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With an interest lying in early war Canadian history, I quickly discovered the vast array of alterations that Canada made to the Pattern 1937 set towards the end of WWII that would render my impression anachronistic. These modifications were mostly adopted for economy purposes or to expedite manufacturing and although not all were uniquely Canadian, there were enough changes to make Canadian webbing a fascinating and enjoyable field of collecting. Although by no means comprehensive, I have compiled this list over the years for the benefit of others with a similar interest…
• In 1941, buckles were added to the side of the binocular case.
• Appearing in 1941, the upper loop of frogs were split and stitched to fit the new spike bayonet.
• In 1941-1942, basic pouch closure tabs were widened from ¾” to 1”.
• In 1942, a larger webbing holster was created for large frame revolvers.
• In 1942, the water bottle carrier switched from a top-opening stud to a front stud.
• In 1942, a smaller frog appeared specifically designed for the spike bayonet.
• In 1942, the braces were switched from a one-piece construction to multiple pieces.
• In 1942, the auxiliary pouch yoke switched from a one-piece construction to multiple pieces.
• Around 1942-43, snaps became smooth rather than pebble-grained.
• Starting in 1943, brass components were replaced with brown phosphate-finished metal known as "battle brass".
• In 1943, the basic pouch buckle became flat pressed rather than curved.
• In 1943, the brace adaptors switched from a movable center bar to a solid center bar.
• In 1943, a cloth rim was included on gaiters, entrenching tool cover, and tanker holster.
• In 1943, the L-straps switched to a 2” strap with no 1” reduction.
• By 1944, brace ends switched from eyeleted brass tips to phenolic resin impregnated tips.
*Please feel free to add additions or make corrections to the above dates
• In 1941, buckles were added to the side of the binocular case.
• Appearing in 1941, the upper loop of frogs were split and stitched to fit the new spike bayonet.
• In 1941-1942, basic pouch closure tabs were widened from ¾” to 1”.
• In 1942, a larger webbing holster was created for large frame revolvers.
• In 1942, the water bottle carrier switched from a top-opening stud to a front stud.
• In 1942, a smaller frog appeared specifically designed for the spike bayonet.
• In 1942, the braces were switched from a one-piece construction to multiple pieces.
• In 1942, the auxiliary pouch yoke switched from a one-piece construction to multiple pieces.
• Around 1942-43, snaps became smooth rather than pebble-grained.
• Starting in 1943, brass components were replaced with brown phosphate-finished metal known as "battle brass".
• In 1943, the basic pouch buckle became flat pressed rather than curved.
• In 1943, the brace adaptors switched from a movable center bar to a solid center bar.
• In 1943, a cloth rim was included on gaiters, entrenching tool cover, and tanker holster.
• In 1943, the L-straps switched to a 2” strap with no 1” reduction.
• By 1944, brace ends switched from eyeleted brass tips to phenolic resin impregnated tips.
*Please feel free to add additions or make corrections to the above dates
