USMCRECON Posted January 22, 2009 Share #1 Posted January 22, 2009 This came to me about 5-6 years ago with a bag full of old unifomr items. I almost threw this away but just couldn't bear to throw a 1919 uniform out. Instead, I tossed it into a large Rubbermaid bin with some other ratty uniform items that I was going to decide whether to keep or toss it. I was looking through the bin again yesterday and looked this one over again. It's badly moth eaten in several places and is missing three of the four main buttons. Someone has also cut the overseas chevrons off. the only thing left is a pair of tarnished sterling Captain's bars. As I said, the only reason I hesitated tossing it was because it had a French tailor's label in it. The breeches are in even worse shape. In the small watch pocket of the breeches I found a faded and crumpled laundry receipt to William J. Cullen. The blouse has WJC very faintly written on the lip of the inside pocket. Only two shots would fit. I'll follow up with another post with the last two. View it and weep! Anyway, here's the blouse (what's left of it). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCRECON Posted January 22, 2009 Author Share #2 Posted January 22, 2009 Last two pictures of CPT Cullen's blouse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted January 22, 2009 Share #3 Posted January 22, 2009 Is this the Lost Battalion DSC awardee Cullen? from: http://prosites-johnrcotter.homestead.com/...ion_heroes.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
37thguy Posted January 22, 2009 Share #4 Posted January 22, 2009 That would be too cool! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCRECON Posted January 22, 2009 Author Share #5 Posted January 22, 2009 Is this the Lost Battalion DSC awardee Cullen? from: http://prosites-johnrcotter.homestead.com/...ion_heroes.html I think so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horsa Posted January 22, 2009 Share #6 Posted January 22, 2009 Why not contact an archivist who is a specialist in textiles? They could have some tips on how to stabilize the garment, as well as provide contacts for restorers. There is a recent post on one of the forums, maybe this one, that provides the name of a company that reweaves. If you are inclined to preserve the garment, you might just want to take steps to prevent further damage. On the other hand, restoring the garment might be an interesting project. While the attitude of most collectors of militaria and antiques in general is to leave items as they are....and that is generally the "right" attitude most of the time...there are times when restoration makes sense. This might be one of those times. I have seen ground dug artifacts that are so badly folded and damaged the finders contemplated trashing them...only to see them later restored by a competent craftsman. There are a number of these specialized restorers and their work is nothing short of amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
37thguy Posted January 22, 2009 Share #7 Posted January 22, 2009 I agree with Horsa. If this is the same Cullen, it's an important piece of military history and deserves to be restored both with regards to the fabric as well as the insignia. I bet you are sure glad you didn't pitch it now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nkomo Posted January 22, 2009 Share #8 Posted January 22, 2009 I am in total agreement with Horsa and 37thguy. If this is indeed the same Cullen, it needs to be preserved....and as quick as possible before further detoriation occurs. Very impressive piece! Arch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCRECON Posted January 22, 2009 Author Share #9 Posted January 22, 2009 I am in total agreement with Horsa and 37thguy. If this is indeed the same Cullen, it needs to be preserved....and as quick as possible before further detoriation occurs. Very impressive piece!Arch I have already provided it with safer and more respectful storage than the wadded up bag of old clotinng items it was in and will begin to look at what it will take for a restoration project. By the way, I got the bag of uniform items this blouse was in from an older lady named Michaela (sp) Cullen. At the time, I knew very little about the details fo the Lost Battalion fight and I didn't know the names of any of the notable participants, so the name "Cullen" really didn't trigger any "red flags" with me. Live and learn, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted January 22, 2009 Share #10 Posted January 22, 2009 I have already provided it with safer and more respectful storage than the wadded up bag of old clotinng items it was in and will begin to look at what it will take for a restoration project. By the way, I got the bag of uniform items this blouse was in from an older lady named Michaela (sp) Cullen. At the time, I knew very little about the details fo the Lost Battalion fight and I didn't know the names of any of the notable participants, so the name "Cullen" really didn't trigger any "red flags" with me. Live and learn, I guess. We do know that his highest rank was Captain in WWI: But at the 1958 reunion it was reported: "CULLEN, WILLIAM J.-H Co., 308th-2266 Palmer Avenue, New Rochelle, N. Y.-William J. Cullen, who commanded Company H, 308th Infantry, on the left flank in the Lost Battalion position, is now residing in New Rochelle, N. Y., with his wife Alice and 'two charming daughters. Captain Cullen continued with the 308th lnf. in the Reserve, and then was called back in the service in World War II and served in the Second Service Command with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel of Infantry, and is now retired w1th that rank. The Captain gets a big kick out of having everybody at the Reunion dinners "sound off" for the Lost Battalion." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bay.223 Posted January 23, 2009 Share #11 Posted January 23, 2009 WOW...thats amazing..... definately keep it!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baker502 Posted January 23, 2009 Share #12 Posted January 23, 2009 Look at the shape of the pocket flaps they are the same uniform coat. they both have the same point to them.. coincidence I think not Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klorvin Borno Posted January 24, 2009 Share #13 Posted January 24, 2009 Why not contact an archivist who is a specialist in textiles? They could have some tips on how to stabilize the garment, as well as provide contacts for restorers. There is a recent post on one of the forums, maybe this one, that provides the name of a company that reweaves. If you are inclined to preserve the garment, you might just want to take steps to prevent further damage. On the other hand, restoring the garment might be an interesting project. While the attitude of most collectors of militaria and antiques in general is to leave items as they are....and that is generally the "right" attitude most of the time...there are times when restoration makes sense. This might be one of those times. I have seen ground dug artifacts that are so badly folded and damaged the finders contemplated trashing them...only to see them later restored by a competent craftsman. There are a number of these specialized restorers and their work is nothing short of amazing. I wonder if you could have some matching iron-on patches made up with a glue that would release when ironed again....that way it might look better but if you wanted it original at a later date you could remove the patches Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FightenIrish35 Posted January 24, 2009 Share #14 Posted January 24, 2009 you have me so envious right now im so happy a fellow forum buddy is going to preserve this great piece of history though. Take care of this Beauty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lost Battalion Man Posted January 26, 2009 Share #15 Posted January 26, 2009 Hey USMCRECON, I am VERY interested in this item! Contact me, will you? See my user name and you'll know why. Also visit www.lulu.com/lostbattalion and find out more. I have the largest Lost Battalion collection in the world. You can get hold of me at [email protected] Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCRECON Posted January 31, 2009 Author Share #16 Posted January 31, 2009 Hey USMCRECON, I am VERY interested in this item! Contact me, will you? See my user name and you'll know why. Also visit www.lulu.com/lostbattalion and find out more. I have the largest Lost Battalion collection in the world. You can get hold of me at [email protected] Rob PM sent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdk014 Posted January 31, 2009 Share #17 Posted January 31, 2009 Not to hijack the thread, but to Rob aka "Lost Battalion Man". Post some of your goodies on here. I am dying to see some of them! Please start a thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atb Posted January 31, 2009 Share #18 Posted January 31, 2009 You'll want to contact a textile conservator, not an archivist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCRECON Posted February 1, 2009 Author Share #19 Posted February 1, 2009 You'll want to contact a textile conservator, not an archivist. Yup! I knew what he meant. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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