doinworkinvans Posted December 8, 2015 Share #1 Posted December 8, 2015 I put in an absentee bid and wound up with this. What do I have here? It was described as an M1/M2...my gear book is packed up in the moving process so I am not completely familiar with the flight gear. It at least looked to be the part! Thanks, Daniel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted December 8, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted December 8, 2015 This is the only picture Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted December 8, 2015 Share #3 Posted December 8, 2015 I'm not sure, but that little white tag in the corner could be helpful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted December 8, 2015 Share #4 Posted December 8, 2015 There's an M12 shown here: http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/79468-search-pictures-of-flak-vests-m12-t52-1-t52-2-t52-3/?p=1520964 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted December 8, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted December 8, 2015 Thanks Bob - appears to be an M1/M2 - the auction also listed the M5 groin. So I am going to assume that as well. I hate when only one picture is posted, but I took a gamble so if it doesn't payoff ....oh well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted December 8, 2015 Share #6 Posted December 8, 2015 This thread has a photo of your use by a WWII flyer http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/131633-flak-jacket-id/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmoore456 Posted December 8, 2015 Share #7 Posted December 8, 2015 Did you get the groin protector also? Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted December 8, 2015 Author Share #8 Posted December 8, 2015 Yes it says it comes with M5 groin protector and Im assuming that's the other piece there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pararaftanr2 Posted December 8, 2015 Share #9 Posted December 8, 2015 Daniel, It looks like you got a very nice set of WW2 vintage USAAF M1 flak armor. The M1 had an armor front and back. The M2 was designed for pilots who sat in front or armor plate, so the back was not armored. The M5 groin armor was typically used in the bombardiers position due to his kneeling stance during the bomb run. Great find! Regards, Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pararaftanr2 Posted December 8, 2015 Share #10 Posted December 8, 2015 Three styles of groin armor were optional. Second photo is self explanatory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted December 8, 2015 Author Share #11 Posted December 8, 2015 Sweet!!! thanks so much para - you guys are a wealth of info! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlebuddy Posted December 8, 2015 Share #12 Posted December 8, 2015 That M5 apron is the hardest part to find Dan !!! Well done if you got it !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_lits Posted December 10, 2015 Share #13 Posted December 10, 2015 You did well. Should be a nice set, M1 vest and M5 apron. The M5 is a nice and semi-rare apron for the flak suit (least produced apron of the war). Be cautious with it and check to see the plates are not rusting inside of the suit. I have seen sets that shed rust dust from the inside. That being said you can usually spot it from a discoloration to the exterior and your set looks quite clean. Enjoy it and display it with an M3 helmet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted December 10, 2015 Author Share #14 Posted December 10, 2015 Thanks Lits....you guys sure know your gear! It will only be enjoyed for a short time. It was an absentee bid and would love to keep it but were moving and everything is boxed up so no where to put this now. Thanks again everyone! Daniel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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