MattS Posted January 6, 2013 Share #1 Posted January 6, 2013 I am negotiating to purchase this uniform, but there is no name with it. It is a 1971 McConnell style, blue shade 1549 coat with direct embroidered stars, "US"s, and command wings. The "US" insignia is not in the normally accepted position closer to the center of the lapels. Given the low position of the wings, there were probably only 3 rows of ribbons. Even at 4 across (as the USAF sometimes does) that is still about a dozen ribbons. The 1971 acceptance date narrows it down to about two dozen 4-stars on active duty during the early-mid 1970s. I hope someone here will be able to help me narrow down my search further, thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted January 6, 2013 Author Share #2 Posted January 6, 2013 A few more photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEAST Posted January 6, 2013 Share #3 Posted January 6, 2013 Matt Shouldn't there be a wider cuff band for a general officer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted January 6, 2013 Share #4 Posted January 6, 2013 Matt...IIRC, member tsakers85 specializes in this kind of GO collectible. Might be worth shooting him a PM? Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted January 6, 2013 Author Share #5 Posted January 6, 2013 Matt Shouldn't there be a wider cuff band for a general officer? Nope, the USAF generals didn't get the wider cuff braid until 1994 with the "retrofit" uniform. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted January 6, 2013 Author Share #6 Posted January 6, 2013 Matt...IIRC, member tsakers85 specializes in this kind of GO collectible. Might be worth shooting him a PM? Ian Thanks Ian, I will do that. And congratulations on your 'promotion'! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted January 6, 2013 Share #7 Posted January 6, 2013 Thanks Ian, I will do that. And congratulations on your 'promotion'! Thanks Matt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEAST Posted January 7, 2013 Share #8 Posted January 7, 2013 Nope, the USAF generals didn't get the wider cuff braid until 1994 with the "retrofit" uniform. I did not know that! I'll never keep straight all of the USAF uniform changes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QED4 Posted January 7, 2013 Share #9 Posted January 7, 2013 Are you sure those are direct embroidered and not bullion insignia stitched to the uniform, could you show a close of of them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted January 7, 2013 Author Share #10 Posted January 7, 2013 I don't own this uniform, but I asked the seller and they stated the wings "looks like it is sewn into the fabric". They did send this photo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted January 7, 2013 Author Share #11 Posted January 7, 2013 I did not know that! I'll never keep straight all of the USAF uniform changes. It is true, even the Chief of Staff (with his special unique service cap) had the same cuff braid as a second lieutenant. Must be why General Hoyt Vandenberg looks so ticked off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Signor Posted January 7, 2013 Share #12 Posted January 7, 2013 Did they check all the inside pockets/seams etc for any name/id markings, sometimes they're in out of the way places , see if they can check........................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted January 7, 2013 Author Share #13 Posted January 7, 2013 They said they have checked and could not find any name. Without a name, I feel it is not worth nearly as much as an identified one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Signor Posted January 7, 2013 Share #14 Posted January 7, 2013 True , sad there's nothing to link it to whoever wore it .................................................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNY Militaria Posted January 7, 2013 Share #15 Posted January 7, 2013 They said they have checked and could not find any name. Without a name, I feel it is not worth nearly as much as an identified one. You are very correct in that assessment. If you are looking for an ID'd USAF GO uniform, wait for a solid one, as they pop up every few months on ebay or elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted January 7, 2013 Share #16 Posted January 7, 2013 Yeah, without an ID and without definite markings of how many rows the guy wore left as "scarring" marks in the lining on the left chest, this one would be tough to pin down. I wouldn't put out too much on it if I were buying it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted January 7, 2013 Author Share #17 Posted January 7, 2013 I agree with Dave and CNY, so ballpark fair market value for an unidentified 4-star USAF uniform coat and pants would be....? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsakers85 Posted January 7, 2013 Share #18 Posted January 7, 2013 $250 or less I would think, based on the bullion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted January 7, 2013 Share #19 Posted January 7, 2013 I'd agree...I wouldn't put out anything more than $100 on it, but that's just because I'm cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rr01 Posted January 7, 2013 Share #20 Posted January 7, 2013 If it isn't his, it should be ;-} http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxLe8MWdWe0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted January 8, 2013 Author Share #21 Posted January 8, 2013 Sadly, it would probably be worth more if it was worn by George C. Scott. Anyone remember Johnny Cash's USAF enlisted shirt and pants that sold for $11,520? Or the prop leather jacket worn by Frank Sinatra in "Von Ryan's Express" and made famous by Colonel Hogan that sold for $40,000? An authentic 4-star uniform for $250 seems like a bargain by comparison! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted January 8, 2013 Author Share #22 Posted January 8, 2013 While looking on ebay I did find another USAF general's uniform. I think it's a put-together by someone who didn't even take the time to search for the correct ribbon precedence. And why are there no OLCs on the longevity ribbon? I don't know what that last ribbon is either. http://www.ebay.com/...=item1c2efff352 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted January 8, 2013 Share #23 Posted January 8, 2013 The last ribbon is the regular KW service ribbon...but I'm not sure what the miniature eagle motif on it is meant to represent?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsakers85 Posted January 8, 2013 Share #24 Posted January 8, 2013 Yeah, I wouldn't touch that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted January 8, 2013 Author Share #25 Posted January 8, 2013 He could have at least centered the ribbon rack in the correct position. I think I'll keep looking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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