Boy Scouts Handbook · Boy Scouts of America
BOY SCOUT EQUIPMENT
As stated in the chapter on "Scoutcraft," for the convenience of boys who wish to secure uniforms or other equipment, the National Council has made arrangements with certain manufacturers to furnish such parts of the equipment as are most needed by boys. A number of these manufacturers have taken advertising space in this book and it is desired that in case goods are ordered as a result of their advertisement they be informed of the fact. Some of them have made arrangements for the distribution of material through Mr. Sigmund Eisner, of Red Bank, New Jersey, who has the contract for making the official uniforms.
It should be remembered at all times that the sole purpose of the National Council in entering into any arrangement whatever with manufacturers is to secure a low price on the very best material possible. The manufacturers have agreed to sell all the material listed in this book at a uniform price in all parts of the country. In case local dealers or agents for the National Outfitter ask a price different from that given in the price list herewith, National Headquarters should be notified.
Every effort is made to have all parts of the uniform and equipment available to scouts through local dealers. If such arrangements have not been made in your community, the National Headquarters will be glad to help in making such an arrangement. Many scout masters prefer to order uniforms and other supplies direct from National Headquarters. In order to cover the expense involved in handling these supplies, the manufacturers in some cases have agreed to allow National Headquarters the same trade discount allowed to local dealers. Trade through National Headquarters, if sufficiently large, will help to meet a part of the current expenses of the National Organization.
In this suggested list of equipment all articles marked with a star (*) may be secured either through a local dealer or by ordering direct through National Headquarters in New York City.
Directions for Ordering
Important: When ordering supplies care should be taken to see that the exact amount of remittance is included with the order. If check is used add New York Exchange. Make checks and money orders payable to Boy Scouts of America. All orders received without the proper remittance will be shipped C. O. D., or held until remittance arrives.
[Illustration: Axe] * Axe: Any local hardware dealer can suggest quite a variety of good axes which may be used by the scout, but because of quality and price, the Boy Scout axe is suggested. Weight without handle, 12 oz. Made of one piece of solid steel--special temper, axe pattern hickory handle, missionized hand forged--non-rusting finish. Price 35 cents. Axe scabbard or shield, 25 cents extra.
Bandanna or Neckerchief: These are so common that every boy will recognize at once what is mean by a bandanna. The members of each patrol wear bandanas made in the colors of their patrol. These can be purchased at any local dry goods store at ten or fifteen cents each.
[Illustration: Belts] * Belts: Any good belt will meet the scout's needs. But for his convenience the belt illustrated herewith is suggested. Price 40 cents.
[Illustration: Breeches] * Breeches: Standard material--belt guides--pockets--full pattern-legs laced below the knee, the lacing to be covered by stockings or leggings. Order by age according to following table: Boys' sizes: Price $1.00.
Age-size Waist Seat Inseam Calf Ankle 18 32 37 26 13-1/2 9-1/2 17 31 36-1/2 25-1/2 13-1/2 9 16 30 35 25 13 9 15 29 34 24-1/2 12-3/4 8-3/4 14 28 32-1/2 24 12-1/2 8-1/2 13 27 31 23 12-1/2 8-1/4 12 26-1/2 30-1/2 22 12 8-1/4
Extra Sizes: Breeches above eighteen-year size will be made to order and will cost twenty-five cents more per garment.
Waist Seat Inseam Calf Ankle 1 32 38 27 13-1/2 9-1/2 2 33 39 27 13-3/4 9-3/4 3 34 40 28 14 9-3/4 4 35 41 27 14-1/2 9-3/4 5 36 42 28 15 10 6 37 43 27 15-1/4 10-1/4 7 38 44 28 15-1/2 10-1/2
[Illustration: Bugle] Bugle: It is recommended that the standard bugle used in an army or drum corps be used. Each patrol should purchase these from a local music store.
[Illustration: Camp Knives, Forks and Spoons] Camp Knives, Forks and Spoons: Ordinary table-knives, forks and spoons may be used. An inexpensive knife, fork and spoon for use in camps, like set illustrated herewith, may be secured for about eight cents per dozen through almost any local hardware store.
[Illustration: Canteen] Canteen: A canteen of this design may be carried by each scout on hikes and long tramps. Many army supply houses carry these in stock, where they may be secured if desired.
[Illustration: Coat] * Coats: Standard material--four bellows pockets--standing collar-- dull metal buttons with Boy Scout emblem. Order by age according/to following table:
Boys' sizes: Price $1.35.
Age Breast Waist Length Sleeve Collar 18 34 32 26 31 16 17 33 31 25 30-1/2 15-1/2 16 32 30-1/2 24-1/2 29-1/2 15 15 31 30 24 28-1/2 14-1/2 14 30 29 23-1/2 27-1/2 14 13 29 28-1/2 23 26 13-1/2 12 28 27-1/2 22 25 13
Extra Sizes: Coats above eighteen-year size will be made as extra size and will cost twenty-five cents more per garment than boys' sizes.
