AAF TANK MUSEUM Militaria Uniforms |
May 27th, 1926 dated, US Army, 4 Pocket, Wool Serge, 18 Oz., OD, Service
Coat, belonging to a Quartermaster, Brigadier General, named: "Frank F. Reed F542"
Uniform Details
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This uniform is dated May 27th, 1926. It is a US Army, 1926 Pattern (not exactly), 4 Pocket, Wool Serge, 18 Oz., O.D.,
Service Coat. The inside pocket has the inked-in name of: "Brigadier General, Frank F. Reed F542". The tag has the date typed-in,
but in a really cool purple color ink (was it once blue in color?). The uniform is a well made commercial version differing in
some respects from the 1926 pattern. The pocket tag also reads: "House of Kuppenheimer". There is another, but different
style, brown silk "By The House of Kuppenheimer" tag at the neck. The neck hanger loop is detached from one side. The
Kuppenheimer company was a well known supplier of custom tailored military uniforms. They were usually sold by Sears.
These uniforms were offered in several grades/weights of cloth depending on the taste and budget of the purchaser.
Interestingly, they sold both Officer's and Enlisted Men's designs.
The interior chocolate color lining is excellent as are the
inner sleeves. There is no discernable interior or exterior evidence of any sleeve patches ever, having been present.
The exterior rates a low excellent as there are a few very tiny moth holes scattered about which are almost invisible.
There are, however, 2, 1/8 inch size moth holes on the lower left flap (see photo). All buttons are present, and of mixed
back marks. They all appear to be attached with correct period thread and show no evidence of re-attachment. The
2 "US" pins are both matching, hallmarked, and of the snow flake design, and show wonderful age patina. Their clutch
backs are all matching "smoothies". Each lower collar lapel has a Quatermaster Corps., Officer's style pin. These pins
are of the rare (and very desirable) high quality 2 piece construction. They are non-hallmarked, matching, facing right, and
have the pre-war "mushroom" style clutches. These Q.M.C. pins are highly detailed and wonderfully aged. General Reed
had much Ordnance Corps. service, therefore the museum is including a matching non-hallmarked pair of Ordnance Corps.
lapel pins. Why he had Quarter-master Corps. pins is unsure, so it was felt that the more appropriate Ordnance Corps. pins
should be included as a gift to the purchaser. The single,
Brigadier General's stars found on each shoulder epaulette are both matching, of the WWI "ribbed" surface pattern, and are
hallmarked "silver" (interestingly enough not marked with the more usual "sterling" designation). The stars are mostly dark
from the expected silver oxidation. There are 2 matching, bright brass belt hooks found in back.
Each lower sleeve has
a correct style mohair cloth ring designating Officer status. The lower left sleeve has a single, "V" shape, age darkened,
gold bullion "6 months war service served," cloth patch. General Reed has a 3 ribbon bar sewn above his top left pocket flap.
It is hand sewn-on, but is comming loose at one end. The ribbons are the correct, larger, WWI period size. The 1st ribbon is
for service on the Mexican border for the "1916/17 Punitive Expedition" to catch the bandit Pancho Villa. The second
award ribbon is the "WWI Victory Medal". The third ribbon is unidentified as of now, but almost certainly is a State National
Guard 20 Years Service, award.
When acquired this uniform came with a pair of "pinks" trousers. They are in a low
excellent condition, and have several different serial numbers found inked inside (the usual occurrance). No tag can be
found inside. To help complete this uniform, the museum has added the following correct period items: a excellent condition,
khaki, Officer's, "Regulation" tagged shirt, which is of superior quality and partially rayon/silk (?) linned. Also added is
a rare pre-war style, black tie (it has a few moth holes which do not show when worn). Also added is the most unbelievably
magnificent, custom made "pinks" trousers, Officer's style belt and buckle. This belt in all custom made, and is constructed
of high quality "pinks" trouser material (rarely ever seen). And this Officer's style belt and buckle is of a never seen before,
brass and steel hybrid construction design. The outer face plate is all brass, while the rear/inside back plate is of brass plated
steel. It is a very unusual piece and it's all original too (you just got to see it). The back plate is rather rusty now from it's
age. Usually buckles are constructed out of solid brass (and they are stamped as such), or they are constructed out of brass
plated steel ( a economy measure). The last item added to this grouping is a pre-war, Cap, Service, Wool Fur Felt, Officer's.
This cap is in the correct green-ish pre-war shade, not the later incorrect chocolate color. The condition is good to very good
throughout, although the leather visor shows some scuffing and wear. The hat color is a very close match to the uniform
material which is quite unusual, as they were made by different companies and at different times.
Comments from the Curator:
Buy it Now - $3800.00
3401 U.S. Hwy 29B
Danville, VA 24540
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