WWI, AEF, 79th Infantry Division Private Purchase Uniform, Named, French Patch

Description

WWI American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), 79
th
Infantry Division – Private Purchase Uniform, with Rare French-made patch named to Private C.N. Ruth
.
This Enlistedman’s
M1917 Uniform
was made by Fifth Ave Clothes and is very well made. Officers had to purchase their own uniforms, Enlisted were issued uniforms, so it is very rare to find a private purchase uniform, and even rarer to find a tailored Enlistedman's Service Uniform made on 5
th
Avenue, New York. This uniform was tailored for a Private in the US Army, meaning that Private Ruth was a man of means.
The
M1917 Pattern Service Coat
has Officer Quality wool with a twill lining and is in excellent condition with no mothing, tears, or stains.
Service Coat Measurements:
Length: 27.5 – inches
Sleeves: 24 – inches
Width: 17.7 – inches
Shoulders: 17.5 – inches
The
M1917 Pattern Breeches
are unusual, as these are four button breeches, instead of five, and have seven buttons instead of lacing. The breeches are made from the same material as the M1917 Service Coat. The breeches are unlined. The breeches are in excellent condition for their age. Dry cleaning would make them even better.
Breeches Measurements:
Waist: 33 – inches
Length: 35.5 – inches
The Belt is
Webbed Cotton Trouser Belt
with Friction Buckle.
Rare French Made 79
th
Infantry Division Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (Patch)
, in addition, to being a rare French-made patch – it does not have a white embroidered border, and it is an unusual shape – making it an even rarer patch. The patch does not fluoresce when exposed to a black light.
The 79th Infantry Division patch is made of felt and the Cross of Lorraine is embroidered in cotton/silk thread.
Patch Size: (Inches) height and (Inches) width.
The condition of the patch is superb – being over 102 years old – it is in excellent condition with no flaws.
Bronze, Right-Side Collar Disk:
Type I – US Block Letters.
Bronze, Left-Side Collar Disk:
Type I – Infantry.
Wound Chevron (Stripe):
One, Gold Bullion – Officers Quality.
Overseas Chevron:
One, Gold Bullion, denoting Six Months of Overseas Service – Officers Quality, and identical to the Would Chevron.
Discharge Chevron (Stripe):
Red felt on wool, Officers Quality. Officers had to purchase their own, and Enlisted Soldiers were given three. The quality of this Discharge Chevron is much higher than the issue quality. The Discharge Chevron is unique, once sewn on the uniform the soldier could wear the uniform every day for the rest of his life if he chose to do so, and enjoy the privileges of wearing the uniform. Also once discharged, and wearing the Red Stripe, a soldier never had to salute a superior officer, again.
This M1917 Pattern Uniform is in excellent condition for its age.
See photos – they are part of the description.
We here are Eastern Numismatics are not militaria experts as our name implies we are numismatic specialists, which means we are knowledgeable in coins, paper currency, and medals (non-military). We do our best to ensure that we accurately describe each listing with all the information that we know, and from what we can see. We do guarantee your satisfaction.
We here at Eastern Numismatics would like to thank the Brave Men and Women, who have Served, and are presently Serving in the US Armed Forces.
Contact us if you have any questions or need more photos.