What is the oldest piece of military gear still issued?

Question

I am taking a class called "History of American Warfare", and this kind of came up in a discussion. When I say old, I don't mean the item itself is from like 1901, but that the design remains almost the same since its first issue. An example: a "knife" doesn't count, but a Marine Ka-bar, if the design and material is the same, would.

I said either the a black wool watch cap (but somebody said they don't issue those, instead they issue Micro-fleece now), those cool shovels, or the Colt M1911.

This isn't an assignment, just a class discussion that got me interested. Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

Bugles are still issued for ceremonial use and were used for a very long time for long distance communication before that.

Answer 2

A military ID maybe a officers sword

Answer 3

In my Air Force reserve job, I don't have to do a lot of "field" training, but I did one a few years back.  We had MREs and the Army brought their field kitchen and staff.  But at the supply warehouse before we left, we were issued a mess kit (we never used them).  I imagine that before MREs, everyone was issued one.  I did a search and found a picture from 1945 of a soldier using a mess kit identical to the one they issued to me.  Our warehouse is probably full of old stuff that they can issue us for training!  

Answer 4

Maybe the E tool (the shovel) or the canteen cup...they have had to been around for like EVER

Answer 5

Although the M2 is the longest serving firearm, there have been many variants and modifications to the original design over the years. It's not the same weapon it was in 1919.

The ceremonial sword carried by US Navy Officers has been in service and unchanged since 1852. Along with swords given to Officers and NCOs of other branches, they originated as fighting implements in the 19th Century, and survive to this day unchanged as ceremonial kit.

Answer 6

dog tags

Answer 7

m-2 50 cal as been around since ww2 with very little changed.  

Answer 8

Dog tags

Answer 9

the oldest design still used is the "Ma Duece" M2 .50 ca HB machinegun design was introduced prior to ww2, the dog tags and  ID card have been changed several times and the M1911A1 is no longer issued. the E-tool or Entrenching tool has also had several deffirant designs since it intoduction.  

Answer 10

HMS Victory is still in active service with the Royal Navy, and that was build in 1759. USS Constitution was launched in 1797 and is still in service. Flags are handed down through regiments from around these dates (or older).

The Bearskin of the British Guards regiments is still issued to recruits and this has not changed at all since 1812.

Answer 11

I don't actually know, but, I'll bet it is being used by the Marines.