Breast Waist Length Sleeve Length Collar Finish 1 35 32 27 32 16-1/4 2 36 33 27-1/2 32 16-1/2 3 37 34 28 32-1/2 16-3/4 4 38 35 28-1/2 32-1/2 17-1/4 5 39 36 29 33 17-1/4 6 40 37 29-1/2 33 18 7 42 38 30 33-1/2 18-1/2
[Illustration: Norfolk Coat] * Norfolk Coat for Scout Masters: Made of standard olive drab cotton cloth, two pleats, back and front, with belt. Price, $3.00.
Compass: Every scout should learn how to use his watch as a compass. However, should he desire to own a compass, he will find no difficulty in securing one at any local jeweler's.
[Illustration: Drinking Cup] * Drinking Cup: A drinking cup for individual use is recommended. The folding cup shown in the illustration is made of brass and is nickel plated. Price 10 cents.
Drum: The selection of this is left to each local troop desiring this piece of equipment. Place your order with local music dealer.
[Illustration: First Aid Kit] First Aid Kit: This kit for the use of the individual scout can be secured through this office or the Red Cross Society in Washington, New York and San Francisco. Price 25 cents.
* Hats: Four hats are suggested as follows:
1. Boy Scout Hat. Olive drab felt--standard quality--detachable ties. Price $1.15.
[Illustration: Boy Scout Hats] No. 1 No. 2 Nos. 3 and 4
2. Boy Scout Summer Hat. Olive drab drill, inside seams reinforced with leather, eyelets in crown for ventilation, detachable ties. Price 50 cents.
3. Boy Scout Hat. Extra fine, fur felt, made for hard service. Price $2.00.
4. Scout Master's Hat. Quality same as above, but larger dimensions. Price $2.50. Be sure to indicate size desired when ordering.
[Illustration: Haversack] * Haversack: Waterproof canvas, leather straps--buckles and separate pockets--scout emblem on flap. Price 60 cents.
[Illustration: Hospital Corps Pouch] Hospital Corps Pouch: This pouch has been made up specially by the American Red Cross Society and contains the following: 1 Shears 1 Tweezers 1 Carbolized Vaseline 1 Pkg. Safety Pins 2 Wire Gauze Splints 1 2-oz. Bottle Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia 1 A.R.C. First Aid Outfit (cardboard) 2 1-yd. packages Sterilized Gauze. 3 1-inch Bandages. 3 2-1/2 inch Bandages 2 Triangular Bandages (cartons) 1 U. S. A. Tourniquet Arrange with the American Red Cross Society for purchase of these. Price $.1.00.
[Illustration: Knickerbockers] * Knickerbockers: Boy Scout olive drab drill, belt guides, pockets, knee buckles, full pattern. Price 75 cents. Age-Size Waist 19 32 17 31 16 30 15 29 14 28 13 27 12 26-1/2
[Illustration: Knives] * Knives: No. 1, Price $1.00. A Stag handle, brass lining, german silver bolsters and shield. Large polished cutting blade, screw driver, can-opener and leather boring tool (U. S. Pat. 6-10-02.)
Number 2, Price 50 cents. Genuine ebony handle, brass lining, german silver bolsters and shield. Large cutting blade can be opened without using the fingernail. Shackle for hanging to belt.
[Illustration: Lanyard] Lanyard: This piece of equipment is so simple in construction that every scout ought to make his own lanyard. These are used for carrying the scout whistle or knife.
[Illustration: Leggings] * Leggings: (Puttees). The style of leggings is the same as United States Army puttee legging. Made of best waterproof army duck. Price 55 cents.
[Illustration: Mess Kits] * Mess Kits:
Number 1. Price 75 cents. Coffee or tea can, cup, stew or fry pan, with cover, one broiler two handles.
Number 2. Price 50 cents. Coffee or tea can, cup, stew or fry pan, one handle.
[Illustration: Patrol Flag] Patrol Flags: The patrol flags are made from a good quality muslin or wool bunting in the colors of the local patrol. Scouts make their own patrol flags. Material may be purchased at a local dry goods store. The size of the flag is 11 in. by 27 in. Emblems can be secured from National Headquarters.
* Ponchos: A good poncho is almost an absolute necessity for the scout when on a march or in camp. Ponchos suitable for scout purposes can be secured from local dealers at prices from $2.50 upward.
Shelter Tents: Scouts should make their own tents. Directions for making tents are given in the text of this book.
[Illustration: Shirts] * Shirts: Boy Scout shirt, standard material--two bellows pockets-- open front, coat style--standard button same as coat. Order by size. Price $1.00
Summer Shirts: Same as above, light weight. Price 75 cents.
[Illustration: Shorts] * Shorts: Standard material--belt guides. Full running pant pattern-- especially desirable for summer use. Order according to age and waist measurement. Price 50 cents.
