Repro US Webbing

[lemaitre]

Hi all,

Do any of you use repro webbing? I'm thinking about pistol belts and water bottle pouches in particular. I've had a look at the stuff sold by Epic Militaria in the UK (www.epicmilitaria.com). It seems to look ok, but would welcome a 2nd opinion.
Ironically, I had a pair of original bottle pouches up until a few months ago but sold them thinking I wouldn't need them again!
I'm also keen on repro aluminium water bottles, as they would be healthier than coroding originals. Seen any out there?
Cheers

[Legion Etrangere]

Hey LeMaitre,

A good source here in the U.S. for repro webbing and canteen carriers is What Price Glory, which is owned by MAJ Jerry Lee [ US Army, Ret'd ]:

whatpriceglory.com

They carry a wide array of repro U.S. webbing, canteens, covers, pistol belts, garand belts, etc.

French TAP gear is catch as catch can - with no identifiable source for repro's, at least none that I know of.


/martini/

[6ebcp]

Also try hunting for originals, I found a site in the US with original webbing being sold at a decent price:

www.warrelics.com/Military-Warrelics.asp?subcat=W&id=c

Shipping to the UK is at a great and at a reasonable price. The chap doesn't worry about letting his mind slip when filling in the customs labels

Danny

[lemaitre]

Hi all,

thanks for the sugestions. I'd forgotten about checking out WPG. I have been quite tempted by their repro jungle packs, along with the belts, etc.

I tend to prefer using repro stuff when I can't get unissued originals - works out alot cheaper too. I prefer to have kit that doesn't look 50 or 60 years old. It's also less of an issue if it gets damaged.

Cheers

[Legion Etrangere]

LeMaitre,

I just got one of his 1943 Jungle Packs in and its excellent. The only problem is the 'newness' of it. The workmanship of it is excellent and it will carry all your kit. I am using it to haul my stuff to WWII/Indochine events in, and at Indochine events only when a pack is needed for a field bivvy. The price can't be beat. I ordered it on a Monday and got it in on a Friday [ but thats the U.S. ]

/martini/

[lt13demi]

I know Jerry at WPG has some really nice lookig repro USGI canteens now available! And those jungle packs are first rate. Picked up one myself several months ago.

I can also highly recommend "At The Front's" webgear as being first class stuff;

www.atthefront.com/

Rollin's Rant pages on the site has become classic reading. He pulls no punches!!!!! Nobody is safe! ;D

Renault

[Legion Etrangere]

LOL! Bob, I agree...

His "rants" are now famous. I am amazed he still has reenactors buying his goods ... but plain, honest talk is something missing from general conversation today.

/martini/

[oggy]

ATF's 'rants' are just a way of getting attention to a particular subject - it works!
LeM - have you tried Blunderbus Antiques in London? The last time I looked they had decent WWII dated Canteens reasonably cheap...

[6ebcp]

Only problem with ATF is the customs charges this side of the pond

Danny

[lemaitre]

In a moment of enthusiasm, and forgetting about the import duties , I've ordered a couple of canteens, covers and a pistol belt from WPG. I think these will be the only US webbing items I'll be using in my belt order - all my other items are TAP 50 or French generally. I'm also waiting for Spearhead's P44 USMC HBT's to be back in stock (any day now, so Barry tells me . then I'll be pretty much ready to go ;D.

Now all we need is an event.......

LeM.

[lt13demi]

You are welcome to come sweat with us in June! We can even have you a firing MAS 36 to use!!!!!!

www.shle.org/2009_GROUPE_MOBILE_French_Indochina_War_Reenactment.html

Renault

[6ebcp]

Damn in Normandy in June