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WW2 USA Manhattan Project Uniform to Authenticate


linasl
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Hello Everyone.  I have an opportunity to buy at auction a purported uniform from the WW2 Manhattan Project.  I though am not sure it is authentic.

 

I know this section is for shoulder sleeves, but I include it here thinking this may be the right place to help me.

 

Please take a look at the photos and let me know if you think the uniform, and most importantly the shoulder patch, is indeed from the Manhattan Project itself and not a reproduction.

 

Thanks for all your help.

Linas

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I'm not an expert on uniforms but this looks legitimate to my eyes.  I guess you could pull the clutches off of the back of the collar brass (unless they are screw back) to see if they are the WW2 era flat type without any dimples which are post war.   I found a database of veterans of the Manhattan Project (see link) however the name that looks like Lasthole or Lasthale written inside the uniform doesn't match anyone.

 

https://www.atomicheritage.org/article/mphpa-website-update

 

 

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I would mention that in the grand scheme of things, Manhattan Project uniforms and patches are really not that rare. While we tend to think of the top secret bomb making, which was the mission of the Manhattan Project, there were A LOT of soldiers assigned to Oak Ridge during and shortly after WWII. Besides the scientists and engineers that were doing the research and experimentation, there were loads of Military Policemen, ordnance specialists, supply and logistics personnel, cooks, facilities engineers, etc. 

 

This is a great jacket and looks to be original, but the prices on similar uniforms that I have seen in the past are not that spendy.

 

Good luck on your acquisition.

 

Allan

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This patch was not authorized until 1946. The Manhattan Project was too big a secret to have people walking around wearing a patch identifying it, it brings up the old joke that when some one asks what patch you are wearing the answer would be I'll tell you but then I will have to kill you. The patch wasn't worn until after the war when the nuclear bomb was no longer a secret. The combination of the patch and the discharge diamond on a four pocket coat is a little iffy to me but not imposable I guess. The patch looks real but as stated it is not particularly rare the question is who put it on and when. 

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