Commando Battle Jerkin/Skeleton Assault Vest

[NickG]

Commando Battle Jerkin/Skeleton Assault Vest for review!
Just wanted to show something rare that I picked up on Ebay last week.
Never thought I would be able to score one at a reasonable price.
I paid $105, I assume I did Ok considering these are rare, especially on this side of the pond!

Even though these are less desirable than the bigger D-Day assualt vests,
I think they're neat! Its 1943 dated. Did I do OK? value?
Would Canadian (non commando) forces have had access to these as well?

More images here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWNX:IT

[JEROEN1944]

Hello Nick,

From the few pictures what i see, it looks ok. The slobby sewing is a good sign. I believe some Canadian forces did wear it on D-Day. I know 1st CPB did some testing with the gear.

Jeroen

[NickG]

Thanks Jeroen. I did notice that mine lacks some parts...
The loops for the bajonet...(left pouch) + the tool holster in the front and straps in the back (for attaching the e-tool) are missing...
Period removed?

Compare with this one: (post 2999)
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...11467&page=200

[Old Smelly]

Thanks Jeroen. I did notice that mine lacks some parts...
The loops for the bajonet...(left pouch) + the tool holster in the front and straps in the back (for attaching the e-tool) are missing...
Period removed?

Compare with this one: (post 2999)
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...11467&page=200

Yours might be correct as is, from memory there are three different types of this model, some have extra straps for e tool, some have a lace size adjustment.
Lee

[Beau Brummel.]

Yours might be correct as is, from memory there are three different types of this model, some have extra straps for e tool, some have a lace size adjustment.
Lee

Think you're right Lee. The early ones didn't have as many features, those evolved later. 43 Is seriously early for one of these Nick! Notice Ricks has the later features and reversed pouches.

As an aside, and this fits with what Ken was saying about Para trousers, a friend found 2 small bales of these clearing an MOD property some years ago. I bought several and they all had the same dirty, mildewey appearance of this example. Perhaps It's from the same lot.

Yours, Guy.

[NickG]

Think you're right Lee. The early ones didn't have as many features, those evolved later. 43 Is seriously early for one of these Nick! Notice Ricks has the later features and reversed pouches.


Yours, Guy.

Well that's great! So definately unmessed with, nor an unfinished item.
I inspected it thoroughly and it does indeed appear to have been manufactured "as is".
There are absolutely no signs at all of removed straps... no stitch holes...Definitely made like this...
The early date confirms its simple (first) design!
So its just a very basic (early) one which suits me fine!
Outstanding news! I guess with that said I did OK with the price. Value?

[NickG]

Here's another simple early design, just like mine. A 1943 dated twin described as a "first pattern".
Also no rear straps for an e-tool as seen on later designs!
http://www.germanmilitaria.com/Other...s/C023459.html

Turns out it does have a bajonet attachment after all, a loop stitched on the lower edge with a slit for the bajonet knob.