[Illustration: Shoes] * Shoes: Any good shoe that is made up for the purpose of ease, and comfort in tramping will serve the boy scout's needs. The Boy Scout shoe is convenient, inexpensive and especially designed for scouting. Price $2.50.
[Illustration: Signal Flags] Signal Flags: These can be made from muslin or bunting which may be secured at local stores. It is recommended that each scout make his own flags. Regulation sizes of the semaphore 18 in. by 18 in. and the Morse or Myer flag 24 in. by 24 in. as shown in illustration.
[Illustration: Staff] Staff: Ash or bamboo, two metres, (6 ft. 6-1/2 in.), in length and about one and one-half inches in diameter; marked off on one side in centimetres up to one-half metre, and the balance in metres. On the other side it should be marked off in inches up to one foot and the balance in feet. The staff should have a blunt end. Scouts should make their own staffs whenever it is possible for them to secure the lumber. Hoe or rake handles make excellent staffs. These can be procured through any local dealer at a nominal sum.
The Scout Staff and Its Uses
Many boys, upon taking up the Scout Movement, are dubious about the value of the scout staff and many friends of the movement ask "Why does a boy scout carry a staff?"
Experience has proven it to be one of the most helpful articles of equipment. In order to show this we are reproducing, through the courtesy of Lieut-Gen. Sir Robert S. S. Baden-Powell, illustrations from printed matter used by the English boy scouts. These illustrations show a number of different ways in which the staff will prove a handy and valuable article; in fact, essential to the Scout outfit.
The staff is very useful for beating out brush fires and outbreaks which occur on open heaths.
Wading a stream. Two or three Scouts grasp the Staff like this.
Both patrol tents and tepees can be made with the aid of the Staff.
An improvised stretcher of coats and staves.
A line of Scouts linked together on a night march.
When anyone falls through some ice, throw him your Staff so that he can grasp it like this until you can get a rope and pull him out.
When climbing gates you can give yourself a push up with your Staff.
For erecting a flagstaff and forming a fence, the Staff is very useful.
A clear view can be had by looking through a small hole drilled in the Staff.
Measuring Distances.
Self-defence.
Making Splints.
Jumping Ditches.
Making Rafts.
Bridge Building.
Climbing a Mountain.--Carry the Staff cross-wise, and if you slip, lean inwards upon it, against the side of the mountain. The weight of your body will then drive the end of the staff into the earth, and so anchor you.
Levering up Logs and Stones.
Rope ladders,
Feeling the way over marshy ground.
Recovering Objects Floating in the Water--
First tie a line to the centre of the staff. Then tie a piece of string to each end of the staff, and the other ends of these strings being tied to the centre. That will keep the staff at right angles to the line that is in your hand.
By swinging the staff out over the water, beyond the floating article, you will be able to draw the latter in close to shore.
* Stockings: To match uniforms, made of heavy material and suitable for scouting. Price 30 cents in cotton, $1.25 in wool.
Sweaters: Any local clothing store will be able to secure for the scout the kind and quality of sweater needed.
* Telegraph Instruments: Beginners' telegraph instruments, to be used in learning the Morse code, may be secured through any electrical supply house. The instrument illustrated, five ohms, price, $1.30.
Tracking Irons: Excellent tracking irons can be made of 7/8-inch heavy band iron, using the design presented here. Any local blacksmith will gladly assist the boys in making their irons.
* Troop Colors: Made of superior wool bunting upper half, red; lower half, white. Reproduction of the official badge super-imposed in green and gold. Sufficient space left for troop number and name of city. Size of flag, 22 in. by 36 in. Letters to be attached by the local troop. Price without letters $1.00.
* Trousers: Full length for scout masters: Made of Standard olive drab cotton cloth, belt loop. Price $2.00. If breeches are preferred, they may be had at same price. Better quality of boy scout suits--made of U. S. Army standard olive drab cloth. Coat $2.50, breeches $2.00.
Watch: Every scout should possess a good watch. No particular make of watch is recommended. The choice of this article is left entirely with the boy and may be bought through a local jeweler.
Water Bottle: In some cases where the individual scout is not furnished with a canteen, the patrol may desire to carry a supply of water on the march. For this purpose water bottles capable of carrying a large quantity of water may be secured. These should be purchased through some army supply house.
* Whistles: Scout standard whistle, for use in signaling by whistle. Made of brass, gun metal finish, ring at end to attach to lanyard. Price 10 cents.
Suggestions for Measuring
Name Street City
Coat Measure L--All around at breast under coat M--All around at waist under coat
Sleeve C to D--From centre of collar seam to shoulder seam Then E--To elbow. F--To full length
Breeches M--All around at waist under coat
Leggings G--Size of calf H--Size of instep
Hat Size of hat Size of linen collar worn
Answer following questions plainly: Age? Height? Weight?
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End of part 12 of 13
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