{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwi-named-69th-artillery-coast-artillery-corps-uniform-tunic-breeches-and-overseas-cap-private-cliffe-h-gelbach","title":"Original U.S. WWI Named 69th Artillery, Coast Artillery Corps Uniform Tunic, Breeches and Overseas Cap - Private Cliffe H. Gelbach","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is an outstanding named U.S. WWI Coast Artillery Corps uniform grouping identified to \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrivate Cliffe H. Gelbach\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e of the 69th Artillery, CAC. The group consists of Gelbach’s olive-drab service tunic, matching breeches, and an overseas cap. His service number, \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e834410\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, is written inside the tunic lining, providing a direct identification to the original soldier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tunic retains a desirable First Army Artillery shoulder patch, U.S. and Coast Artillery collar discs, a red honorable discharge chevron, and one overseas service chevron indicating between six and eleven months of overseas service. The insignia and wear are consistent with a uniform retained after Gelbach’s return from France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collar discs currently fitted to the tunic identify Battery D, while the grouping has traditionally been attributed to Gelbach as a member of Battery F, 69th Artillery. It is possible that he transferred between batteries during his service, that the discs were changed during the period, or that the present insignia was added later. Without Gelbach’s complete personnel records, his exact battery assignment at the time he wore this tunic cannot be conclusively established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left shoulder bears an excellent First Army Artillery patch. This insignia connects the tunic with the American Expeditionary Forces and gives the uniform a particularly strong overseas appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA red honorable discharge chevron is sewn to the left sleeve. These chevrons were worn by honorably discharged soldiers following their release from service. One overseas service chevron appears on the lower sleeve, representing approximately six months of foreign service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA depot label remains beneath the interior lining and is dated: \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAPRIL 12, 1917\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe label identifies a Baltimore, Maryland manufacturer, although the complete maker’s name should be confirmed from the photographs. The early date is entirely appropriate for a tunic later issued or used during America’s participation in WWI.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying breeches match the tunic well in color, material, and overall appearance. They remain in good condition with expected age, handling wear, and evidence of service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso included is an overseas cap that was found inside the tunic pocket. The cap does not retain a collar disc. A leather identification or manufacturer’s tag remains inside, but the original information has been washed away and is no longer legible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 69th Artillery, Coast Artillery Corps was constituted on May 17, 1918 and organized at Fort Worden, Washington, on May 27. Much of its enlisted strength came from men already serving in the Coast Defenses of Puget Sound. After completing its organization, the regiment moved to Camp Mills, New York, in preparation for overseas deployment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe regiment sailed for Europe in August 1918. The main body traveled aboard the USS Jason, while an additional group of officers sailed separately aboard the SS Demosthenes. After arriving in England, the regiment crossed to Le Havre and continued to the Operations and Training Center at Libourne, France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 69th was assigned to the 36th Artillery Brigade, CAC, and trained for the operation of mobile 5-inch seacoast guns. The regiment remained in training when the Armistice ended hostilities on November 11, 1918 and therefore did not enter combat as a complete organization. It departed France in February 1919 and was demobilized at Camp Eustis, Virginia, in March.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is very good overall, with expected age, staining, minor wear, and handling marks throughout the tunic, breeches, and cap. The tunic retains its principal insignia and named service number, while the accompanying garments create an especially complete presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe named attribution, First Army Artillery patch, Battery D collar disc, overseas and discharge chevrons, matching breeches, and surviving overseas cap make this a compelling and highly research-worthy Coast Artillery Corps uniform grouping. Additional research into service number 834410 may clarify Gelbach’s battery assignments and his precise duties with the 69th Artillery in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Measurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCollar to Shoulder: 9\"\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to Sleeve: 23\"\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to Shoulder: 16\"\u003cbr\u003eChest Width: 19\"\u003cbr\u003eWaist: 16 1\/2\"\u003cbr\u003eHip: 21\"\u003cbr\u003eFront Length: 29\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeches:\u003cbr\u003eWaist: 28\"\u003cbr\u003eRise: 15\"\u003cbr\u003eInseam: 23\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45409872576581,"sku":"ONJR25AUCC188","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/183CEA0C-1CD5-4CEA-AA34-6E755651AC74.jpg?v=1785180512","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwi-named-69th-artillery-coast-artillery-corps-uniform-tunic-breeches-and-overseas-cap-private-cliffe-h-gelbach","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}