Thoughts on a U.S. service shirt

[landsknechte]

Just picket this shirt up at a local thrift shop, one of two that they had for sale amongst their "Halloween costumes". The other had most of the buttons smashed, but was otherwise identical.

[landsknechte]

The patches check out with blacklight, and it's obvious that the SHAEF replaced some other patch.

[landsknechte]

Some further construction details...

Edited October 23, 2005 by landsknechte

[landsknechte]

No stamps or tags on the interior of the shirt. No evidence of there being any other patches removed.

I'm admittedly something of a neophyte when it comes to American militaria. Can anyone provide any insights as to the vintage of this shirt.

[David S]

In 1956 the rank insignia background color changed to Army Green (the new uniform color) or Army Blue with gold chevrons, lozenge, arcs.

Time time frame would be from the late 1940s to 1956.

[landsknechte]

In 1956 the rank insignia background color changed to Army Green (the new uniform color) or Army Blue with gold chevrons, lozenge, arcs.

Time time frame would be from the late 1940s to 1956.

Definately not WW2 then? Does the SHAEF patch seem like a later add-on, or does it appear to be original to the shirt?

Thanks,

--Chris

[David S]

Initially the SHAEF patch had a black background (denoting oppression), on 2 Aug 1945 it was redesigned to a dark blue. So the patch is definitely post-war.

There definitely was something there before, but the patch looks ok to me, it doesn't look like an add on. I like the looks of the chevrons and the patch, they have a been there look.

Edited October 24, 2005 by David S