Ultra Rare WWII 101st Airborne Military Police Ike Jacket – Bullion Patches SOLD

Absolutely honest and gorgeous English made Screaming Eagle with attached tab, and bullion glider patches.

Category:

Contact Us About This Product

Description

It is doubtful if the opportunity will arise again to own such a rare and desirable Ike Jacket such as this example;  a  double patched 101st Airborne Division Military Policeman’s uniform with the sweetest bullion patches a collector could hope for!

The one unfortunate omission on the part of this staff sergeant was denying us his name. He was one of a platoon sized unit with the division, that most likely never exceeded 100 men, including all ranks. His ribbon bar indicates participation in the last two campaigns of the war, Ardennes -Alsace, and Central Europe.  The two campaigns would have included The Battle of the Bulge, the Varsity jump (if still with 1st Allied Airborne), and the liberation of Kaufering concentration camp (these camps were featured in one of the Band of Brothers episodes).

The 38R “Ike,” contract dated “June 6, 1944” (how’s that for a date!) bears one of the most scarce of the 101st patches.  Looking at varieties in several references on patches for the 101st, there are some very similar examples, but the singular feature lacking in all others is the light lemon yellow silk used in the beak used in conjunction with finely twisted silver bullion threads. A very close example and no doubt made by the same London shop, shown in “Heroes In Our Midst,” Volume 3, varies in how the lower tufts of feathers are more separated, while the patch on this Ike, those tufts have been enhanced with the use of black thread, creating the separation.   The “AIRBORNE” tab, using the same black wool serge, and silver bullion is sewn tightly to the top of the main patch, giving the illusion on one piece. Height of the patch is 2 5/8″ with an overall height of 3 5/8.”

This S/Sgt. has a fully machine embroidered 1st Allied Airborne Army on the right shoulder it being his prior unit.  The staff sergeant chevrons are made of rich dark blue and olive drab wool felt material, and most likely are English made. 4 overseas stripes representing a least 2 years service, are typical U.S. made examples.  Pin back glider wings marked STERLING, two rows of ribbon bars, a Ruptured Duck and screw back collar disks complete the remaining insignia on the jacket.

The quality silk lined overseas cap appears to be U.S. made, with size label (6 7/8), with applied green/yellow thread piping for military police. If the 101st bullion patch wasn’t enough, this s/sgt. added another extremely rare gold bullion glider patch on green wool.  Diameter of the patch is 2 3/16.”

Condition overall on Ike and cap are excellent with a few small moth areas that amount to very little.  The cap sweatband leather has harden over the years and shows a good number of cracks (no doubt someone looking for an ID).  The bullion on both patches has wonderful color with light age toning.

I can’t imagine finding a more scarce jacket than this 101st MP’s “Ike.”

Additional information

Weight 15 lbs