Issued French Model 1946/52 Wool Pants
Please be aware that measured inseam lengths will fit about one size larger due to these pants fitting high on the waist. If you'd like a short fit, size down. If you'd like to wear the pants as intended (at or above the belly button) please purchase your regular inseam length.
Whew, we had a bitch of a time figuring out exactly what these are. We knew they were French... and very, very old, but that was about it. Turns out they're French army sortie pants, model of 1946. French troops stationed in Europe and Algeria after WWII would wear these in their downtime. They aren't officially part of a combat uniform, but were sometimes still worn in the field. See original photos attached to this listing.
These pants are also sometimes known as the M1952, as a copy of the 1946 model was introduced in 1952. Reading French language sources on this has been very confusing, so please take this with a grain of salt.
What makes them particularly interesting is who made them. After WWII, France received a sizable reparations package from Germany. This included much of Germany's textile industry, which the French used to produce new uniforms for their recovering military.
The United States provided significant inspiration for the French army's new uniform cuts. These pants are an almost 1:1 recreation of the US Army's Model 1945 Wool Trousers, just as the accompanying jacket was a copy of America's iconic Ike Jacket. A combination of surviving French and German industry produced these new uniforms that enabled the French military to re-equip itself.
The Short & Sweet:
- Genuine French Armée de Terre surplus
- Issued; Good condition
- 100% wool gabardine fabric (a bit itchy)
- Manufactured in the late 1940s to early 1960s
- Two slanted waist pockets
- Two rear button-flap pockets
- Button-up fly and waist
- High waisted fit, as is usual for pants of this vintage
- Suspender buttons on front and rear
Issued French Model 1946/52 Wool Pants - 30W / Regular is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Customer Reviews
Great pants. Worn them for working and for comfort and they work well for both. Sizing is perfect and I haven’t had any issues with washing.
Curious About Sizing?
Curious About Sizing?
Given the massive variety of clothing we carry, a standard sizing guide is incredibly helpful for customers seeking the best fit.
Please understand that surplus varies widely in fit and cut and this sizing chart is general advice rather than tailor-level fitting.
Nearly every military has different sizing charts and schemes, which is why we've taken the time to put together this brief tutorial.
Jacket & Shirt Sizing
In absence of an established military size chart, we measure each jacket or shirt from armpit to armpit to get a rough idea of how it fits. If a garment is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a shirt measures 19.75" from pit to pit, it is marked as a small rather than medium.
To measure pit to pit, close up your shirt or jacket and measure from armpit to armpit.
This is our measurement guide that we use to measure garments without an existing military size chart:
14"-15" PtP = XXS
16-17" PtP = Extra Small
18"-19" PtP = Small
20-21" PtP = Medium
22-23" PtP = Large
24-25" PtP = Extra Large
26-27" PtP = XXL
28-29" PtP = 3XL
Pant Sizing
We typically convert pants to US waist and inseam sizes. If a pair of pants is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a pair of pants measures as a 33 waist, it is marked as a 32 waist.
To take these measurements we lay a pair of pants flat on the ground. We then measure across the waist and double the measurement. For example, if a pair of pants measures 16" across the waist it will fit a US 32 waist.
To determine inseam we measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff. For example, it a pair of pants measures 30" from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff we will list it as a 30 inseam or 30L.
Surplus Condition Guide
- Unissued
- These items are brand new. They may sometimes exhibit signs of storage. They may be new in their original factory packaging, but most times will not be.
- Issued; Good / Issued
- These items are in issued/used condition but are fully functional. This grade of surplus item may also exhibit signs of use such as stampings, small stains or general dirtiness.
- Issued items will not have missing or broken buttons, zippers or be missing any functional components unless noted as such in the product description. Any items you purchase that are marked as "Issued; Good" but exhibit these defects will be replaced free of charge by Americana Pipedream.
- Grade 2
- These items are in issued/used condition but have defects that impede function. This may include missing buttons, broken zippers, holes and tears. They may also be missing components.
- This is the lowest grade of surplus item that we carry and they are not eligible for returns or exchanges due to condition.
Prop 65 Warning
Prop 65 Warning
All products that are NOT INTENDED FOR CONSUMPTION OR NOT FOOD PRODUCTS fall under this warning:
“WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.” WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.”
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Americana Pipedream keeps its inventory on-hand and ships directly to you from our warehouse in Appleton, Wisconsin.
We typically ship orders within 3-5 business days. During busy periods this can be 7-10 business days, sometimes longer. We are a small business and appreciate your patience.
Issued French Model 1946/52 Wool Pants
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