Footlocker hobby build

[Edward]

That is amazing - beyond cool!!

Thanks! I was envious of those on military forums that had done this and it was always in the back of my mind to put one together.
Finally tracked down a decent sewing kit that wasn't priced outrageously high. so many versions were made but I settled on this one. I may also eventually get the OD cloth tie up version but for now this one isn't missing too many items. its hard to find one that is both in decent condition and contains most if not all of the parts... this is one of the "deluxe" versions that included a few extras.

 

[Nnatalie]

View attachment 33577

Wonderful find! One of those is on my wishlist for someday!

How does the self-threading needle (on the little card in the middle) work?

 

[Edward]

Wonderful find! One of those is on my wishlist for someday!

How does the self-threading needle (on the little card in the middle) work?

I honestly don't know for sure but a while back when I needed to sew up something for the first time I had trouble keeping a knot in the needle.. as I sewed it would come undone and I would have to rethread which is a pain and I googled how to do a proper thread knot and found how to "self thread" by rolling the eye of the needle over the palm of your hand with the thread laying in it... it was some kind of dark magic only women know how to actually pull off I think
I couldn't get it to thread the eye that way at all... and went back to squinting and poking until it went in.

set up a proper display area for the footlocker instead of leaving it on the floor. my apartment is way too small now. I have a small 5" x 7" Betty Grable photo on the way to add to the pinup section

#IamNOTaMuseum

 

[Edward]

ugh, I need to step away from the computer and go for a walk but I could not resist buying this mint NOS never used early WWII E-Z sewing kit for a mere $10.00! Most are in bad shape and they want more than twice that so it was an easy justification
These were made of coated paper and the threads woven and you pulled on a thread to get what you needed.. very clever indeed!

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[Smithy]

Edward, I think it's a foregone conclusion that you will very shortly have one of the most authentic and also very impressive USAAF footlockers out there.

The level of detail you're putting into this is brilliant.

Keep the posts and pictures coming, I for one, am loving this thread.

 

[Edward]

Edward, I think it's a foregone conclusion that you will very shortly have one of the most authentic and also very impressive USAAF footlockers out there.

The level of detail you're putting into this is brilliant.

Keep the posts and pictures coming, I for one, am loving this thread.

Thanks! Well, I put my army underwear in it! Lol!

 

[B-Man2]

Ed
Do you have a WWII US Army issued Bible from that period ? It’s a small hand sized bible with a forward from FDR. That might be a good addition as you can still find them around.

 

[Edward]

Ed
Do you have a WWII US Army issued Bible from that period ? It’s a small hand sized bible with a forward from FDR. That might be a good addition as you can still find them around.

indeed I do! people are asking way too much for them these days but got one for $25.00 recently.

 

[B-Man2]

Wow! All your stuff is museum quality .
What a great way to stay occupied for a while and take your mind off all the craziness.
Cheers !

 

[Clark J]

I had a mint one from an Iwo Mustang pilot from Minneapolis.

 

[Edward]

Very difficult to find one of these! A NOS original Dr. West's Miracle-Tuft toothbrush in the original glass vile with label. The plastic bottom end cap is missing but otherwise mint condition. These were commonly issued to servicemen during the war and now is part of my WWII footlocker display.

In 1938, DuPont Corporation began manufacturing synthetic bristle toothbrushes. Nylon yarn was used along with molded plastic handles. It was advertised as ‘Dr. West’s Miracle-Tuft Toothbrush’. DuPont claimed it was sealed in glass, waterproof, and guaranteed for a year.

With the invention of nylon During World War II, toothbrushes were marketed to the American homefront supporting the war effort with the slogan of: “Your American Duty…To keep well…and keep working!”

 

[Edward]

added a rare NOS mint 5 pack of 1940s slightly prewar Wrigley's Chewing gum to my locker this week... more interesting things on the way!

 

[Edward]

added one more sewing kit to the footlocker. this was one of the more standard versions. very small and the threads woven together. you just pulled on the thread you needed. Hard to get these in decent shape. this one is unused and seems to be complete.

 

[Edward]

Made a great and rare find/purchase today.. a pre 1938 Dr. West's Natural Bristle toothbrush still in the glass vial AND with the always missing plastic seal! Boar bristles were used until 1938, when nylon bristles were introduced by Dupont de Nemours.
No wonder no one liked to brush... hog hair taken from the back of a hog's neck!

 

[Edward]

something extra special for the footlocker... NOS Pomade from the 1940s! still full and still useable!

 

[Edward]

That's not FOP, its a can of snot!

 

[ausreenactor]

Amazing. Need to get it all photographed for the reenactor crowd. Have you put some pics on any FB pages?

 

[Cocker]

Whoah, this is simply amazing!! Have you tried it?

 

[Edward]

Whoah, this is simply amazing!! Have you tried it?

75 year old vaseline with olive oil added? not my look

 

[ausreenactor]

Give it a go. Will get the old gals swooning over you!