US HBT Uniforms

**AmericanKraut** · 04-05-2013, 07:26 AM

I purchased these a while ago and I believe they are the Navy pattern? The owner told me that they were from Pearl Harbor, but the only thing I know for sure is that they were from Hawaii since they shipped from there. The HBT is a darker more olive green, unlike the later dark od7 shade, and the earlier light shade. Perhaps it is a different color for the Navy / USMC or just discoloration?

**reneblacky** · 04-08-2013, 02:34 AM

Nice one, good to see the USMC herringbone weave type

**GIZMO8Z** · 04-08-2013, 02:49 AM

I believe the buttons are a good indication that they are USN. USMC buttons literally say Marines on them, while Army and Navy have stars and wreaths.

**reneblacky** · 04-08-2013, 02:55 AM

by GIZMO8Z

I believe the buttons are a good indication that they are USN. USMC buttons literally say Marines on them, while Army and Navy have stars and wreaths.

Nice shot there, See the HBT weave differences

**AZPhil** · 04-08-2013, 03:09 AM

Nice HBT coveralls Ben.
They look to be in great shape.
Semper Fi
Phil

**AmericanKraut** · 04-08-2013, 03:24 AM

Thanks guys they are in great shape besides the wrinkles lol. I think that it is funny that they have different weaves and buttons on combat uniforms, but the color differentiation would make some sense...

Technically they could be given to a Navy or USMC guy, I think, since the USMC falls under the Navy. Also I think the USMC did not have a specific coverall until the camo version in 1942 so they might have used the Navys before?
Some what like the Navy corpsmen on beaches would wear USMC HBTs occasionally. I think that they shared the camo helmet covers and ponchos too.

I have a pair of Army ones but they are beat to hell, definatley used well by a mechanic or for PT of some sort

**AmericanKraut** · 04-10-2013, 07:07 AM

Here are my first pattern army coveralls, they look like they have been reserviced a few times...
I believe the hat is the first pattern HBT cap.
I originally got them for reenacting AAF ground crew / mechanic since they are beat, but man are they short... I guess most men of the era were not 6feet tall.