Colors of Stowed Tools, US Tanks

[Mithras]

Minor issue.

I know that, in most cases, the metal of the tools carried by infantry or stowed on vehicles would be painted in the base color of green, brown, etc. used as the base color for helmets, vehicles, etc. However, I'm not sure I know the procedure for American tools. Would they have been blackened? Painted in an appropriate OD? Surely not left as bare metal.

[tankme]

Depends. I know that answer sucks, but this is what I found:

"At the start of WW II pioneer tools were drawn from the Federal supply system, through normal contracts that supplied agencies like the Department of Agriculture or the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Federal specifications allowed wooden handles to be painted OD or clear coated. Metal parts and tools could be OD, black, clear coated bare metal, or oiled metal. As time went on they were almost always overall OD. Overseas, tanks were sometimes (maybe often) repainted overall OD, and frequently the tools were in place during painting so that the tools were painted the same color and finish as the tank."

[Mithras]

Depends. I know that answer sucks, but this is what I found:

"At the start of WW II pioneer tools were drawn from the Federal supply system, through normal contracts that supplied agencies like the Department of Agriculture or the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Federal specifications allowed wooden handles to be painted OD or clear coated. Metal parts and tools could be OD, black, clear coated bare metal, or oiled metal. As time went on they were almost always overall OD. Overseas, tanks were sometimes (maybe often) repainted overall OD, and frequently the tools were in place during painting so that the tools were painted the same color and finish as the tank."

It's a great answer, actually. Thanks very much!!

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Mithras, tankme's answer is exactly what I learned, but I cannot remember from what book . I keep painting the wooden handles in fresh or aged wood. Maybe since my D-Day build T26E3 is most definitely a late war build, I should just spray the tools O.D.

[Mithras]

Mithras, tankme's answer is exactly what I learned, but I cannot remember from what book . I keep painting the wooden handles in fresh or aged wood. Maybe since my D-Day build T26E3 is most definitely a late war build, I should just spray the tools O.D.

I've developed that habit, too!