WWI National League for Women's Service Motor Corps Grouping: One that got away

[Alan Schaefer]

Hello,

 

Here are photos of a named grouping from a woman who served in the National League for Women's Service Motor Corps. Grouping consists of her tunic, skirt, belt, garrison cap with NLWS Motor Corp badge on it, riding crop or swagger stick, full length studio photo portrait of her wearing this uniform, a photo of her marching in a parade in Troy, NY, certificates from her medical training, and a signed paper stating she was allowed to carry a pistol in 1918. I believe she probably served as an Ambulance Driver in the Troy, NY area.

 

This one got away from me at a recent estate sale in Troy, NY that I was not able to attend. I left a decent bid/offer, but was not able to attend due to the distance. The seller wouldn't allow for a pre-sale since it had been photo'd in sale listing. The person who bought it camped out in line at 10:00 p.m. the night before the sale opened, and he was first in line to enter the house at opening. The estate seller told me the buyer was from the area of Rensselaer NY, so it stayed local with a collector.

 

I thought that I had left a strong bid/offer on the grouping, but obviously I should have left a much higher bid on this truly "once-in-a-lifetime" grouping, straight from the family.

 

I'm sorry that the photos are not closer up and more detailed, but they were taken by the person who conducted the estate sale.

 

Best Regards,

 

Alan

[bertmedals]

Fantasic and obviously rare group. It is a pleasure just seeing it so thanks for posting it. The insignia on what appears to be a cap in the last picture is superb. I feel your pain -- missed a huge, untouched and expertly stored for 90+ years WW1 79th Division grouping at an estate auction once under similar circumstances and have never forgotten it.

Dennis

[6th.MG.BN]

I saw that estate sale was thinking about going to it. Nice group.

Ken

[ludwigh1980]

Just curious, any idea what it sold for? There was a large auction a couple weeks ago that had several WW1 Woman's Groups sell, some for what I thought was pretty reasonable. WW1 for what ever reason is a bit down right now.I like this one because of its completeness especially with insignia.

[Badgerord]

Hi,

 

Not sure where to ask this, but my wife wants to do a WW1 Women's ambulance driver in our living history group.

 

Is there anyone that can make a custom uniform for her? Using a real uniform is not an option due to the fragile nature of 100 year old clothing.

 

Thx

Marty