UBB.threads Forums General Militaria Historic and Period Firearms Forum M3 "Grease Gun"

I came across a WWII photo of a GI with an M3 sub machine gun, or "Grease Gun". First time I have seen a photo of the M3 'in wear' in a long time

Nice image. I believe I see slant pockets. Airborne?

--dj--Joe

Joe,

I missed that. Maybe a uniform collector will help us

It looks like jump wings pinned to his left breast pocket flap, or am I seeing things?

--dj--Joe

Great eyes, Joe.

Yes, I see the jump wings, also a pineapple grenade and what seems to be a two clip .45 holder.

On his right leg, the guy's got a sheath knife.

Dave

Yes he is a airborne soldier,,he is wearing a reinforced elbow jump jacket and his helmet has his unit markings on the side, also the m3 fighting knife is in a m6 scabbard.

James

I've noticed that I often go through these old photos without really stopping to look at the detail. Anyone else do that ?

Here is another:

Notice that there are two fellows unloading a mini motorcycle on D-Day. There has to be a good story behind that.

It's a 1943 Excelsior Villiers Welbike. Will have to look online for combat-related stories. I did read it was a folding miniature motorcycle.

--dj--Joe

Joe,

Here we are on D-Day. Rough seas, bullets flying, etc. What was the urgency of getting a mini bike ashore ?

Urgency? Probably because some officer said, make it happen.

I see the U.S. had the 1944 Cushman Model 53 Military Airborne Scooter.

--dj--Joe

Amen

Those Cushman Airborne's go for major money these days. There is a guy in my neighborhood that restores old Cushman's, and a few years ago did a original Airborne.
In the process he made frames from the original, as well as parts, and has made 2 or 3 and is always working on one. It's a nice shop to stop and talk at.
Ed

Those Welbikes were good machines... Very desirable then and now,,, and big money for one IF you can find one for sale... Any WWII bike goes for big money!

What ever happened to that WWII you were working on Gaspare ?

That rare Triumph prototype!! Still got it and its my daily and only rider.. Its a 500cc Flathead twin,,the only model like that Triumph made. Mine is even rarer that the B&W photo as mine is a hardtail [no rear suspension] and a few other things...

Can't beat the beer rack on the tank!! I grab what ever I can for it when it pops up including manuals, parts lists etc. They might be a bit different year but the powerplant remained the same...

. Took me a couple years to find all the parts but as now have them all 100%.. Taking off the road for the season and get the Army paint matched and then all back together.. When done,,I'll post photos here!!

The last photo is a complete one,,,restored a bit.. Thats what I'm shooting for except they are worth way more as a Unrestored classic that runs!!!!!!!!!!!