US vehicle crew combat gloves, leather/Nomex, surplus

Aviator gloves quickly found their way to decorate the hairy hands of the ground troops as well. These are specifically meant for vehicle drivers. An old but still very functional design.

A carbon copy of this glove has also found its way to the use of German armed forces. Since the only difference is some text on the inside, we won't separate them from each batch. They are externally the same after all.

During the Vietnam war they came up with a pair of silly good aviator gloves with the grippier side made of leather and everything else of fire retardant Nomex. This meant the gloves did not melt on the pilot's hands if the plane caught fire. Needless to say, a pair of light, dextrous gloves weren't good only in the cockpit, so they were a coveted piece of gear among others as well. Naturally similar gloves were a bit later made for ground troops as well.

On the palm side these are made of leather from the wrist to the tip of each finger. The leather on the palm gives superb grip and dexterity. Back of the glove is made of fire resistant Nomex. Gloves are kept firmly in place by elastic straps on the wrists. Long cuffs offer protection from small cuts and scrapes.

Perfect stuff when good handling is needed. Working with small bits and pieces pose no problem (e.g. vehicle parts, guns and such). However for demanding and continuously abrasive work use these are not meant for - everything is a compromise, these offer great dexterity and grip, but not the same kind of toughness that thickest work gloves give.

Size info

Sizes according to user's palm circumference in inches, as is usual with gloves. Measure yours like shown here. Easy size in the brackets.

Condition

Used, but in serviceable condition. Being military issue, they do have some wear to them. Might not be original pairs, but the same size anyway.

A viable alternative for German combat gloves

Compared to the German Bundeswehr leahter/nomex combat gloves, these don't have the knuckle reinforcement but the leather itself is just a bit thicker.