Hand Tools Stowed on AFVs - Painting & Finish?

[3DStewart]

I'm looking for guidance on the painting of hand tools stowed on AFVs.  Were wooden handles varnished, left as natural word, or were they painted the same body colour as the AFV. Likewise the metal parts of the tools, were they natural metal (seems unlikely as it would rust), AFV body colour, black, or some other specified colour? I'm looking for standard practice, not exceptions, as no doubt these were legion.  British and Italian in particular.

 

Thanks. Stewart

 

[JackG]

Unless you have a quality photograph of the specific vehicle (or perhaps even from the same unit) to answer the above questions, the usual guideline is as follows:

 

a)- vehicles fresh from the factory were painted first, with tools added afterwards

b)- a repaint in the field, tools could either be removed, but usually left in place and painted over

 

As far as keeping tools in ship shape, I imagine the crew would wipe them down occasionally with a greasy/oily rag as part of their 'preventative maintenance' routine?

 

regards,

Jack