Hessian Posted January 7, 2014 Share #1 Posted January 7, 2014 Well, after some encouragement from other forum members I've decided to post the fruits of the last 8 or so months. At that time, I decided that I would stop (actively) collecting WW2 USMC and start collecting WW1 USMC. My goal is to have a Helmet and Tunic from every Bn/Rgt. I'll update the thread as I continue to marry up tunics and helmets. Sorry for the "Hessian Collection" watermark but I was advised that might be a smart thing to do. I also realize that the colors in the photos look a little off, I'm still playing with the photoshop editor... trial and error... Lastly, some of these are named groups, others the sum of parts. Some items came directly from families and a few of these came from forum members-- who I hope will enjoy seeing them again here. Semper Fi Hessian First up: A nice set of Blues to a member of 2/6. German made SSI and beautiful early collar EGAs with nice detail. Next up is a set of greens to a 2/6 Marine also with what is likely a German made patch. (The French Fourragere is a modern rayon one until I can locate a period piece) Here is a 1/5 set with peat green eagle snap belt, Chauchat "Shoo-Shoo" bag, and "Glenngarry" pattern overseas cap. And without the bag... Note the Indian Head pin affixed to the French Fourragere. Here is a HQ Sixth Marine Regiment grouping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hessian Posted January 7, 2014 Author Share #2 Posted January 7, 2014 Next up 2/5 with personalized gas mask bag that chronicles all of this pre-war marines travels and battles. A 1/6 set with rare "A" bullion roundel sewn onto the SSI. Now a set for a 3/6 Marine with beautiful velvet patch. One of my favorites.... 8th MG Bn set. Beautiful hand painted Indian head patch on purple felt. The helmet came from the family of the Marine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Marine Posted January 7, 2014 Share #3 Posted January 7, 2014 Fantastic! Thanks for posting the photos of the uniforms. This post is better than a museum. You have great items there and it's a treat looking at them and taking in all the details. Well done! Dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hessian Posted January 7, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted January 7, 2014 It may not look like much, but this is probably the rarest set of uniforms I have. These two following uniforms belonged to a Marine who hit almost ever battle during the war and ended up as member of "E" Company, Composite Bn serving under (then) Capt Clifton Cates USMC. This is the Army uniform he was issued. Notice the USMC buttons he improvised as collar discs. The neat thing about them is that they are marked "Paris" on the reverse. Next up is the uniform and distinctive helmet worn by members of "E" Co of the Composite Bn. He also brought back quite a bit of German war booty and I can post that under "Spoils of War" forum if anyone is interested.... Okay, last one for now.... Another MG Bn uniform, this time a set of blues. Note the wound stripe on the left sleeve and French made DSC. Thanks for looking! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Marine Posted January 7, 2014 Share #5 Posted January 7, 2014 This just gets better....Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warguy Posted January 7, 2014 Share #6 Posted January 7, 2014 Duke, a very impressive display here. Thanks so much for taking the time to show it. This material is so hard to locate, your perseverance and hard work are truly apparent. Congratulations on a very fine collection. Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BagmanL6 Posted January 7, 2014 Share #7 Posted January 7, 2014 Hessian - Simply stunning! I enjoyed every picture. I'm particularly impressed with the buttons used as collar devices. Only a Marine! Pride in the Corps transcends all eras and generations. Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColdWarRules Posted January 7, 2014 Share #8 Posted January 7, 2014 Sweet mother of god... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
normaninvasion Posted January 7, 2014 Share #9 Posted January 7, 2014 Great display and items! You got all this in just 8 months?.... that is amazing! You have some really hard to find examples Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b_hinch Posted January 7, 2014 Share #10 Posted January 7, 2014 Amazing stuff. Where are you going to be in another eight months!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hessian Posted January 7, 2014 Author Share #11 Posted January 7, 2014 Thanks for the kind words everyone. I have been extremely fortunate that other collectors, forum members, and the Gods of dumb luck have smiled upon me. I probably wont find so much as a button for the next 8 months... feast or famine as we all know... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bheskett Posted January 7, 2014 Share #12 Posted January 7, 2014 WOW very impressive. I really like the army uniform with Marine insignia. Thanks for posting Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pathfinder505 Posted January 7, 2014 Share #13 Posted January 7, 2014 Impressive collection! can't wait to see what you add this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurt Barickman Posted January 7, 2014 Share #14 Posted January 7, 2014 Very nice, you have put together quite a nice collection within a short period of time. Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leatherneck72 Posted January 7, 2014 Share #15 Posted January 7, 2014 When it is all displayed properly, it looks so much better than hanging up in closet! Those are some great helmets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maj1776 Posted January 7, 2014 Share #16 Posted January 7, 2014 WOW what a wonderful collection! My favorite was the E Co Composite BN helmet. The colors in the war bonnet is beautiful. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricardo Posted January 7, 2014 Share #17 Posted January 7, 2014 My friend Duke....WOW!!!! Top quality collection ... and have more ... I know!!! Best regards, Ricardo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted January 7, 2014 Share #18 Posted January 7, 2014 8 MONTHS !!! Yu gotta b kiddin me ! After many many years looking and asking I found one WW1 USMC group out of the woodwork. That's rare stuff and you have a battalion's worth. Keep track of your provenance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pchepurko Posted January 7, 2014 Share #19 Posted January 7, 2014 Outstanding and Semper Fi, Marine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobgee Posted January 7, 2014 Share #20 Posted January 7, 2014 Great stuff, Hessian! I love the 4th Brigade!!!!!! You've put together a fabulous collection. Semper Fi.......Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Dentino Posted January 7, 2014 Share #21 Posted January 7, 2014 Jeez, 8 months and you have a museum quality collection with some absolutely beautiful pieces! Thanks for sharing them.....would love to see them all set up and standing at attention together.....a great group! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devildog34 Posted January 7, 2014 Share #22 Posted January 7, 2014 Great Stuff Duke! Love seeing quality 4th Brigade material as you know. Semper Fi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trenchbuff Posted January 7, 2014 Share #23 Posted January 7, 2014 So far so good! You have an amazing collection! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted January 7, 2014 Share #24 Posted January 7, 2014 Museum quality. Congratulations on assembling such a fantastic collection! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghost Posted January 7, 2014 Share #25 Posted January 7, 2014 OUTSTANDING!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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