named 1926 dated officers tunic and campaign hat. Need help

[kyhistorian01]

I have had this uniform for a while but it got packed away. I recently rediscovered it while going through boxes. The officer was with the 497 Artillery, but all I can find on the unit dates to WWII. The owners name was F. L. Madden. I have never seen the DI before and could not find an image of it on the internet. i would love to find out more about him and the 497th. The 497th insignia and the DI's are screw back. The uniform and hat have some moth damage but it will still display nicely.

 

id anyone can help with information of the officer or the unit i would be very grateful

 

Regards,

 

Robert

[kyhistorian01]

closeup

[kyhistorian01]

bullion wwi chevrons

[kyhistorian01]

4

[kiaiokalewa]

Nice uniform

 

The 497th Field Artillery part of the Organized Reserves assigned to 216th Field Artillery Brigade, 5th Army Troops, VI Corps Area beginning in 1921. During 1933 a portion of this Regiment was allotted to Regular Army troops and probably was in reserve status.

 

The Distinctive Insignia on your uniform is correct for the time frame eventually it disbanded in 1943 never to activate.

 

Motto Nunc Air Numquam = Now or Never

[kiaiokalewa]

Some more specific details about the 497th FA Regt. The unit was organized October 15, 1921, under the 216th F.A. Bde. GHQ Reserves, Organize Reserves Illinois. The unit comprised 240 mm Howitzers and originally formed at East St. Louis. The organization as a whole relocated to Chicago, Illinois, on July 28, 1925, the where it remained until it was disbanded January 26, 1943.

 

This is a great uniform.

[MattS]

Nice uniform! What type of attachments do the officer's lapel insignia use?

[kiaiokalewa]

The 497th FA Regt DI was manufactured in Chicago, Illinois, by a company called Spies Brothers. Evidently it is one of the very few units they ever made or had hallmarked. Screwback faster is correct for this insignia.