Question on Australian Jungle Fighter

[KCE83]

I have seen vintage Aussie uniforms with the unit emblem and chevrons, and others where the arms are blank. Can someone explain that? Were the arm decorations separate decals that were applied? Or did certain factories just skip the embroidery process? Thanks for any insight anyone can provide.

[GI Defender]

I am not aware of a rankless Aussie. I checked DDP's book in the variation section and there is no listing for such a varient.

What you may have seen is someone passing off a MOD 4-pocket jacket which is similar but has no rank insignia. The MOD jacket does not have buttons on the pockets so look for that at first.

[KCE83]

[ActionYankee]

Guys, 1969's "Mouth of Doom" set.

[GI Defender]

MOD = Mouth of Doom

Both of my MOD jackets do not have belt loops. (I have the 3 and 4 pocket variations) I also checked my Aussie, he does not have a belt loop on the back of his jacket, just on the sides.



Early variations of the Aussie jacket had paper and or foil ranks but they are extremely rare. The main production run had patches that look almost heat applied. (Cant think of a better way to describe it) I say this because they are not stitched on or directly embroidered onto the uniform.



Another possibility is the repro Aussie that Hasbro put out. I don't have one but it may have the extra belt loop. But it will also have a China tag and brass tack looking buttons as I recall.

Here is an eBay auction I stumbled across after I posted. It has pics of the back so you can see no back belt loop. Also you may get a better idea on the stripes I described.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-G-I-...AAAOSwg0hbUeRH

[ATFan]

Would the Rat Patrol-inspired Desert Patrol uniform and jeep be a possible variant?

[GI Defender]

According to DDP's book, the Desert Patrol uniform is identical to the Aussie uniform. So I would think not.

[Joe90]

According to DDP's book, the Desert Patrol uniform is identical to the Aussie uniform. So I would think not.

My childhood Desert Patrol figure's uniform is identical to the Aussie uniform.

I picked up an Aussie uniform that had only one foil insignia, and it eventually fell off. Whatever they used to attach it to the uniform doesn't leave residue.

[KCE83]