easterneagle87 Posted January 3, 2018 Share #1 Posted January 3, 2018 Took my daughter on a quick over night trip to San Fran. Saw this WW2 Army greens officers jacket in a vintage clothing store. Price $125. Too pricey for me, but it is named. Can anyone ID this officer? LT. J.W. SKIDGELL , O-663672 Thought it would be interesting to see who this officer was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easterneagle87 Posted January 3, 2018 Author Share #2 Posted January 3, 2018 Shot of the whole jacket, no belt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumpin Jack Posted January 4, 2018 Share #3 Posted January 4, 2018 I can't help you with the name, but named or not, it is grossly overprices. More like $25. in opinion. Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyCanteen Posted January 4, 2018 Share #4 Posted January 4, 2018 Looks like he may have been John Wadsworth Skidgell, who was KIA on April 29, 1944. I did not double check the register for the number, but a quick check of find a grave brought it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyCanteen Posted January 4, 2018 Share #5 Posted January 4, 2018 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56294407/j-skidgell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyCanteen Posted January 4, 2018 Share #6 Posted January 4, 2018 WWII Memorial, lists his service number: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyCanteen Posted January 4, 2018 Share #7 Posted January 4, 2018 Two more entries from the WWII Memorial: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longbranch Posted January 4, 2018 Share #8 Posted January 4, 2018 This is a good example of why named items are always worth a bit of quick research. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntssurplus Posted January 4, 2018 Share #9 Posted January 4, 2018 Would the jacket be worth this much because of it belonging to a KIA? I know you should buy the item not the story, but still. Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Conway Posted January 4, 2018 Share #10 Posted January 4, 2018 Would the jacket be worth this much because of it belonging to a KIA? I know you should buy the item not the story, but still. Hunt Tough question given the missing belt and no remaining insignia although, that particular item is ALL story and you know it's true! I think I'd make them an offer and see whats the best cash deal they'd consider. You might be surprised if you go in with a fifty dollar bill and lament the missing belt and insignia. Cash talks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted January 4, 2018 Share #11 Posted January 4, 2018 In this case with the solid ID named jacket to a KIA AAF officer, that is provenance not a story. Rock solid provenance will add value to the jacket. Great find and wonderful restoration project. Save this hero. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntssurplus Posted January 4, 2018 Share #12 Posted January 4, 2018 Thanks guys for the info. This uniform is definitely a great restoration project!Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILL THE PATCH Posted January 4, 2018 Share #13 Posted January 4, 2018 I would grab it, knowing what you now know. Sent from my XT1031 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmoore456 Posted January 5, 2018 Share #14 Posted January 5, 2018 I would also look around and see if any other items are there, caps, shirts, etc. Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted January 5, 2018 Share #15 Posted January 5, 2018 Check the pockets too. I always find things in pockets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easterneagle87 Posted January 7, 2018 Author Share #16 Posted January 7, 2018 Well, All of your efforts are totally incredible. Thank you for finding out about this officer. I would've loved to grab this jacket, but I am over 3 hours away now. This jacket is in an "upscale" vintage clothing shop in San Fran (Height-Ashbury district, see attached card). The shop is run by a lady (and she is a piece of work) who really will not negotiate a price. I agree with Jumping Jack, who I have respect for, BUT.. I think we remember the good ole days too much when the price(s) of things were much more reasonable. As collectors and historians (keepers of the heritage) we see what items buy and sell for, we are the exception and not the norm any more. Sellers these days want big bucks for the "authentic" WW2 items and are not going to let things go for cheap (especially in the Bay area). If it had been $25, it would've been in the car. Now with known history (thank you very much!!) even $50 would have been reasonable. It's like puppies at the pound, I want to take them all home, then reality sets in. And yes it is depressing. I do appreciate the efforts and I'll give a big "shout out" to the forum and its' members who give information so openly and freely. If someone swings by and actually does acquire this jacket, please post its' progress of restoration. Happy hunting in 2018!! Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now