Wool Service Uniforms
Click on the images for a larger image.
The wool service uniform is the attire worn extensively by soldiers in France. Pictured on this page are just a few of the variations encountered by collectors. Many soldiers disliked the close fitting collar of the wool service coats. When worn for long periods, the tight, coarse, itchy collar could be irritating. To solve this problem, enlisted men and officers alike would wear their shirt collar over the coat collar.
Wool Service Coat, 1910-1912 pattern
Prior to 1910, the wool service coat of the 1902 pattern had a falling collar and four bellows pockets. The coat also had distinctive pointed stitching on the cuffs. Uniform specifications were changed after 1910 and the falling collar and bellows pockets were replaced by the standing collar and plain patch pockets. The pointed stitching on the cuffs were retained, until the 1912 pattern became the standard uniform.
This coat is a post 1910 coat with rimless eagle buttons and the pointed cuff stitching. Holes were punched in the collar for collar disks. The coat also bears a Philadelphia Depot contract tag, undated, sewn to the cotton lining.
M1912 Wool Service Coat
This coat has a contract date of April 1917, one of the first contracts awarded to uniform the many soldiers who would soon fill the ranks of the AEF. Collectors often refer to this variation as the M1912 which is distinguished by two rows of stitching on the cuff.
Hell's Half Acre: A Vietnam War Webpage
Dougboys Main Page
Uniforms
Field Gear
Personal Items