Recently I got a pair of spiral puttees as part of an estate group (not the veteran's/family estate) and I noticed they're wildly different from another pair of puttees I have, purchased from a dealer. I will attach comparison photos of both sets. Both are just short of 9 feet long. For army contract puttees, surely there is a specification number out there which describes how they should be made, correct? Perhaps one is foreign or post war? I've read that the Marines wore a different color puttee than did the army. I'd love to know which of these, if any, are more appropriate for my WWI enlisted man's display. we first see that the color an weave/thickness are quite different from each other  one tape is wider than the other, 3/4" vs 1". The method of attaching the tape is also different, with a box stitch on the lighter one. Both tapes are an HBT pattern  lastly, the width differs with the light pair being 3.5" and the dark one being nearly 4"   I would love to see examples of your puttees, perhaps ones that are named to a WWI vet/part of a confirmed grouping or ones with surviving contract stamps for comparison!

Hi, I have a very similar saddle to the one listed above and would appreciate thoughts on its origin and what "flavor" it is. Thanks much :) Beth

I would say it is the real deal the ones I have are on Velcro as they came from the squadron

a garage sale of all places. Dude just had it sitting in his basement for the past few decades and was glad to sell it to me for $100

Thank you! I am also going to reach out to my museum and MC History Div contacts.   Unfortunately Nancy Wilt, who helped with the Moran book and was the Women Marines Association Historian and Curator at the time, has passed away. I am the current history chair and have not seen one in WMAs collection, but I will keep an eye out as I go through all of the historical documents that need to be scanned and sent to archives.    There are several reasons that it makes sense that women Marines may have borrowed the uniform. Hopefully we can find proof for all who are referencing the Moran book and sharing this information. 

What elements of the National Guard Bureau at that time would have worn a First US Army SSI?

That’s an impressive find for sure. I’m curious and you don’t have to tell us, but where on earth did you happen to come across that?

"many families have been destroyed due to the US military"   ?   I will disagree shaking my head. Many people have been destroyed during their service and many many many more survived it. I dont get your statement.   The only real question I have for you Blitz, is where did you obtain your degree in tact and diplomacy? Is it too late for you to get a refund?   "I will happily disagree with you on this, your "RUB" as you put it is nothing more than a fantasy concocted in your own mind" Rude comment Blitz.

Received feedback from top researcher that color of insert maybe dark blue , and if that is the case than the patch is for the National Guard Bureau. Either way a terrific find.