Just wondered, as I've seen a few of these go on sale, are they close enough to the dress uniform of the WW2 US paratrooper to badge up? Don't want to buy something that would be waaaay off what I'm looking for, but let's face it, we all want a bargain if we can find one, eh? So could those more in the know tell me, could this kind of thing be a good substitute for actual repro gear or what?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DUTCH-ARMY-DRESS- ... 240%3A1318
Cheers
Would think they were closer to a British Officers tunic than a US WW2 one to be honest.
If you wait long enough and providing you arent looking for a massive size you can get original US 4 pkt tunics on Ebay for around £20-£30.When the pound was worth something even with shipping you could get them for the states pretty cheap.
Have you considered an Ike jkt as they are usualy cheaper than a 4 pkt tunic?
Have you considered an Ike jkt as they are usualy cheaper than a 4 pkt tunic?
If I knew what that was, I might!! 
Have you considered an Ike jkt as they are usualy cheaper than a 4 pkt tunic?
If I knew what that was, I might!!
Its sort of the Yank version of the Brit Battldress blouse 
WW2 ones can be had depending on size for not silly money or 50s dated ones are even cheaper as the reenacting boys dont want them due to small differences to the WW2 version.
So that's an LKE jacket? I'll keep an eye open for that. Cheers.
So that's an LKE jacket? I'll keep an eye open for that. Cheers.
IKE short for Eisenhower as i belive he used to wear a similar jkt so the GIs unofficialy called it the IKE jkt.
It was intended to be used as a combat jacket but found to be not suitable so used for dress instead.
Same sort of size and shape as a British BD jacket.
The best bit on that page is the painted 101st insignia.. you'd be laughed off an event if you turned up with that (a re-enactment one that is) yet it was obviously done... amazing.
"I think we are in rats' alley - Where the dead men lost their bones."
Cheers for that guys, I now know what to look for. Still prefer the 4 pocket one, but if an Ike one comes up cheap, well, might just go for that. I'm hoping to get it sorted out for this years Beltring, as I'll wear my combat malarkey during the day, and dress uniform for going on the piss. :p
If you're going to wear it at Beltring, get a proper one. A post war one just won't cut it at a reenactment event.
So the Ike one is post war? Well, I guess it's just as well I prefer the 4 pocket then!
No thats not what Steve is saying.
The ike jacket was introduced late war (mid 44 i think) and most likely as a cloth economy measure as all the wwii armies started cutting battledress and uniforms down (check out the german 43/44 late pattern tunic which is a copy of brit BD like the Ike jacket).
After the war the Ike jacked was altered and post war ones are different form war pattern ones (subtley), fine for airsoft but you'll just get hassle at re-enacmtent shows.
As a rule of thumb its bad form to wear counts as kit at re-enactment shows.
Essentially you dont do wwii combat/airsoft games any favours as the re-enactment crowd were trying to convince were not taking the piss will just see you as someone larking about with no regard for history - remember your going into an arena of self appointed experts 
In PBI we have a veryhigh standard 'public dress code'
http://www.poorbloodyinfantry.org.uk/in ... public-eye
"I think we are in rats' alley - Where the dead men lost their bones."
Gotcha. That's why I thought it was best to ask you guys first, then look at my options. Might as well just wait till I've got the cash and get one from a specialist (SOF or whatever) retailer and be sure I don't look like a total plank!!
Shop around, have a look at WWII impressions and At the Front and What Price Glory.
Militaria fairs are the best bet.
US kit is still relatively easy to get original pieces compared to say UK airborne or axis kit.
There is a militaria fair on in Derby on the 28th btw.
"I think we are in rats' alley - Where the dead men lost their bones."
Or better still, get it at Beltring!
What size are you ?
I think the easiest way to spot a WW2 Ike jkt over a 50s one is the WW2 ones had buttoned cuffs while the 50s ones had plain cuffs.
Probably loads of other differences as well but thats the 1st question you should ask as many a shady seller will try to palm you off a 50s one as a WW2 one
42" chest, 36" waits, about 5'10'', why do you ask? Got a wee spare jacket knocking about. 
42" chest, 36" waits, about 5'10'', why do you ask? Got a wee spare jacket knocking about.
Dont think i do but will certainly have a look for you 
Heh, I love this forum!! 
i have a 34r ike jacket i bought for£15, so shop around, you never know what you might find.
(yes it is an original, dated 1944)
