This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2013
WW1 was described as the “War to End all Wars” by President Woodrow Wilson. It was his belief that if European Imperialism was ended and Democracy was established, there would be no need for future warfare. As a result of the conflict, WW1 was marked by previously unknown atrocities. Trench War Fare, Poisonous Gas, and Aviation Warfare were all introduced during WW1, leaving 37,000,000 million casualties.
Answering the call to duty, 2,000,000 Americans served in Europe between 1917-1918. Each had to be supplied a uniform. The tunics and pants were close fitting, and boots were covered with “Puttees”, bandage like covering that kept the pant leg tucked in. With the increasing range of weapons, bland colors were introduced, like olive drab and Khaki, in an attempt to make soldiers less conspicuous on the battle field.
Head gear was a critical element in light of artillery and mortar attacks. WW1 found American troops outfitted with the Brodie Helmet. Officially designated as the M1917 Helmet in the U.S., it was a steel combat helmet designed and patented in 1915 by Englishman John Leopold Brodie.
Colloquially, it was called the shrapnel helmet, Tommy helmet, Tin Hat, and in the United States the doughboy helmet. It was also known as the dishpan hat, tin pan hat, washbasin, battle bowler (when worn by officers), and Kelly helmet. The US version, the M1917, was copied from the British Mk 1 steel helmet of 1916. The German Army called it the Salatschüssel (salad bowl). Regardless of its moniker, the Brodie helmet became one of the most recognizable iconic images associated with the WW1 doughboys.
This uniform was standard issue for the US troops serving in the AEF (American Expeditionary Forces) during the 1917-18 era. Uniform was manufactured from much coarser wool, this example dyed in olive drab.
Uniform has the following features:
- Standing Collar.
- Five National Seal rimmed Eagle Buttons (Two missing).
- 4 pockets with flaps also secured with matching individual National Seal rimmed Eagle Buttons. (One missing).
- Coat is fixed with two shoulder tabs secured with National Seal rimmed Eagle Buttons (both missing).
Typically issued with a liner, this one was supplied without.
- Seams front and back were doubled stitched.
- Inside the collar is a tag which reads, “Coat, Size 7, Breast 40, Waist 36, Length 29 ½”.
To complete this uniform, several period items of equipment are included. The following items, part of an unnamed soldier’s collection, were all obtained together and coupled with the accompanying uniform. The equipment includes:
- Vintage Haversack.
- WW1 shovel and cover, factory marked “U.S”.
- Ammo belt with pouches.
- Additional meat pack which attaches to the Haversack.
- 1917 era bayonet and scabbard.
- WW1 mess kit.
- 1917 U.S. marked canteen and carrying case cover.
- 1917 Brodie Helmet. Well worn, missing interior lining and chinstrap.
- 1917 era Gas Mask and Carry case. The gas mask is 100% complete, but the attaching hose is very dry. Possible blood stains on front of canvas mask bag.
Uniform is completed with a matching pair of pants, slightly different color/hue than the tunic, which was a common occurrence for the era. Regarding the condition, the tunic exhibits a heavy degree of wear. Small holes and period repairs (possibly done overseas or during combat) are found in the area of the arms and body, although noticeable, they do not detract from the overall, vintage appearance of the uniform.
To complement the surviving uniform and accessories, the completed outfit has been professionally mounted on a circular based mannequin, ready to be displayed in your home or office. Each item is guaranteed to be 100% vintage and guaranteed by MEARS Auctions. Letter of Authenticity included.