December 16, 17, & 18, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/17/2025
Few United States Marine Corps collectibles reside within the realm of iconic or historically important. This uniform set is both. Maj. Gen Smedley Darlington Butler needs no introduction to those versed in Marine Corps lore. He was a Pennsylvania native, and is one of two Marines to be awarded two Medals of Honor, and the only officer to claim the title. Gunnery Sergeant Dan Daly was the only enlisted recipient of two. A complicated individual, Butler was an American Major General, writer, anti-war activist, and whistleblower. Over his military career, he fought in the Philippine Insurrection, the Boxer Rebellion, the Mexican Revolution, World War I, and the Banana Wars. At the time of his death, Butler was the most decorated Marine in U.S. military history; he received sixteen medals, including five for heroism. He is the only Marine to be awarded the Marine Corps Brevet Medal as well as two Medals of Honor, all for separate actions. This unlined summer uniform was made by a Chinese tailor, and bears Chinese inked letters to the inside. We believe it was made during Butler's 3rd Brigade’s China Expedition, which was launched due to ongoing concerns regarding stability in China during the Warlord Era. The uniform itself is seen in numerous period images with stains visible to the naked eye in the 1920s images and still seen on the uniform in the same positions. The very distinct, cloisonne ribbon bars are unequivocally Chinese made, most likely in Shanghai, and share similarities to the famous and highly sought after color enameled diamond plates of the various Marine mounted detachments. These exact ribbons bars correspond to Butler's awards, and are seen in 1927-1929 images with the sunlight reflecting off them. The period correct bronze officer collar insignia are the P1927 "droop wing / China Marine" variation, and bear N.S. Meyer maker's stamps to to the reverse. The undershirt and tie are period correct and also came with the set. There is a slight diagonal "ghosting" effect on the tunic where Smedley's iconic Sam Browne belt was worn in the bright sun for years to create the shadow. It is a well known fact that Butler wore a Sam Browne even when it came and went out of uniform regulations. Many of Butler's belongings and uniform items surfaced in the early 2000s and were coming directly from the family into the collector community. This uniform set was brokered directly into the current consignor's collection at that time. For comparison, Butler's dress blues uniform hold a revered place of display prominence at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia, and have the exact same visual appearance as to size. The importance of this uniform set cannot be understated, and it is literally a "once-in-a-lifetime" investment grade opportunity to own a uniform from a Marine Corps legend. CONDITION: Very good. Some light period commensurate wear and stains. From a smoke free collection.
Item Dimensions: 10" X 10"