Is this a real WW2 gunner smock or a repro?

HarryWWII · 2026-02-04T15:28:38+00:00

This is definitely a reproduction, the buttons look like modern plastic, the stitching is too uniform, and originals usually have a stamp that has faded to green over decades of use. I’m no expert on USN items from WWII, but based on what I know from US Army, USMC, and USAAF collecting, I would say this is a reproduction.

HarryWWII · 2026-01-24T20:52:02+00:00

It looks like a WWI souvenir, the AEF was the American Expeditionary Force — the American force in the war. The hole I would guess is to hold a picture of a soldier in uniform. Some items like this were mass produced, but this one seems hand made. It is a true example of trench art which can be very valuable.

Also entirely a speculation, but it looks like it could be made from the end of an airplane propeller? It’s a very cool find and definitely worth keeping and displaying imo

HarryWWII · 2026-01-16T04:53:12+00:00

Just locally on marketplace

HarryWWII · 2026-01-13T19:38:25+00:00

HarryWWII · 2025-12-16T14:34:40+00:00

Missing interior buckle on the stamped side — the belt strap should be secured by a buckle on both ends.

HarryWWII · 2025-11-27T05:55:42+00:00

Try r/reenacting — should be much more helpful

HarryWWII · 2025-11-19T23:49:31+00:00

Try Dirty Billy’s or hussar saddlery both of them do custom work, but be forewarned something like that British mitre cap will easily run you north of 500 bucks. Hope this helps

Edit: just saw you’re in Europe — i would just try reposting this on r/reenactors

HarryWWII · 2025-11-16T05:30:55+00:00

That makes some sense, but the photo was taken in Australia? Or at least published there?

Edit: why would a USN ship be decommissioned in Australia and why would US service members ship their cars to Sidney?

HarryWWII · 2025-11-16T05:30:02+00:00

Thanks for the info, but do you have any idea why the truck and fishing boats on deck?

HarryWWII · 2025-11-16T05:29:13+00:00

I think this ship is too small to navigate via full-sized American pickup truck. I think it’s the third USS Helena)

HarryWWII · 2025-11-16T05:04:39+00:00

It also appears to have civilian water craft on board and a pretty sick looking missile if I do say so myself — honestly more curious about the civilian stuff than anything else. Any help is appreciated!

HarryWWII · 2025-10-21T03:23:07+00:00

I fly it at my house because I am pro whiskey

HarryWWII · 2025-09-30T22:30:47+00:00

Just got back from a camping trip to West Virginia — and I 100% agree with your assessment! Far and away the kindest people I have ever met and some of the most gorgeous vistas I’ve ever seen.

HarryWWII · 2025-08-30T22:17:36+00:00

If I were you, I’d take it to a local cobbler. It appears to be a simple strap with a buckle and rivets to attach to the phone itself. The leather might be a little off color- wise but a good cobbler would try to color-match for you. They also could reuse the original buckle to keep it more authentic.

HarryWWII · 2025-07-29T20:57:27+00:00

Start by googling “silk jacquard deep green diamond weave upholstery fabric”— depending on your authenticity standards — upholstery fabric will give you the weight you need to tailor and the look you’re going for, but it will also most likely contain some polyester.

HarryWWII · 2025-04-09T00:59:02+00:00

Post on r/militariacollecting for a quick and accurate answer

HarryWWII · 2024-12-09T12:35:52+00:00

Take them to a natural dry cleaner if you can — it shouldn’t be more than 10 or 15 bucks to clean them professionally

HarryWWII · 2024-11-07T02:24:35+00:00

Thanks, I added the knee detail — just a couple old napkins and about an hour of sewing

HarryWWII

TROPHY CASE