Need thoughs on WWI 29th ID uniform

[hottoddy]

Hello folks. I found this uniform at the local flea market today. I don't usually see them down there, so I figured I would investigate. Didn't buy it (too many odd things to my untrained eye). Asking price was $150 (also seems a little high).

I'm dying to learn more about this stuff, I've recently found myself more interested in WWI as of late. Doesn't get enough press if you ask me.

Sewn on are 29th Infantry division patch, two overseas stripes, discharge stripe, and bugle rank patch. The condition is absolutely immaculate, no moth nips or defects that I could see. There is a little staining inside the caps, but that's the worst I could find.

Short question is, what would be a fair price? The long question is when it was made or if it is legit. Not even 100% certain if it is WWI, might be some interwar hybrid for all I know.

The discharge stripe is upside down? It and the division patch are sewn on with a different (brighter) thread than the overseas stripes and the rank patch. The pants and sleeves also have an odd striped liner in them, covering the stitching for the patches. Not to mention the plastic/celluloid/Bakelite buttons and all collar disks and devices are missing.

I've been wanting to get a nice WWI uniform for some time now. My budget is fairly limited (few hundred $), so I would like to get the most for my money. I don't know too much about cloth items, but there is enough "wrong" in my mind to make me think twice. I might just be overreacting though. Seems put together or at best very post war.





Note striped liner. The same material is in the sleeves of the jacket.




What are these actually called?

[36-tex]

Nice uniform and the asking price is fair IMHO.

[1917-1919]

appears to be a Liberty Loan Patch, no clue as why the discharge is upside down. Fair Price...and a nice find!

[hottoddy]

Do you think it's worth picking up or should I wait for a more desirable set up? The price seemed reasonable before I started trying to find something wrong with it. Is it unusual that the discharge chevron is upside down? Are these kinds of mistakes accepted?

Also, what is the PFC bugle patch actually called? I mean, what was the actual position?

[1917-1919]

They are PFC ratings for the bugle corps...as far as the upside down discharge, no big issue...I have 6 WW1 uniforms, none have the upside down discharge...Trust me, I starting collecting WW1 stuff about 5 years ago, and I passed on lots of stuff, just so I could get the item I was happy with. I always looked for IDed uniforms, it makes collecting more enjoyable when you can go home and do the research...Pass if you dont feel that warm feeling in your stomach...there are more out there...I would tell the seller your concerns and offer him/her a lower amount....Or save those pennies for an IDed set

[Bill D.]

The discharge stripe was frequently sewn on upside down, probably because the owner or tailor thought that the thing should point in the same direction as the overseas service stripes.

It loks like a very nice uniform set to me, a higher quality coat than the standard issue based on the photos.

But the bottom line, in my opinion, is whether you will be happy with it.
If not, don't buy it.

[hottoddy]

I was actually really excited to see it since there is never anything from that period at this particular flea market. I only stopped loving it when I scared myself into thinking there was something "really" wrong.

I'll definitely make an offer on it. I just didn't know enough about this stuff to be able to make a decision. A year or two ago I didn't care much about uniforms, but I received two family pieces (one 4th MD jacket and one WWI Navy uniform) and that really has me enthralled. Speaking of which, I still need to make/buy manikin and/or stands for those... I feel horrible for leaving them on a hanger.

Any idea what collar discs/cap insignia would be appropriate for this uniform?

Oh, and thank you to everyone. I always appreciate the feedback!
-Todd