were like before the garment was used and washed.

[bldrhouse]

QUESTION re: the butt bellows pocket on P44 tousers:

 

Some of the ones I've found for sale have the butt pocket removed (I can see where the original stitching was).

Since anything carried there would not only add weight, but would make it difficult to sit on one's butt or crawl on one's back.

 

My question is whether it was common for Marines cut those bellows pockets off (I sure would have).?

 

Thanks,

 

zk

[doyler]

2 hours ago, bldrhouse said:

QUESTION re: the butt bellows pocket on P44 tousers:

 

Some of the ones I've found for sale have the butt pocket removed (I can see where the original stitching was).

Since anything carried there would not only add weight, but would make it difficult to sit on one's butt or crawl on one's back.

 

My question is whether it was common for Marines cut those bellows pockets off (I sure would have).?

 

Thanks,

 

zk

 Various reasons for the rear or side pockets top be removed. Many were just for the Marines personal preference. Also, in the late 50s not uncommon to see the older HBT uniforms still worn both the P44, P41 and P47. Often the lower pockets on the P41 and P47 shirts were removed to facilitae tucking the shirts into the dungarees to conform with the new regulations and also more in line with the P58 shirts. With HBTs they had a wear put period and if sound the patterns could be worn and used. I have seen the P44 trousers with butt pockets removed that were post war used and simple answer could be they did so just to be more in line with the other trousers as well as for comfort/