Two US WWI Army Enlisted Uniforms: Liffel Le Grand Railhead & Aviation

Two US WWI Army Enlisted Uniforms: Liffel Le Grand Railhead & Aviation

Enlisted olive drab cotton M1912 summer issue uniform has US and Engineer discs, Corporal rank chevron, two overseas service chevrons, honorable discharge chevron, and Liffel Le Grand Railhead shoulder insignia with bullion "R" designation.   If the bullion was originally gold (rather than the tarnished silver as it appears to be), this would be Treves railhead.  Pocket contains a photocopy of a discharge for Corporal Frank Whitley, 18th Company, Transportation Corps. This is confirmed in Fold3, where he is listed among passengers from 18th Co, TC / 14th Grand Division upon his return to the US. Interior of the coat has purple ink inscription with his name, rank, and Co. B, 31st Eng. / 2nd Co. 14th G.D. T.C. / Joliet Illinois."  

Enlisted olive drab wool M1912 uniform has "US" and Aviation collar discs, enlisted aviator wing badge on the right sleeve, one overseas service chevron, and honorable discharge chevron.  No name or ID.  These enlisted aviator wings are something that I frankly just always assume to be incorrect, as there were precious few of these enlisted pilots to begin with.. but plenty of wings in circulation.  On a Private's uniform, I honestly just don't believe it.  That said, the wing is at least plausible (it looks more plausible than the one we had years ago directly from the J. Duncan Campbell collection, actually.)  As far as guaranteeing the wing to be of the period - we are not.  Selling this one as a put-together uniform with a great looking, but likely reproduction wing.  If we are wrong, then then that is to your benefit!

$200 - $300