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Something to make a grown man cry...


USMCRECON
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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! crybaby.gif

 

Anyway, here's the blouse (what's left of it).

 

post-1107-1232586656.jpg

 

post-1107-1232586673.jpg

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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.

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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. :huh:

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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

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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.

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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:

 

cullenimdb.jpg

 

 

cullenreunionhead.jpg

 

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."

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Klorvin Borno
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

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FightenIrish35

you have me so envious right now pinch.gif im so happy a fellow forum buddy is going to preserve this great piece of history though. Take care of this Beauty nerv0003.giftwothumbup.gif

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Lost Battalion Man

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

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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.

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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.

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