WWII US Army HBT Model 1 Suit -
The fast pace of change that swept the weapons race during WWII drove the development of brand new
uniforms. Better materials and designs were employed. One of those uniforms was the general purpose coveralls.
The item featured here is a WWII US Army model I HBT suit.
Adopted for use in 1938, the HBT model I work suit was employed in many different
proffesions in the armed forces, from mechanics to lineman to soldiers storming the
beaches in Europe. This type of uniforms were also favored by the tank crews.
The design of the uniform consists of a single piece constructed from
herring bone twill,
commonly known as HBT. Most of its
buttons
are black or green metal with a a 13-star pattern on its surface. The stars represented the first 13
colonies of the United States.
There were three models developed. The difference between the models were minor, primarily consisting of
pocket design and placement. Also the use of the belt. Our collection includes an example of the
third model.
The breast area and sleeves could have been complimented with
patches indicating the rank of the
individual and the unit affiliation. none are present in this case. The use of
insignia on this uniform was not a common
practice.
The HBT model I had a few distinctive trademarks. Notice that the top right hand pocket has a buttonless
flap covering it while the left side pocket is flapless. The lower front has two large pockets where
the right side has a smaller pocket inside of the large one. The back has two pockets that are open and
do not have a flap cover
The suit has a built-in belt with a square metal buckle painted green. The belt is sewn to the back and
the side of the uniform, the front ends remain loose. A single zipper closes the front of the uniform.
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII US military uniforms.
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 uniform worth?".
A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the uniforms is
reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth
of the American military uniforms 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.
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This WWII US uniform 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 uniforms, you can do so by going to our
American Military Uniforms Price Guide.
Where we cover Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and other organizations.
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