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PATTERN 1883 FIELD SHIRT – ONE OF THE RAREST OF
THE INDIAN WAR UNIFORM PIECES – IN “LIKE NEW” UNISSUED
CONDITION – NONE BETTER: When imagining the
Indian War or Spanish American era soldier in a field
setting, the image that comes to mind is that of a
trooper wearing a khaki colored campaign hat and dressed
in one of these Pattern 1883 Dark Blue Shirts – one of
the most iconic uniform items of the Frontier and
Expansionist Period Army.
In spite of the length of time these shirts were in
service – from 1883 through the Philippine Insurrection
of the early 1900’s – very few of these shirts survived
to be accessed into modern collections, and today they
are considered quite rare. Particularly notable in this
offering is that this shirt was never issued and
presents today in “like new” unissued condition – really
a prime specimen.
Showing no evidence of ever having been worn, the shirt
is free of all defects. No stains, wear or mothing, and
the material is very clean. The interior khaki cotton
lining bears the fully legible ink stamp identifying the
maker and the date of the government contract – 1898.
The paper lot and size tag is still present, full form
and completely legible. All of the original hard rubber
buttons are present and intact.
These shirts simply do not appear on the market in any
condition, much less in this spectacular condition.
This Pattern 1883 Field Shirt could not be upgraded, and
I doubt seriously that another in comparable condition
will appear on the market any time soon.
SOLD
NOTE: To say that photographing
dark blue wool is a challenge is an understatement.
Its closer to a nightmare. In
normal lighting, it appears black and none of the finer
features or condition details can be seen clearly. In
order to highlight the features and provide you with an
accurate view of the material, I have to lighten the
contrast of the photograph which in turn causes the even
colored dark blue wool to appear faded or discolored
when such is not the case. This shirt is an even dark
blue color as is seen in background wool surrounding the
close up photograph of the button. Trust that you
will not be disappointed in this shirt.
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