Possible Magazine Vest?

[Big Al]

I've probably seen this clip of newsreel footage a million times and never noticed anything out of the ordinary. While watching the video posted by Petroleum 1, I noticed something strange about the man on the left of the image below, immediately above the running time. If you look closely, you can see the outline of what appear to be XX magazines in pockets in a custom-tailored vest. Also worth pointing out is the strap over his shoulder, which is of the type used with Mills and Russco drum magazine pouches.

The video is linked below, cued up to the relevant point.

 

Anyone know what this footage is showing? I thought it was of Machine Gun Kelly being transported, but I don't see this particular individual in any other film clips available online.

Edited February 16, 2018 by Big Al

[Petroleum 1]

Good spot Big Al...the g men had to be carrying some spare mags or drums somewhere on their person??

[OCM]

Pretty sure that's Kelly, second from the right, heading to the airplane. Bart can probably verify this for sure. I think we may be looking at Kathryn Kelly to, in the left just coming into view, with the black bell-looking hat on, so maybe transporting both of them. She's only viewed for a couple seconds.

Edited February 16, 2018 by OCM

[full auto 45]

Is that Purvis in the front in the light color suit? He was definitely not what he is always portrayed in the movies. Small wormy bookkeeper type, not the big macho hero at only 5'-4".

[ron_brock]

Its possibly a vest for tear gas cartridges. I have several period photos of officers with similar vests full of cartridges for tear gas launchers. Thompson mags also fit as well. Similarly, they had shoulder bags for cartridges, but I agree he may be loaded up for Thompson support.

 

Ron