WWI M.P.?

[rrobertscv]

Hoping some of the uniform guys can tell me about this oval photo. Era, Patch etc...

Thanks

[world war I nerd]

Yes, very late AEF or Army of Occupation MP. Typically the collar discs were backed by red felt rectangles. The embroidered "MP" initials are unusual, or at least they are to me. Great photo.

 

I'm uncertain if the red collar tabs replaced the more common MP brassard or if they were intended to be worn with the MP brassard.

 

Attached is an image of how red felt MP collar insignia were typically worn with the normal collar discs (photos courtesy of Advance Guard Militaria.com).

 

As far as I know, MP officers circa 1918-1919 also wore the red collar tabs underneath the officer collar brass.

 

The shoulder patch is that of the 3rd Army as worn by the troops that occupied Germany immediately after the Armistice was signed in November of 1918. The ribbon looks like the one for the WW I Victory Medal with two battle stars. He's also wearing a standard issue olive drab service coat & a 1911 Garrison Cap for enlisted men. The whistle with chain lanyard was frequently carried by MPs and NCOs.