IJA Field Repair Kits

[Nick Komiya]

I thought these would amuse you. A field tailor kit and field cobbler kit. The IJA documented specs down to minute detail and their uniform specs, for instance, specified not only the thread to use but even the stitch density, that is how many stitches should be within a seam of 3 centimeters. Thus the inspector stamps you see on items could only be affixed after all such detailed quality criteria were satisfied.

[Nick Komiya]

Here's another field fix kit for tinkerers, used for taking dents out of canteens and mess kits.

[zachb]

Thanks Nick. Can any of those objects be used as a mandrel to get dents out of bayonet scabbards...or are any labeled for that purpose?

[Nick Komiya]

No, these would not have been used by the armourer. All items in the spec books I found are items issued by the clothing depot. Weapons from the arsenal were under a totally different authority and control system. For weapons, I have found blueprints here and there, but nothing in the form of one-stop shopping as a comprehensive spec book.

[BOUGAINVILLE]

Thanks Nick for posting. Very interesting. I have the scissors that look like shears, it came with the soldier's personal sewing kit shown below

Illustrations like the ones that you posted are very helpful in knowing what to look for and putting items in their correct categories.

Many thanks,
Robert

[Nick Komiya]

Here the official spec drawings for these issue items

[Nick Komiya]

Another cobbler kit

[grimnar]

Fantastic Nick.

If I may ask, are these images from an Army manual or some place else?

Cheers
Matt

[Nick Komiya]

The Army spec books for uniforms and non-weaponry equipment, as used by production quality inspectors.

[grimnar]

Thanks very much Nick.

What would the book be known as in Japanese. If seems like one I have to keep an eye out for.


Cheers
Matt

[Nick Komiya]

You won't find them for sale. They are in 3 thick volumes in the National Archives.

[grimnar]

Damn... Ohh well.

At least we have you Nick.

Again many thanks for sharing.


Cheers
Matt

[BOUGAINVILLE]

I agree it is fantastic reference material.

Have you got the specs for the 8 line Field Exchange. My one has the accessories missing and it would be interesting to see what they are so that I can search for replacements.

Cheers,
Robert