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WWII Uniform Recreation


FNCGUY
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What is the school of thought about using period correct uniforms, medals, patches to recreated a uniform your relatives wore during the war?

Like so many families, my father never had any of his WWII uniforms by the time I came along. After a lenghty time of researching his unit and identifing

a shoebox of unmarked photos using forums, surviving members of his unit and other sons who had the same desire to know more, I had an urge

to recreate what his uniform would have looked like using his dd-214 and other paperwork. I started off by attending show of shows and local shows

finding strips, patches and an Ike jacket dated during his service.

I understand that it is a recreated jacket of no collectable or historic value other than the parts are period correct and I would never try and pass it off as such. But it's nice to see, feel and share with my other family members what dad would have been dressed like during the war.

 

I don't consider myself a real collector but I understand the importance of history and preservation.

I believe in keeping uniforms pure and if there is any identification of to who it may have worn it, try and research the soldier and store that info with the jacket or unifom.

 

I would appreciate a collectors viewpoint on this subject.

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You're doing it for your father and your family, what could be wrong with that?

Nothing at all wrong with using period items, for the reasons you described.

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I am in the process of doing this now. All I am waiting for is the correct thread to be mailed to me. I have my Grandfathers original patches and ribbons so part of it will feel like his. So far this has been a fun project. I can't wait to see the end result. I'm sure you will feel the same!

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I am in the process of doing this now. All I am waiting for is the correct thread to be mailed to me. I have my Grandfathers original patches and ribbons so part of it will feel like his. So far this has been a fun project. I can't wait to see the end result. I'm sure you will feel the same!

 

 

Where are you getting the "correct thread" from? i am also doing this for for my uncles uniforms.

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Where are you getting the "correct thread" from? i am also doing this for for my uncles uniforms.
I got it at warrelics.com Rich is a nice guy!
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For my money there is absolutely nothing wrong with what your doing, good luck with it :thumbsup: To me the true value of the objects many of us collect comes from the people that used those items to do the things they did, without the human dimension then it's all just old stuff.

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Just to throw out a counterpoint. Most of the uniforms in my collection are "makeups" done because originals are either unavailable or ridiculously priced. Now, none of us live forever. What will happen to those uniforms after I croak? Do I want them to possibly get in the hands of some scam artist who fraudulently sells them for big bucks? For just that reason, I specifically DO NOT use original thread when attaching patches or, if necessary, making any other alterations to the uniform. That way, down the road any collector can spot instantly (ultraviolet) that the uniform is a put-together. When it comes to "modifying/creating" history, it is the only honest thing to do.

 

Yes, GO FOR IT! Your Grandpa would be proud. Just don't use original thread.

 

My $0.02.

 

Tom

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Brian Dentino

1st of all, I will encourage you to do this....it is personal, it is family, and it will be yours. Nothing wrong with that at all! :thumbsup: I would agree with Tom though in the fact that if you put together a "perfect" replica uniform there would be no way for someone down the road to tell that this is a "put together" piece. I have also done this with a g-uncle that would have had a uniform that was FAR outside my $$$$ means (325th GIR) but did use all WWII items. I think that this is a great way to pay tribute to a relative and I for one have enjoyed looking at this 82nd AB uniform in my collection for some time now. I (my wife actually) used modern threads on it and would hope that one day this would tell a future collector that this is a "put together". Just my .02 worth on this topic..... :think:

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1st of all, I will encourage you to do this....it is personal, it is family, and it will be yours. Nothing wrong with that at all! :thumbsup: I would agree with Tom though in the fact that if you put together a "perfect" replica uniform there would be no way for someone down the road to tell that this is a "put together" piece. I have also done this with a g-uncle that would have had a uniform that was FAR outside my $$$$ means (325th GIR) but did use all WWII items. I think that this is a great way to pay tribute to a relative and I for one have enjoyed looking at this 82nd AB uniform in my collection for some time now. I (my wife actually) used modern threads on it and would hope that one day this would tell a future collector that this is a "put together". Just my .02 worth on this topic..... :think:
Now I feel guilty. I just want it to be as accurate as possible. :(
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Now I feel guilty. I just want it to be as accurate as possible. :(

 

No need to feel guilty. It's just that the appearance of the uniform will be no different with new thread as original thread. But it insures that someone down the road can't take your hard, loving work and use it to turn an improper inflated profit by lying.

 

Tom :thumbsup:

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Brian Dentino
Now I feel guilty. I just want it to be as accurate as possible. :(

 

Once again I have to agree with Tom, no need to feel guilty unless you are doing this to deceive other collectors. I just chose to use modern synthetic thread to help someone down the road not get duped. Heck, I have stuff that I don't remember I have....let alone would my wife have no clue what it was or if it was original or not. So, if something were to happen to me the thread would glow like crazy if blacklighted....just my little way of ensuring that it could be identified as "put together". And like Tom said, modern thread looks the same as original cotton thread to the naked eye....so I figured "what the heck".

Please don't feel guilty, I admire you trying to get it as right as possible.

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I think you have a great idea. My grandfather's Ike is in bad shape and I am thinking of doing what you have in mind.

 

But I may use repro items just because it may be easier and less expensive.

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  • 1 month later...
carbinephalen

I too created a tribute uniform for my grandfather, Thomas Lyons of the 385th Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Division. He was discharged as a Captain in 1946 so that was the ranking I went with. I am very happy that I put it together and it is one of the favorite pieces of my collection. I used all WWII era hardware and some of the item's were actually my grandfather's personal ones (The CIB and one of the DI's) The ribbon bar is made from all wartime era ribbons and is identical to his original which I also have. You won't be disappointed in making one!

post-14217-1290301919.jpg

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Now I feel guilty. I just want it to be as accurate as possible. :(

 

 

Then use a marker and on the inside, write REPRODUCTION That will keep it out of a scam guys hands for money.

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I have been wanting to do this for my close friends grandfather to have it in my collection since his was destroyed in a house fire and he was like a granddad to me as well. Some very good points were brought to my attention. I was going to use all original but now I am thinking that trying to use new made items as well as some indelible ink saying that it is a repop is a very good idea. I am glad I read this thread before starting. Great points!!

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