Rare and great genuine WWII US Army khaki canvas assault vest, manufactured by Harian and dated 1944. Size: Medium.
Hastily designed in 1943 and produced in early 1944, this type was only used on a large scale on the occasion of the D-Day amphibious landings in Normandy, where it was issued to elements of various first-wave units of the 1st, 4th and 29th Infantry Divisions, as well as Rangers.
The present vest, which is to be closed by two quick-release straps, features two slanted breast pockets for easier access to contents, two hip pockets, and two smaller compartments intended for carrying a handgrenade. A cloth strip was sewn into the upper pockets and grenade compartments in order to draw their contents as fast as possible. Four pair of grommets are located around the waist -- two on the front and two at the rear -- so that individual gear could be secured thanks to their bent-wire hooks. The rear of the vest features two larger compartments which are supposed to replace the haversack -- the upper pouch has a separate sheath designed for the bayonet, and a tab with a pair of grommets onto which the T-shovel can be attached.
In very good overall condition, despite two missing pockets on the right side.
The historical artifacts for sale at PARATROOPER’s are intended for collectors, history enthusiasts, historians and museum curators. These items do not glorify or promote any of the political, ideological or racial opinions related to the global conflicts that bathed the 20th century in blood.
Besides, we remind you that Article R.645-1 of the French Penal Code establishes fines applicable to fifth class contraventions (except in the specific cases of a filming, show or exhibition which refer to historical events) for any individual who wears a uniform, insignia or symbol reminiscent of those worn by members of the various organizations declared criminal in application of Article 9 of the Charter of the International Military Tribunal annexed to the London Agreement of August 8, 1945 – SS, SD, Gestapo, Nazi leaders (the Führer, the Reichsleitung, the Gauleiters and their main collaborators, the Ortsgruppenleiter, the Zellenleiter and the Blockleiter), or reminiscent of those worn by any person found guilty, by a French or International Jurisdiction, of one or several crimes against humanity established by Articles 211-1 to 212-3 or mentioned in Law No. 64-1326 of December 26, 1964.
The Code provides additional penalties, including the confiscation of the items used or intended for committing the offence.
