The Photo Alchemist Posted September 27, 2018 Share #1 Posted September 27, 2018 This photo was taken in 1917 in Milwaukee. It's labelled US army staff. I have been asked to colourize it and my first instinct was to go with the honey colour typical of the private s uniform s (please forgive me if I don't use the right wording). The thing is the bow ties got me confused, and I was wondering if anyone has come across this uniform and can help me with the colours . Thank you in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Jerry Posted September 27, 2018 Share #2 Posted September 27, 2018 Moved it here. And here is the photo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
world war I nerd Posted September 27, 2018 Share #3 Posted September 27, 2018 The approximate color of the caps would be similar to those in this photo: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
world war I nerd Posted September 27, 2018 Share #4 Posted September 27, 2018 The color of the shirt would be similar to the color in this photo … no color photo, but the bow ties would be black: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
world war I nerd Posted September 27, 2018 Share #5 Posted September 27, 2018 The color of the coats and breeches would be similar to the colors in these photos … note that the exact shades vary from more green to more brown: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
world war I nerd Posted September 27, 2018 Share #6 Posted September 27, 2018 The buttons have a dull bronze finish similar to this one: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
world war I nerd Posted September 27, 2018 Share #7 Posted September 27, 2018 The shoes and canvas leggings would be similar to the colors in these photos: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
world war I nerd Posted September 27, 2018 Share #8 Posted September 27, 2018 I'm guessing that the slings to their saxophones would also be made from a russet leather similar to the color of the shoes or cap brim, with dull bronze metal fittings similar to the buttons Could you please post a photo of the colorized photo here when you've finished it? I'm sure that the forum members would like to see your work … Good luck. Regarding the uniforms depicted in your photo, while they are similar to U.S. Army uniforms of the WW I era, the Army never adopted, nor authorized an open collared service coat or a bow tie. However, I have seen period photos of soldiers wearing non-regulation black bow ties. My guess is that the uniform worn in the photo might be the uniform of some sort of military academy or school, or perhaps even a State Guard uniform. Nevertheless, the colors would be more or less the same as the Army issued articles of clothing shown above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Photo Alchemist Posted September 28, 2018 Author Share #9 Posted September 28, 2018 Oh my goodness! What wonderful responses!! Thank you all soo much! I shall post the colourized photo later today! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikie Posted September 28, 2018 Share #10 Posted September 28, 2018 Interesting bow tie mystery. World War I Nerd is a treasured fount of knowledge around here. His posts and replies, both current and in the archive,s have helped me out many times. Mikie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Photo Alchemist Posted September 29, 2018 Author Share #11 Posted September 29, 2018 Dear World War I nerd Please see below the completed colourized photo Thank you sooooooooooooooooooooooo much for your invaluable help! Best regards Claudia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
world war I nerd Posted September 29, 2018 Share #12 Posted September 29, 2018 Wow Claudia - aa old photo comes to life! What a difference between the original black & white and your colorized version. It's like night & day.The result is amazing … excellent work. Thank you for posting the result. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan H. Posted September 29, 2018 Share #13 Posted September 29, 2018 Agreed... The result of these photos being colorized is breathtaking. I am so impressed. Allan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Photo Alchemist Posted September 29, 2018 Author Share #14 Posted September 29, 2018 Thank you ? I really believe that colour brings a photo to life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikie Posted September 29, 2018 Share #15 Posted September 29, 2018 Wonderful! Well done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobgee Posted September 29, 2018 Share #16 Posted September 29, 2018 Outstanding work! Kudos to Photo alchemist & WWI nerd. Bobgee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlewilly Posted September 29, 2018 Share #17 Posted September 29, 2018 What a great transformation. They look like they are ready to start playing. And a one, and a two................... MHJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12A54 Posted September 29, 2018 Share #18 Posted September 29, 2018 Incredible work. Fantastic what you did to make this come alive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themick Posted September 29, 2018 Share #19 Posted September 29, 2018 That is OUTSTANDING, Claudia!! Very professional work. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Photo Alchemist Posted September 29, 2018 Author Share #20 Posted September 29, 2018 You guys are too kind! Thank you again. This is my full time job and hobby, so I will be coming back for more help soon I'm sure :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Photo Alchemist Posted September 29, 2018 Author Share #21 Posted September 29, 2018 You guys are too kind! Thank you again. This is my full time job and hobby, so I will be coming back for more help soon I'm sure :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Photo Alchemist Posted September 29, 2018 Author Share #22 Posted September 29, 2018 Wow Claudia - aa old photo comes to life! What a difference between the original black & white and your colorized version. It's like night & day.The result is amazing excellent work. Thank you for posting the result. I'm trying to discover the right colour for the dress uniform of a major of the marine corps in 1918. Can you help? Please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted September 29, 2018 Share #23 Posted September 29, 2018 Outstanding...Beautiful work.THe photo came to life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salvage Sailor Posted September 29, 2018 Share #24 Posted September 29, 2018 I'm trying to discover the right colour for the dress uniform of a major of the marine corps in 1918. Can you help? Please? Aloha Claudia, I'd suggest starting a new topic for that question to attract the WWI USMC collectors on our forum. There are quite a few Devil Dogs who will have photographs of period USMC uniforms in their collections. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Photo Alchemist Posted September 29, 2018 Author Share #25 Posted September 29, 2018 Aloha Claudia, I'd suggest starting a new topic for that question to attract the WWI USMC collectors on our forum. There are quite a few Devil Dogs who will have photographs of period USMC uniforms in their collections. Thank you ? I will do that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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