RARE ID\'d WWI US 1st ARMY CHEMICAL CORPS UNIFORM TUNIC PANTS HELMET & GASMASK
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RARE ID\'d WWI US 1st ARMY CHEMICAL CORPS UNIFORM TUNIC PANTS HELMET & GASMASK :
$699.00
Complete WWI U.S Army \"doughboy\" field uniform for a soldier in the 1st ARMY. The uniform is for a Private in the Chemical Corps by the name of J.M Etsel. It would beinteresting an interesting set to research.
I originally purchased this set nearly thirty years ago; unfortunately, I have come to realize that I only have so much spacein my garage and cannot keep them all, hence my downsizing. All my uniforms have been kept in a dry climate-controlled area displayed on mannequins.
This uniform consists ofa complete uniform set for a Private inFirst Army: a wool tunic with matching breeched trousers; his completenamed helmet; service gas mask carrier with mask , and anammunition belt.
1. The tunic is the traditional enlisted-ranks M1912coarse wool, in remarkable shape and with very good color ( with no texture wear at all), approximately a size 40R ( which was quite large for those times). The flash makes it look like it\'s faded; the wool actually has excellent tone, with NO fading.
It has the 1st ARMY squared \" A \" shoulder patch, as well as the 1st Chemical BN shield patch below that; in addition, it has an unusual FarrierDetachmentinsignia applied tothe right shoulder ( as it occurs today, Divisional strength for specialty units such as CHEM Corps was manned during WW1 by skimming extra non-essential personnel from various units and re-classify them in sometimes less desirable or more hazardous jobs. Here Mr. Etzel drew a short lot).
The tunic also has two overseas-servicestripesalso sewn on the left sleeve cuff ( each stripe is six-month service).
It still retains all of its blackened-copper pocket buttons, and both shoulder strap buttons. It also has all of its front buttons except it missing one. The tunic has very few tiny moth bites( very hard to see), common on a garment of that age. Regardless, it displays great.
This tunic also has a really nice set of its original collar discs, both the \" U.S \" and the much scarcer Chemical Corps insignia (the US disk is in the pocket).
2. The breeches are very clean, also with minor wear. Missing the front flap buttons. Still has both calf string ties ( in the trouser pocket).Approximate size is a 30R, stamped twice on the waistband. Excellent color, matching the tunic nicely.
3. Thehelmet is a M1917 Brodie-patern type, really nice, complete but has been worn. It is named to the owner of the uniform, andretains most of its brownish textured-cork finish with no dents. The inside liner is still present,with its original inner string and oilclothlining, but the original chinstrap had separated at one end. I\'ve had it mended with a period-look repair and it holds very well.
4. The gas mask is the standard military issue. The carrier case is complete but also well used, with its front string still present. It\'s a size 3. The canister and the mask are still present, but the mask tube has separated. Unfortunately, the facemask is in poor shape, as 99% of them are by now. Thus, it will be the carrier, mask with tube, canister and salve tin.
5. The Ammunition belt is the standard MILLs M1910 pattern made of khaki webbed-canvas. Dated 1918. It is in good condition, with two pocket flaps removed ( the ones that go towards the back; the mannequin arms covered them so it did not bother me). The color of the webbed-canvas is actually excellent, and all blackened-brass hardware is very nice.
Overall, a neat complete WWI doughboy 1st ARMY Chemical Corps uniform, and ID\'ed to the owner. I have had this for nearly 30 years, but I have unfortunately realized that I just cannot have one of each Division, and need to make some room.
I reserve the right to end this listing at any time, should an offer present itself. I am not looking to makea small fortune, but rather to pass this uniform on to someone who will appreciate it and enjoy it as much as I have. I looks awesome on a mannequin!
* I will be posting other uniform groupings that I have owned for many years to follow, to include a WWI 40th INF DIV 2LT summer uniform ( SOLD );arare Port-of-Embarkation MP uniformand a 1st INF DIV Signal Corpsuniform. All come with helmet and gas mask carriers. Two will come with MILLS pistol belts.
RARE ID\'d WWI US 1st ARMY CHEMICAL CORPS UNIFORM TUNIC PANTS HELMET & GASMASK :
$699.00