Canvas Tents
At WWII Impressions quality and authenticity are our top priorities!
No other new-made WWII era tents follow the same standards for quality and authenticity as we do. We don't cut corners or outsource our WWII era US military canvas tents. That means that we have total control over our production. Our tents are painstakingly replicated to the highest degree in our location by our own staff, from original U.S. Army drawings and specifications. Working from original tents is elementary but working from original drawings and specs is even more valuable since it assures that reinforcements are accurate, hardware is of sufficient quality, and measurements are true.
Canvas used on tents should NOT simply be coated with inexpensive wax coatings that will fade from sun exposure. Neither should the fabric be so light weight that it is translucent to the sunlight. We use the correct width of canvas material in weight and construction that meets or exceeds the US military specs. not foreign or commercial specs. Our canvas is finished with the authentic shade genuine military spec FMWR treatment that won't fade under the sun. We use the correct number of mil-spec eyelets and ropes along the eves. We don't reduce eve lines for the sake of cutting corners. We are also able to produce these tents using alternative canvas fabrics such as light OD #3 or suntan khaki. Please contact us with inquiries about fabric availability.
We do not outsource nor have these made overseas in other countries.
We have sold numerous tents to professional historians, museums, and historical groups with positive praises about durability and authenticity. We have seen competitors use incorrect foreign or commercial spec canvas, non-lightfast (sun-resistant) treatment, reduced ropes and eyelets, modern surplus rope slips, and include modern vinyl reinforcements. Our tents do not include wood uprights or stakes since these items add to the shipping charges and can easily be obtained from contemporary military surplus dealers. We usually keep at least one each of these large tents in stock, ready to ship. However, if we need to make it to order then this tent requires 4-6 weeks to complete, and a 50% deposit must be paid before work is commenced. The balance will be due when the tent is ready to ship.
Aside from the tents shown on this page we can also produce other equally authentic tents such as Early Hospital Ward Tents (16x50) , 1942 Squad Tents (16x32), OD Storage Tents (18x20), and M1942 Command Tents. These are priced on request.
Shown below are prices for complete tents as well as wall tent flies, pyramidal tent hoods, and replacement rope kits, galvanized rope slips sold separately.
Some specifications for original tents and associated supplies can be found here. Here is some excellent YouTube video footage of wartime US Army troops erecting their tent camp. I highly recommend subscribing to their YouTube Channel. If you wish to learn how to pitch (erect) or maintain large canvas tents, please review the US Army Technical manual TM 21-15 on this link.