July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2022
Great example of a World War I US Army Air Service Pilot's uniform with great insignia. The uniform is constructed of OD green wool with a high quality brown liner. The collar features unmarked U.S. and Army Air Service pin-back insignia with very nice bullion captain's bars on each epaulette. The left shoulder features a multipiece wool Air Service patch, while the lower left sleeve exhibits 3 faded gold overseas chevrons. The lower right sleeve boasts 2 wound chevrons similar in construction to the service chevrons. The highlight of the uniform is the left breast, which features an excellent pilot wing. The wing is finely detailed, featuring lush bullion feathers and a US shield with gold letters "US" sewn perfectly in the center. The wings were applied on black wool, measure approximately 3 - 3/8", and are sewn above a French Croix de Guerre ribbon with a bronze star for those who had been mentioned at the regiment or brigade level. The uniform features all of its original brass Great Seal buttons marked "AM. B. CO. EXTRA QUALITY" on the reverse. The jacket is named "DRAKE" 2 times in the left sleeve. Complete with a pair of high quality "pink" gaberdine officer's trousers that are named "EDMONDS" on the interior. CONDITION: The jacket exhibits scattered moth nips which are mostly noticeable on the back. Small tears in the lining of the sleeves with a few areas of loose stitching and a approximately 2-1/2" repair in the liner. Trousers exhibit a repair at the crotch, scattered orange colored stains, especially towards the lower legs, which can probably be cleaned. Scattered light mothing and scuffs. One back pocket button missing on the trousers. This is a very nice set with further research potential. Overall very good. PROVENANCE: Roger Bender Collection. JLD
Item Dimensions: 15" x 15"