US Army Model 1910 Canvas Leggings (Gaiters)

With all the talk of leggings, I thought I’d do a few postings of the ones in my collection.

The Model 1910 Leggings were the standard US issue when WWI broke out. Rather than lace all the way up, these tied at the top and bottom with only two eyelets and a hook in the center. Less to catch on brush, I suppose. There is a stiffener sewn in from the top to the bottom along the eyelets which would keep the material from gaping open between the top, bottom and center. There is no strap to slide under the foot. Photo 4 is from a period photograph showing wear.

My example is 10 ½” tall, torn, stained, and missing the laces. There are ink markings that are likely the remains of the quartermaster stamp or size designation. There is leather reinforcement at the bottom.

These were replaced in 1917 by a different model gaiter that laced all the way up the sides and had a strap that passed under the arch of the foot. You’ll find Model 1910, Model 1917, other variations and wrap around cloth putties all worn by soldiers in WWI – sometimes in the same unit.