#12. Colonel Edward M. Offley Collection; Evening & Undress Uniforms-Cap. SOLD

Description

Having had an incredible amount of material belonging to career cavalry officer, Colonel Edward M. Offley, we tried to keep the collection intact for years now, but sadly I must break up the collection in the attempt to move it along. There will be single and small lots, as well as larger groups with combinations of uniforms, insignia, photo and or paper, etc.  All lots offered will be titled, “Colonel Edward M. Offley Collection.

This grouping of dress uniforms for then full Colonel Edward Offley consists of his pattern 1895/1912 undress uniform coat.  There are no tailor labels.  The condition is super, with dark mohair trim showing no typical fading to green like most mohair tends to change over time. The collar insignia is sew-on; the “US” insignia has a silver finish. the colonel’s shoulder straps show hardly any where.

The 1912 pattern Evening/Mess dress coat is made by John G. Haas, dated 1912. The cuff braid is uniform in style and color, suggesting that when promoted to full colonel, Offley had all new bullion put on at once.  The cavalry crossed saber insignia on the cuffs are screw backs.  The coat is complete with  its boxed shoulder knots made by M.C. Lilley & Co.   Condition is outstanding!

Unmarked like the undress coat are the trousers that most likely came with that coat.  No marks, just about the best example you could hope for.

Probably the highlight of the grouping is Colonel Offley’s gorgeous full dress field grade cavalry cap. Made by the Lilley-Ames Co., Columbus, Ohio.  Sizing label is gone, but would guess it to be a “7.” The bullion shows hardly any wear, virtually no toning at all.  The eagle is high relief.  The best hat we’ve had of this type.

Gorgeous uniform group for a high ranking Regular Army career officer.

Colonel Edward Murray Offley’s career began in 1899 to his retirement in at Fort Myer, Va in October, 1937 after 38 years of active service, most of that being in the cavalry.  He served in several regiment through the years, at many army posts in the southwest, west, Panama, etc.; he saw service in the Philippines with the 1st Cavalry.  During WWI, he was given the assignment to raise, train and command the 308th Machine Gun Battalion, 78th Division in the AEF, where he received the Purple Heart, being wounded at Boise De Loge on 14, Oct., 1918, while serving with the British 2nd Army in the Hazebrouck Sector on the Western Front.  His last assignment was with 2nd Cavalry at Fort Myer, Va.