Developed in 1941 alongside the jump jacket, these pants would famously be worn by paratroopers during the invasion of Europe. These pants were only produced for a year or so between 1942-43, and would quickly be replaced by the m1943 pants, so examples are rare, and with the popularity of airborne/special forces collecting, one of the hardest pieces to find! This particular example are of the later variety, earlier versions having a gusset on either ankle.
This does come with a laundry number - L-2224. I've done some light-touch research through databases of the 82nd and 11th Airborne divisions and didn't find a match so possibly the belonged to a 101st guy - there is definitely more that could be done here.
Condition
This is one of the finest examples I've ever seen. Clearly issued as evidenced by the laundry number, but seemingly unworn. The Philadelphia QMD label is absolutely flawless, so clearly never washed! There is some light yellowing and marking to the lining, and red marks near the button fly. The only other issue is some very light corrosion to the zinc plated press studs on both pockets. These light issues all seem to be from storage and not use.
Size
- No size markings
- Waist 30"
- Inside leg 32"
- Outside leg 43"