Scarce Spanish American War era fatigue blouse with original Signal Corps buttons, Identified.
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Description
An interesting grouping belonging to Private 1st Class William E. Yordy, who enlisted in the army on 26 April, 1902, having been employed as a telegrapher in Pennsylvania. He was born in Shamokin, Pa and enlisted from Lebonan, Pa. Yordy was discharged at Benicia Barracks, California on 25 April, 1905.
Yordy’s 5 button blouse with signal corps button is identified to him (last name) in each sleeve lining. The fatigue blouse was most likely purchased void of lining, through the quartermaster, and he had the interior tailor done. The interior of the blouse with a fine quality black flannel material. The tailor added a right breast pocket, lined in a brown cotton. The signal corps buttons were made by S.N. Meyer, Washington, D.C. Three SC button are sewn to the each cuff. The coat is excellent condition. In Yordy’s year of enlistment, a new uniform was introduced, yet until units were issued the new pattern uniform, these 5 buttons were still issued a good while after 1902. (Some branches like the Coast Artillery and Ordnance Dept. did not receive new dress uniforms as late as 1907, and certainly other smaller branches like the SC, possibly waited so time as well.)
What makes this group so interesting, and appears to defy army regulations are the several uniform insignia and chevrons included here. First of all, the cap insignia of gilt brass with silver SC device is the 1896- 1905 pattern. According to references on the SC uniform of this period, this cap insignia was used by all signal corps personnel, but sometime in 1901, the insignia was designated for use by NCOs only. This insignia shows good use, and one has to wonder if it was still used despite regulations. It certainly would not the first time.
The 1899 black hat cord worn on the campaign hat was replaced in 1902 by new regulations prescribing a change back to orange (with white) cords. Again, how soon did this physical change occur. Post quartermasters continue to issue old pattern stock until supplied with the new patterns. Yordy’s hat cord does not show a great deal of use, so who knows how long he used it.
The two chevron pairs in the grouping; one embroidered cotton for fatigue wear, and the other silk and bullion for dress have the shape suggesting they were originally intended for incorporation with the 1885 dress chevrons for NCOs. I have seen this insignia on this period uniform embroidered on square cut blue wool. What I don’t know is when Yordy was promoted to Private 1st Class, these being that grade. Both pairs are in fine or better condition, with some very minor mothing, or light stains.
As far as the shoulder tabs are concerned; the black wool piped white cotton tabs (1899- 1902), were worn on the field uniform, a khaki uniform of light brown cotton. Again, these must have been used after the magical date of 1902. One small area of fraying.
The last item which was in the lot, and looks to be a strap for a nurses cloak of the WWI era, but not positive, so I left in the group.
Sad to say, when I bought this lot, I was told there was more material; photos, paper, etc. What other uniform material I never saw, along with the photo and paper which never materialized.
I photographed this blouse on display with a waist belt, which is not part of the group, nor the trousers pictured.
Additional information
Weight | 4 lbs |
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