Great WWI Childs Air Service Uniform SOLD

Description

Great WWI Childs Air Service Uniform. Made by The MacDougall Southwick Co / Seattle, Washington, with their label sewn on the inside neck area. The coat material is an lighter shade of OD wool, an 1917 style service dress pattern. The buttons interesting enough are all subdued 1885 general service buttons, both coat and cuff sized used. (When the Army changed the pattern of button style in 1902, many tailors had a good deal of 1885 types still on hand and would subdue the old pattern for use on the 1902 uniforms.  There are 2 buttons of the 1912 type used on the lower pocket flags.

Collar insignia us shirt size “US” insignia, but the Air Service wing and props must have been custom made, as I have not noticed anything this small. This would also include the senior pilot wings being smaller than shirt size.  The wings are 1 1/2 inches long, and mounted on black wool, with a thin metal backing having a pin attached. No hallmarks. The miniature 1st lieutenant rank on the shoulder tabs are those used normally on garrison caps.

The coat incorporates a wool waist belt of the same material with a black Japanned buckle, and held in place by four belt loops. A single row of quatrefoil representing the 1st lieutenant rank is used on the cuffs in place of the horizontal mohair cuff band normally used by officers.  The coat is complete with the adding of what appears to be a French made 1st Army patch with Air Service rondelle.

Matching wool trousers use bone buttons for waist closure and suspenders. 3 each vest size buttons used at the knees area where the legs are shortened. (this child probably was provided with wool puttees or leg wraps (not present).

No name unfortunately, but the handsomest U.S. child’s uniform from the WWI period. Most likely this uniform would fit a pre-teen youngster.