Post by Étienne on Jan 20, 2017 14:31:11 GMT -5
[BTW, I accidentally posted part one of this "series" in the equipment section]
This is an excellent image showing the difference between soles used on the Mle 50 and Mle 50/53 boots:
The owner found them as a set in a French flea market
Also, refer back to this image from Militaire Magazine (also from post #1) for an understanding/comparison of the sole evolution:
In 1952 or 1953, the Mle 52 boots ("Rangers") began to be issued, and with a new style of sole affixed to them, which also found its way into the supply chain for boot repair purposes. I believe the Mle 50 jump boots were changed during this time to utilize the new Mle 52 pattern soles and for standardization and ease of repair. Up until the Mle 50 boots were developed, post-WWII French military boots had soles of hobnailed leather or American-style (or surplus) rubber soles and heels; some locally-produced soles and heels were also likely used by cobblers. These "Mle 52 soles" were used to repair Mle 17, Mle 41, and Mle 45 boots as well.
Soles used to repair the Mle 50/53 could have been in-stock soles produced for the earlier Mle 50 boots, however, until they were used up within the supply chain. But, once they were used up, the newer Mle 52 style soles would have been used when the boots were repaired. There were several manufacturers (and hence styles) of the Mle 52 sole.
Next up: Variations of Mle 52 soles
This is an excellent image showing the difference between soles used on the Mle 50 and Mle 50/53 boots:
The owner found them as a set in a French flea market
Also, refer back to this image from Militaire Magazine (also from post #1) for an understanding/comparison of the sole evolution:
In 1952 or 1953, the Mle 52 boots ("Rangers") began to be issued, and with a new style of sole affixed to them, which also found its way into the supply chain for boot repair purposes. I believe the Mle 50 jump boots were changed during this time to utilize the new Mle 52 pattern soles and for standardization and ease of repair. Up until the Mle 50 boots were developed, post-WWII French military boots had soles of hobnailed leather or American-style (or surplus) rubber soles and heels; some locally-produced soles and heels were also likely used by cobblers. These "Mle 52 soles" were used to repair Mle 17, Mle 41, and Mle 45 boots as well.
Soles used to repair the Mle 50/53 could have been in-stock soles produced for the earlier Mle 50 boots, however, until they were used up within the supply chain. But, once they were used up, the newer Mle 52 style soles would have been used when the boots were repaired. There were several manufacturers (and hence styles) of the Mle 52 sole.
Next up: Variations of Mle 52 soles
