|
WWII US Army Portable Operator Switch Board - BD-71
This is a US Army field gear item. As issued during World War two. This is a US Army portable field switchboard.
Used to connect a network of
EE-8
and TP-9 field phones.
All wooden construction with a series of switches and connectors
in the inside.
The legs of the switchboard fold together and are enclosed in the box. The example featured here has seen
very little use.
This section of the website provides information that allows you to identify American military field
gear collectibles. The data also includes a price guide to give you an idea of the value of the items.
One of the compartments opens and reveals the communications wiring. Several paper bags can be seen wedge in
various areas. These bags contain spare parts for the switchboard. They are coated with what appears to be
a type of resin.
The righ side of the photo shows a handle that is folded to put away. This is a crank handle.
The top of the switchboard opens to reveal a series of silver connectors. This is where the communication
wires are placed. Both, the face plate and the top of the connectors, are labeled to indicate the type of
wire to be used.
|
This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII US collectibles. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined
points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII US collectible worth?".
A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the collectibles
is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth
of US militaria in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military
antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
|
|
This photo shows a view of the legs in the folded state.
The photo below provides a better view of the internal components of the switchboard. The top
of the container box has a heavy duty canvis shoulder strap. This feature allowed the soldier
to carry the box in the field.
Spare parts were issued with the switchbox. They camne in bags and small boxes and consisted of small
electronic parts and cables.
The side view of the EE-8 operator switchbox reveals part of the canvis shoulder strap. a heavy duty
metal handle is attached to the side. An inspection tag is secured to the handle. The equipment was
tested and services in a regular basis. The tag contains information about the inspections.
A metal tag is attached to the top of the equipment. The tag reads as follows:
Signal Corps US Army
Switchboard BD-71
Serial No, Order no nom-44311
Leich Electric Co.
This WWII US military collectible may be currently
reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because
the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with
the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item.
Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of
the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other WWII US military collectibles, you can do so by
going to our
WWII US Military Collectibles Price Guide.
Where we cover items from the Army, Navy, Army Air Force and other organizations.
| 
Swat the Shopping Bug to view related military items!
