Complete Uniform, First Sergeant, Combat Veteran

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Complete Uniform, First Sergeant, Combat Veteran

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Sold Date: 10/02/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Militaria & Weapons

Complete Uniform, First Sergeant, Combat Veteran

The complete uniform of Infantry First Sergeant James W. Thompson, Company G, 16 th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Thompson was a resident of Kittanning, PA, he was mustered in as Private, July 13, 1898. Promoted First Sergeant of Company G July 18, 1898. The 16 th regiment Penn. Volunteers served in the Porto Rican Campaign, On July 4, 1898, the regiment was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, First Army Corps and made a part of the command that was to proceed to Porto Rico. July 20, the regiment embarked on troop transport No. 21. The regiment arrived at Ponce, Porto Rico the morning of July 28 and bivouacked two miles beyond the city. That night, one company and a further detail of fifty men went into action at El Coto. Other actions include Juana Diaz, Rio Desealabro Bridge, and a major battle at Coamo. Just the day before, the regiment had exchanged their Springfield "Trapdoor" rifles for the new Krag bolt action rifle.

The uniform consists of Thompson's 1889 Campaign Hat. The hat is in very fine condition with the original brass "Crossed Rifle" insignia of the 16 th Reg't, Co. G, which is properly mounted with screw back and in addition, Sgt. Thompson has stitched his insignia firmly in place at four points. T is also a very scarce white infantry hat cord surrounding the crown which is also stitched in position. Also, his dark blue flannel blouse with upper sleeves having the original chevrons of First Sergeant of Infantry. Blouse is lined throughout. Sleeve linings of unbleached muslin. Right lining has faint stamps of U.S. contract and this is mostly visible and legible. Blouse is U.S. regulation. T are just a very few scattered moth holes but blouse in excellent condition. Also, a pair of sky blue trousers. These have one inch white stripe sewn along each leg seam of the rank of Sergeant. Trousers have distinct flare and each cuff exhibits the crescent shaped brown burlap interior cuff wedges which are still in place. These are usually missing in trouser cuffs due to the fact that most men had their trousers altered by a company tailor (or themselves) for a better fit. In this process, they were removed. Trousers have the usual belted back, single right rear hip pocket, and all small stamped tin buttons in fly and suspenders, painted black. Waist band and pockets of white cloth. Trousers are U.S. regulation pattern 1885. They are in excellent condition. Also, Sgt. Thompson's khaki canvas leggings. These are approximately 15 inches in height, both complete with the original brown cord laces, with russet leather strap and buckle to lace under the sole of a brogan. They quite naturally show wear but are in excellent condition. The uniform has inked in both blouse and trousers the number "880", which is probably his number within the regiment. It is important to note it is matching in all pieces. The uniform is U.S. Regulation, and in excellent condition throughout. T was only a single First Sergeant authorized for each Infantry company. As such, a somewhat scarce rank. This is a nice, complete and original set of a U.S. combat veteran.