Tom @ Snake River Posted January 15, 2009 Share #1 Posted January 15, 2009 Here is what was described to me as a mule pack to carry a machine gun. My picture of the fine print did not turn out, but it is marked with the manufacturer name, "US 1943" It is in a local private museum and looks to have never been issued. Seeing very little attachments, I wonder if it slung over a frame, however the flap towards the top is a breather. It does have nice white "lamb's wool padding underneath. What are your educated opinions ? ? ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinb Posted January 15, 2009 Share #2 Posted January 15, 2009 I've been studying horse and mule pack equipment for a few years now. This piece baffles me. I'd sure like to get a look at the markings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted January 15, 2009 Share #3 Posted January 15, 2009 It doesn't look like it was for anything too heavy. Those slots appear to be for straps to hold the cargo. The lamb's wool would indicate there was nothing between it and the animal whereas the heavy duty pack rigs had some big time padding: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom @ Snake River Posted January 15, 2009 Author Share #4 Posted January 15, 2009 Darn this pic is fuzzy, let me see if I can get a better one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilko1 Posted January 15, 2009 Share #5 Posted January 15, 2009 It doesn't look like it was for anything too heavy. Those slots appear to be for straps to hold the cargo. The lamb's wool would indicate there was nothing between it and the animal whereas the heavy duty pack rigs had some big time padding: This type is the Philips Pack Saddle,I think RobinB has one or two..Not sure on yours Tom..Its not in my FM25-7 pack Transport Manual. Dave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregory Posted January 15, 2009 Share #6 Posted January 15, 2009 Gents, Look at center image -- do I see over there the British P37 Holster? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig_pickrall Posted January 15, 2009 Share #7 Posted January 15, 2009 I do not have a copy, but possibly, the manual you need is FM25-5 which covers the various packing equipment. I looked through the QM manuals that cover horse equipment and there is nothing close to this. One thing I did learn is the Phillips Pack Saddle has holes for 45 tie down thongs / side while this pack only has 26. The Phillips was used for packing MG's, Mortars, etc. so this must have been for a much lighter load. Is there any chance this is intended for ceremonial use, funerals, etc? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregory Posted January 15, 2009 Share #8 Posted January 15, 2009 US WWII mule pack system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregory Posted January 15, 2009 Share #9 Posted January 15, 2009 US WWII mule pack system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124cav Posted January 17, 2009 Share #10 Posted January 17, 2009 This saddle is not covered in that 44 packers manual i might put this up on www.militaryhorse.org,lots of smart folks there Sam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom @ Snake River Posted January 17, 2009 Author Share #11 Posted January 17, 2009 If you guys will hang on a day or two, I will get some very detailed photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom @ Snake River Posted January 18, 2009 Author Share #12 Posted January 18, 2009 Well, I found the answer to the mystery, why you could not find it in the US books - oh, could it be the "MADE IN ENGLAND" stamp It is marked "D MASON & SONS - WALSALL - 1943" After googleing the name. It is a well known leather firm in a well known leather manufacturing town in England. The story of the piece is that it came from SMITH & EDWARDS, a large surplus dealer in Ogden Utah, who has been there since WWII. Burt Smith, one of the owners would always save rare pieces and give them to museums. Question is: how did a British piece make it into US surplus channels ? ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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