Notes
These are likely U.S. Army Model 1910 canvas leggings, a standard-issue uniform piece during World War I. Worn on the lower legs, they were intended to provide ankle support, keep pants tight to the leg to prevent snagging, and protect against rough terrain while on the march. However, they were soon found to be ineffective in the trenches, where the wet canvas stiffened and often became caked with debris. This led to their replacement by wool puttees, which shed liquid mud much better, kept the lower legs warm, and prevented muck from spilling into soldiers' boots. Both of these leg wrappings had been adopted to fulfill the function of high leather boots at a much lower price point, making them ideal for outfitting the massive armies of World War I.