Can anyone help me with the uniforms - 1917 Army Band

[The Photo Alchemist]

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!

[Mr.Jerry]

Moved it here. And here is the photo.

[world war I nerd]

The approximate color of the caps would be similar to those in this photo:

[world war I nerd]

The color of the shirt would be similar to the color in this photo … no color photo, but the bow ties would be black:

[world war I nerd]

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:

[world war I nerd]

The buttons have a dull bronze finish similar to this one:

[world war I nerd]

The shoes and canvas leggings would be similar to the colors in these photos:

[world war I nerd]

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.

[The Photo Alchemist]

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!

[mikie]

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

[The Photo Alchemist]

Dear World War I nerd

 

Please see below the completed colourized photo

 

Thank you sooooooooooooooooooooooo much for your invaluable help!

 

Best regards

 

 

Claudia

[world war I nerd]

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.

[Allan H.]

Agreed... The result of these photos being colorized is breathtaking. I am so impressed.

 

Allan

[The Photo Alchemist]

Thank you ? I really believe that colour brings a photo to life.

[mikie]

Wonderful! Well done!

[bobgee]

Outstanding work! Kudos to Photo alchemist & WWI nerd. Bobgee

[littlewilly]

What a great transformation. They look like they are ready to start playing. And a one, and a two................... MHJ

[12A54]

Incredible work. Fantastic what you did to make this come alive.

[themick]

That is OUTSTANDING, Claudia!! Very professional work.

 

Steve

[The Photo Alchemist]

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 :-)

[The Photo Alchemist]

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 :-)

[The Photo Alchemist]

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?

[doyler]

Outstanding...Beautiful work.THe photo came to life.

[Salvage Sailor]

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.

[The Photo Alchemist]

 

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