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  • Auction Catalog #5013
  • Lot #268
Lot #267
Lot #269

Lot 268: Two World War I U.S. Army Air Service Aviator Uniform Sets

Lot 268: Two World War I U.S. Army Air Service Aviator Uniform Sets

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Current Bid: $30.00 (1 bid)
Ends: 6/1 01:06pm CDT

Two World War I U.S. Army Air Service Aviator Uniform Sets

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Model: None
Type: Other
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Item Views: 22
Class: Other
Description:

1) Army tunic and breeches for a Captain, tan wool construction with plastic buttons, "U.S." pins on the collar, nickel finished insignia pinned the shoulder straps, a small metal pair of wings on the right cuff, two service chevrons on the left, and an embroidered "AFC" wing set from the Australian Flying Corps. A set of Signal Corps collar pins with "winged globe" devices are detached but included, individual tags reading "M A V L" have been attached to the inside next to the right breast pocket, and a faded hand-marked label inside the pocket. While no specific information was provided, a number of American aviators trained and few with foreign allies during World War One, often times earning the wing sets for their host countries in the process. 2) Army tunic and breeches for a Captain, tan wool construction with brass buttons, "U.S.R." and "winged propeller" pins on the collar, silver plated rank bars on the right shoulder strap (absent from left) , two service chevrons on the left cuff, and a set of silver bullion Junior Aviator wings. A label for the House of Kuppenheimer is present below the collar, with individual "D" and "E" letter tags near the left inside pocket, and a hand-written "Capt. Dickinson Este" inside the pocket. Research shows a J. Dickinson Este, born 1887 in Philadelphia, as a graduate of Princeton University and WWI aviator. In service he was credited with four kills (reportedly 6 claimed, which would have put him over the line to "ace" status if counted), won the Distinguished Service Cross, and served as a commander of the 13th Aero Squadron. In civilian life, in addition to a number of other business pursuits, Este was a major force in the introduction of Skee-Ball to the American carnival and arcade scene, reviving the faltering Skee-Ball Alley Company and positioning the game on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. While he left the business shortly after returning from the War, his early support was critical to the long-term survival of the game. Also included with the set is a brown leather "Sam Brown" pattern service belt, a pair of English-made boots, and a visored cap. Fair overall, with minor wear and stains on the cloth items, some cracking of the leather, and torn chinstrap and liner on the cap.

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