Army/Navy Surplus Stores
Mar 19, 2020 07:52:56 #
When I was a kid in the 1950s, we had a couple of "Surplus" stores near us. WW II had recently ended, and these stores sold surplus. As I got older, they were no longer selling surplus - just military-related items. The name remained while the merchandise changed.
Mar 19, 2020 07:58:28 #
In my neighborhood we all had WWII cartridge belts, canteens/cups, knapsacks, etc.. which came from these Army/Navy stores...or from our Dads most of whom were WWII vets.
Mar 19, 2020 08:11:19 #
I bought an army surplus machete for clearing some brush on camping trips. It was dull, but I got permission from the shop teacher to bring it in to Jr high school and sharpen it. I carried it all day (in a sheath) between classes with no problems or questions by any of the teachers. Try that today :-)
Mar 19, 2020 08:42:21 #
Dave Sr wrote:
I bought an army surplus machete for clearing some brush on camping trips. It was dull, but I got permission from the shop teacher to bring it in to Jr high school and sharpen it. I carried it all day (in a sheath) between classes with no problems or questions by any of the teachers. Try that today :-)
For sure!
Mar 19, 2020 08:46:33 #
A few years back at a "A/N surplus" shop in a tourist area I overheard the manager telling a customer that some of the stuff there was actually fake. They couldn't get the real stuff so items were being copied specifically for these shops. The cartoon is the truth.
Mar 19, 2020 09:52:54 #
stu352 wrote:
A few years back at a "A/N surplus" shop in a tourist area I overheard the manager telling a customer that some of the stuff there was actually fake. They couldn't get the real stuff so items were being copied specifically for these shops. The cartoon is the truth.
I see you’re on MA so if you’re talking about the store in Hyannis, I’ve been in there and it’s true. A lot of what they sell are knockoffs.
Mar 19, 2020 10:34:49 #
When I joined the Boy Scouts, my dad took me to the local Army/Navy surplus store to get my camping gear. It was much better made than the stuff the "official" BSA outlets sold.
When we cleaned out mom's home when it was sold, that gear was still in a closet, and not too worse for the wear. Hated to let it go...
When we cleaned out mom's home when it was sold, that gear was still in a closet, and not too worse for the wear. Hated to let it go...
Mar 19, 2020 10:52:41 #
Right, Hyannis. A friend has a place walking distance from there, so we've known the area well. I think there was a similar shop in Orleans, but IIRC it closed a few years back.
Mar 19, 2020 11:19:00 #
jerryc41 wrote:
When I was a kid in the 1950s, we had a couple of "Surplus" stores near us. WW II had recently ended, and these stores sold surplus. As I got older, they were no longer selling surplus - just military-related items. The name remained while the merchandise changed.
We still had a true Surplus store in town. One of my good friends owned it, but he passed away last year, behind the register and I'm not sure what happen to it. But he would have the old boots and other real surplus stuff plus current items like boonie hats etc.
Mar 19, 2020 11:59:32 #
We still have a couple in this part of N.C., probably due to the large number of military bases in the area. I never thought I’d want to see them again, but recently I’ve been looking for a pair of VirtNam era jungle boots - no luck so far - 50 years is a long time I guess.
Mar 19, 2020 13:19:02 #
Dannj wrote:
In my neighborhood we all had WWII cartridge belts, canteens/cups, knapsacks, etc.. which came from these Army/Navy stores...or from our Dads most of whom were WWII vets.
My Grandfather used a surplus gas mask when he sprayed his crops with insecticides. I bought web gear and pouches to carry fishing gear.
Mar 20, 2020 08:53:41 #
jerryc41 wrote:
When I was a kid in the 1950s, we had a couple of "Surplus" stores near us. WW II had recently ended, and these stores sold surplus. As I got older, they were no longer selling surplus - just military-related items. The name remained while the merchandise changed.
I can still remember the smell of my WWII canvas backpack, we all used them in the early 50’s as book sacks.
Mar 20, 2020 09:31:20 #
jerryc41 wrote:
When I was a kid in the 1950s, we had a couple of "Surplus" stores near us. WW II had recently ended, and these stores sold surplus. As I got older, they were no longer selling surplus - just military-related items. The name remained while the merchandise changed.
In many areas, one can find a good sampling at the local antique stores. Although this is also "fading" into the Past.
Mar 20, 2020 09:33:53 #
Helmet liners, cartridge belts and canteens were the hot items at the surplus stores in my area. It was amazing what a dollar or two would buy you there on a Saturday morning!
Mar 20, 2020 10:32:17 #
Sirsnapalot wrote:
I can still remember the smell of my WWII canvas backpack, we all used them in the early 50’s as book sacks.
Me too...but we called them knapsacks.
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