Another extreme rarity, so much so that I know other pairs exist, but I can find a photo of one. The US Army experimented in the later part of the war with a poplin tropical uniform more suited to jungle climates. The poplin was found to be far superior to the HBTs, but unfortunately they were too costly, and poplin supplies were to be used elsewehere. The uniform consisted of a shirt (not dissimilar from the contemporary British War Aid shirt) and a pair of trousers. Reading from the QMC History:
"The trousers were designed with cargo pockets placed 1" from the waistband, two quarter top pockets, a concealed watch pocket on the inside of the inside of the waistband, and a drawstring closure on the inside of the trouser legs... The large patch pockets on the side of the trousers were not liked for they were useless and difficult of access. Grenades when carried, were slung from the belt. The men were unanimous in their preference for the slash pockets and at least on hip pocket on the trousers. The criticism of cargo pockets was also a consistent complaint.."
As can be read above, these trousers perfectly match this description. The cargo pockets have been removed due to complaints, and the slash pockets/inside pocket/drawstring cuffs are all present.
This is a seriously hard to find pair of pants, supposedly only issued to OSS guys in Burma.
Condition
Solid used condition, some wear from the cargo pocket removal, but largely great.
Size
- Tagged a 30/33
- Waist 31"
- Inside leg 31"
- Outside leg 43"