The Cold Weather Leggings are classified as Cold Weather Clothing under the Special Regional Clothing category and were worn as a set together with Cold Weather Shoes. The body is made of wool, and fur is sewn along the inner edges on the reverse side. These, along with other cold-weather gear, are listed in the 1938 (Shōwa 13) Army Uniform and Equipment Regulations1.
On original examples, the outer surface often shows insect damage, and the fur is frequently in a very fragile condition and prone to shedding. As a result, relatively few surviving pieces remain in a condition suitable for practical use today.
Inspection stamp illegible, Small size
The construction of Cold Weather Leggings is very similar to that of leather leggings used by non-commissioned officers and enlisted men. On leather leggings for NCOs and enlisted personnel, it is quite common to encounter examples where the strap that passes under the foot has been cut. However, I have not yet seen any Cold Weather Leggings with this strap similarly cut.
This particular example has fur in relatively good condition, but even so, the fur sheds when touched, indicating the effects of age-related deterioration.
This is a common feature seen on wool equipment items, but the inspection stamp is illegible. Rather than having faded over time, it appears to have been indistinctly applied from the time of manufacture.
The size marking is stitched with thread as “小” which means small.
Shōwa 19 (1944) issue, Hiroshima Army Clothing Depot, Small size
This example has fur in slightly poorer condition, but shows very little insect damage and is, overall, well preserved.
The inspection stamp is clearly applied and legible. The size marking is also stitched as “小”.
One unfortunate aspect of this example is that two buckles on the right leg are missing. Rather than having fallen off naturally, they appear to have been deliberately removed, possibly for parts.
I purchased this item on Yahoo Auctions, but there was no mention of the missing buckles in the description, and the listing photos were taken in a way that obscured the relevant area, so I did not notice the issue until it arrived. Although the seller appeared to be a recycling dealer with little specialist knowledge, the experience ultimately left me with an impression of poor faith. Given the condition, the price was one at which I would not have purchased the item, which makes this particularly disappointing. As I also sell items on Yahoo Auctions myself, I chose not to leave feedback in order to avoid trouble, but I do not intend to purchase from this seller again.
Complaining will not change the situation, so I repaired the missing parts myself. The original buckles were flat aluminum types identical to those used on leather leggings for NCOs and enlisted men, a shape no longer found in commercially available products today. Unavoidably, I substituted modern buckles of the appropriate size.
Because the restoration is immediately recognizable at a glance, I feel that this may actually be for the better.
Footnote
- “Revisions to the Army Uniform and Equipment Regulations under Article 5 of the Army Uniform Regulations” JACAR (Japan Center for Asian Historical Records) Ref. C01001561600, Eizonsyo Documents, Series A, Category 1, Shōwa 13 (1938) (National Institute for Defense Studies, Ministry of Defense) ↩︎
