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Post by Étienne on Jan 20, 2017 12:56:22 GMT -5
OK, as is likely with most of you, when I get obsessed with something, I need to figure out from every angle and what makes it tick before preceding. So, my latest project is turning a pair of used Danner Elk Hunter boots into a copy of the Mle. 50 "Bottes de Saut" French jump boot. First of all, I will post some basic information about originals I have found and then move on from there. The Model 1950 (Mle 50) is the first (known to me) version of these boots, and their outer soles were screwed on (and likely glued on) but not stitched on. Yes, they had welts that were stitched to a midsole but the outer sole was not stitched to the midsole/welt. I have found images of or postings on 1951 dated boots, but not any 1950 dated boots. So perhaps they were first issued in 1951. A basic comparison of models: Here are some photos of the earlier Mle 50 boot soles, of which several patterns/brands exist:
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Post by Étienne on Jan 20, 2017 13:05:13 GMT -5
a few more of the early soles: Note that the tread goes to the very edge of the sole (unlike on the later stitched soles), has deeper lugs, and are screwed on with brass (typically brass, that is, as they do not corrode) slotted ( not Phillips) head screws. BTW, I believe these soles were based on one or more of: The early Vibram/Carrarmato mountaineering/Alpine sole The American tropical combat boot sole The American ski-mountain boots sole OK, that's about all I got for the early Mle 50 boots, my next post will be on the difference between the Mle 50 and the Mle 50/53 boots. hope you enjoy! And, as always, please feel free to add info and/or to correct what I've posted thx
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Post by Étienne on Jan 20, 2017 16:00:55 GMT -5
I've always liked this photo from Operation Castor, November 21, 1953 (I excerpted it): The two Vietnamese paras of the 8BPC have either taken off their Mle 50's and hung them on their packs or have taken them off their dead buddies, or... Note that one of the soles on the boots is separating (the guy in the forground)
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Post by Étienne on Jan 22, 2017 10:34:57 GMT -5
and another BTW, although I haven't looked at every photo available, every photo that I have seen of the para boot prior to and during DBP has this early/first style Mle 50 sole
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Post by lew on Jan 23, 2017 17:29:57 GMT -5
I've always liked this photo from Operation Castor, November 21, 1953 (I excerpted it): View AttachmentThe two Vietnamese paras of the 8BPC have either taken off their Mle 50's and hung them on their packs or have taken them off their dead buddies, or... Note that one of the soles on the boots is separating (the guy in the forground) Except for a couple jumps nearer the end of DBP, French SOP dictated that troops jump wearing boots. Most would change at the first opportune moment into lighter footwear and stow the boots on their pack. I can't recall seeing a picture of the faux-hobnail sole in use (obviously, boot soles are not typically prominent).
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