Foreign NSN on Equipment

[uscob]

Got some 3-part E-Tools last week and was surprised to find some foreign NSN on them. I know that they used the american Covers. All E-Tools are Stamped BUND on the Handle.

[Marc Sherriff]

00 = USA
17 = Netherlands

Marc

[Gordon Craig]

Nico,

These NATO stock numbers work for the BW. The second set of digits indicates the country of manufacture. Not necessarily the country of use.

Regards,

Gordon

[uscob]

Nico,

These NATO stock numbers work for the BW. The second set of digits indicates the country of manufacture. Not necessarily the country of use.

Regards,

Gordon

Gordon,
I know that. The only thing is that the Manufacturers are German and the Hanles Marked BUND. Normally if you have Foreign numbers the Stuff was made by the foreign countries Makers. I had several Bristols with 99 Number in brit. Camo, but German instructions. Also Dutch olive Equipment with 17 NSN but German Instructions. The Same with Flame Resistant Naval Hoods (the White ones) with 99. and so on.

[uscob]

OFW - Besteckfabrik Otto Förster, Witzhelden

[Collectinsteve]

Perhaps these were leftovers from foreign contracts? And since the specifications are identical to BW either the BW didn't care or didn't notice?

Steve

[Guardian 5]

Team - As seen in this photo, the 1st model carriers for the U.S./NATO tri-fold e-tools are virtually indistinguishable.

The only major differences are the distinctive pebbling on the NATO issue closure snaps and the contract info embossed on the interior of the cover. On the example shown, it is 8465-00-0001-6474 / 0007D / 04/79. With the information supplied by Marc, this would indicate that the carrier is of Dutch origin. I don't remember which box the I left the e-tool in, but I believe it was marked "BUND". I wonder if this match was made in some NATO supply depot or the flea market in Heidelberg where I bought it....

I have another NATO e-tool and carrier that I purchased at our local surplus store. I'll see if I can dig it out this weekend.

The U.S. model carrier has no markings. The U.S. e-tool is marked U.S.A. / Ames / 91. I have seen manufacturer marked U.S. carriers before. The Ames Company has been supplying e-tools to the U.S. Army at least since World War II. Most U.S. e-tools are painted black, but olive drab examples occasionally show-up.

As usual, the Frau thinks I need to have my head examined for my fixation on "camping shovels"....

All the best - TJ

[Guardian 5]

Team - Here is a picture of a U.S. e-tool lying on a current issue Flecktarn carrier. Has anyone seen this carrier in the BW desert pattern?

All the best - TJ

[Guardian 5]

Team - Here we see the e-tool as worn by a c. 1991 Greni.

The picture is from Michael Jerchel's excellent reference book, Modern German Panzergrenadiers.

All the best - TJ

[Guardian 5]

Team - Here we see the e-tool carrier in the short-lived olive drab form as issued with the precursor to Flecktarn pattern field gear. This illustration is also taken from Jerchel's book. Note too the mag pouch for the Uzi Mp-2. I imagine this would be a hard one to track down nowadays.

This poor S.O.B. has been designated the unit ammo carrier. He must have succeeded in ticking off the "Spiess"...

All the best - TJ

[uscob]

Team - Here is a picture of a U.S. e-tool lying on a current issue Flecktarn carrier. Has anyone seen this carrier in the BW desert pattern?

All the best - TJ

Yes, I saw them but maybe it was a trial Pattern. Didn't looked at the Stamp.