The US Marine Corps has always prided itself on being “first to fight”, and so it was that Marine units were sent to France as part of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division soon after America entered World War 1. The Marines were rushed forward to the Marne to staunch the great German spring offensive in 1918. They passed columns of defeated French troops streaming rearward as the Marines headed towards the front. The dispirited French called out to the Marines- “Le guerre est fini”- (“the war is over, finished”). The Marines called back -”Pas Fini”- (“it’s NOT over”). The Marines stopped the Germans cold in the ensuing Battle of Belleau Wood, and then began to turn the tide at Chateau-Thierry. The Leathernecks’ stand at Belleau Wood is considered one of the crowning feats of arms in the long, storied, and proud history of the US Marine Corps. This USMC Marine US Post-WW1 1920s “Droop Wing” EGA Badged Dress Blue Tunic W/ Early “Buckleback” Pants Uniform is in Very Good condition, with the top front button of the jacket having torn away, though it’s still included with the tunic and could easily be sewn back onto the placket, moderate whitish soiling to the upper front and back waist of the pants, some moth tearing in the lower back right leg of the pants, and with some scattered age wear evident, definitely more concentrated on the trousers. Most interestingly, the tunic bears no front pockets, carries a single ribbon for the WW1 Victory Medal at the left chest, and features incredible 1920s enlisted man’s gilt “Droop Wing” Eagle, Globe, and Anchor insignias at the collar. It’s complete with a rare pair of early “buckleback” dress blue pants with decorate sewing around the face of the upper front waist pockets, and “U.S. MARINE CORPS” embossed metal “donut” buttons around the waistband. The pants are without any “blood stripes” down the legs, confirming a set of trousers for a lower rank enlisted man. This uniform is a great relic from the “Old Corps”.
Uniforms