Original Items. Only One Set Available. This is an outstanding U.S. Marine Corps WWI forest green service uniform set attributed to a Private of the 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Brigade. The set consists of a P1917 pattern tunic with scarce enlisted Marine Corps collar discs, a battalion and regimental shoulder patch, overseas service chevron, Victory Medal ribbon, shooting qualification badges, and an Army pattern overseas cap fitted with an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor device.

The Marine Corps adopted its distinctive forest green winter field uniform shortly before WWI. By the time the United States entered the war, this uniform had become the principal service and field dress of Marines serving both within the United States and overseas. Its dark green wool construction clearly distinguished Marines from soldiers wearing the Army’s olive drab uniform.

The left shoulder bears a square patch incorporating an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor device with a blue V. This insignia is identified with the 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, of the 5th Marine Brigade.

The lower left sleeve bears one red backed overseas service chevron. This indicates between six and eleven months of overseas service. Red backed overseas chevrons are associated with Marine Corps uniforms of the WWI period and are considerably less commonly encountered than the standard Army versions.

The collar retains a matched pair of scarce enlisted Marine Corps collar discs. Each depicts the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, with the devices oriented in opposing directions for wear on the right and left sides of the collar. The discs have developed a consistent aged patina and appear well matched. Their survival is particularly important, as many WWI Marine tunics are now encountered with their original collar insignia removed.

A French Fourragère is fitted to the left shoulder. The 5th Marine Brigade did not receive the collective award authorizing this cord, indicating that it was most likely added after the tunic’s period of service, possibly by a collector completing the display. There is heavy fraying to the cord.

Above the left breast pocket is a WWI Victory Medal ribbon. Beneath it is a pinned Marksman qualification bar, followed by a silver Expert Rifleman badge.

The lower pockets were originally designed with expandable bodies to provide greater carrying capacity. On this tunic, the outer edges have been stitched flat against the body of the garment. This appears to have been a personal alteration made to create a neater profile. The stitching may have been applied by the Marine who wore the tunic, although its exact date cannot be confirmed.

The interior shows moderate service wear. A U.S. Marine Corps Quartermaster stamp is present inside one sleeve and is dated 1918-1919. No personal name or service number is visible within the tunic.

The included overseas cap is an Army pattern example of the type widely worn by Marines serving in France during WWI. An Eagle, Globe, and Anchor cap device is attached to one side. The interior label identifies the manufacturer and contract date, J. Elishewitz Co. / August 20th, 1918. A separate size marking reads 6 ¾. The initials: E.K. are also present inside the cap. These initials may identify a previous wearer, but no documentation connects them conclusively with the tunic.

The 11th Marine Regiment was activated at Quantico, Virginia, on January 3rd, 1918. Initially organized with an artillery role in mind, it was later configured as infantry and assigned to the 5th Marine Brigade.

The brigade arrived in France late in the war and did not enter the major combat operations undertaken by the 4th Marine Brigade. Its personnel performed training, guard, security, and support duties before returning to the United States after the Armistice.

The Army pattern cap, Marine Corps devices, forest green tunic, and specialized insignia illustrate the combination of regulation Marine clothing and theater acquired equipment worn by Marines serving with the American Expeditionary Forces.

The scarce collar discs, red backed overseas chevron, 1918-1919 Quartermaster stamp, Eagle, Globe, and Anchor device, and attributed 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines shoulder patch give this set considerable value as a study of WWI Marine Corps uniforms. The later addition of the Fourragère and the uncertain relationship of the shooting badges are important interpretive considerations, but the surviving uniform components remain particularly relevant to collections of the 5th Marine Brigade, American Expeditionary Forces uniforms, or the development of Marine Corps field dress.

Approximate Measurements
Collar to shoulder: 8.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 22.5"
Shoulder to shoulder: 16"
Chest width: 16"
Waist: 15.5"
Hip: 18"
Front length: 29.5"