WWI ID ' D US ARMY 89th DIVISION UNIFORM - WW1 TUNIC BREECHES HELMET READ BIO
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:142250 | Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
This Uniform belonged to Pvt. Edward John Zeiser SERVICE NUMBER 2814642. The soldier has had both civilian and military records thoroughly researched and the printed archived documents will be shipped with the uniform. According to my research he was born by German immigrated parents in Chicago, Illinois on June 28th, 1891. According to U.S. Censuses, he lived in North Paulina St. Chicago, Illinois and worked as a House decorator before he served. It is unclear whether he enliste...d or was drafted, but it was most likely the latter as it was for many Americans. He served in the U.S. 89th Division, of the 341st Field Artillery Regiment, "F" Battery. He departed Boston, Massachusetts on the S.S. Laomedon on June 22, 1918. The 341st operated 75mm artillery guns and accompanied the 89th throughout the war. He participated in the battle of Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse Argon Offensive. After the war his division remained in occupied France for another six months. He departed Brest, France on May 16th, 1919 on the U.S.S. Agamemnon. After being discharged from the service he returned to Chicago and worked as a House Painter and eventually became a Furniture Salesman.
Unfortunately there were no photographs located of the soldier but he was described by the Draft Registrar as having Light hair, Blue eyes, Short height and Medium in stature.
This auction contains his British manufactured helmet, 89th model 1917 Tunic, Breeches and Gas Mask Bag. Their description follows:
M1917 Brodie Helmet ~ This helmet is just the shell, the liner has been removed. The helmet was manufactured by the British with the identifiable split pin and thin gauge wire for the chinstraps. There are faint marks of irregular white lines on the helmet, which suggest that it may have been turned into a decorative campaign helmet as many soldiers did to show where they fought in the war. The paint either faded in time or was intentionally wiped by the soldier or family member to show the original paint.
M1917 U.S. Tunic ~ Marked Size 38. The jacket measures around 19 inches across the shoulder and I would consider to be Medium sized. The interior lining of the Tunic is in near perfect shape except for the sweat stain and small 1/8 inch hole near the neck. The exterior of the Wool jacket is in Very Good shape the fabric retains its strength there are two small holes on the back of the Left sleeve. The holes are about a 1/4 inch in diameter and the the other one is much smaller. The back and the rest of the jacket is in great shape. The Jacket has artillery collar discs, a hand sewn 89th patch, a honorable discharge red chevron, and two oversea stripes signifying his year spent in France.
M1917 U.S. Breeches ~ Size not marked but Waist is 28" and the inseam is also 28". On the inside of the waistband there is the signature in cursive of "E. J. Zeiser" the center of the Zeiser has been worn down and is faint but still can be read in proper lighting. The Lace Breeches can be described of as being in Good/Fair the wool is in good condition however there are small 2 field repaired holes on the back the largest being a 1/4" wide. It appears that the breeches have been modified by the soldier and the stitching by the calf has been removed to a higher part by the knee.
M1917 U.S. SBR Gas Mask Bag ~ The color of the bag is a bright khaki color and is marked size 3. The bag is good shape but has a slight odor of ammonia. The bag is in good shape except for two small holes on the back of the bag. largest is a 1/4" the other is about a 1/8".
Overall this is a remarkable collection that depicts a general U.S. soldier who fought in WWI. Many hours have been spent researching this uniform and it is a museum quality presentation peace. As stated before printed copies of his draft records, passenger Lists, and Census Data will be shipped with the Uniform.
Unfortunately there were no photographs located of the soldier but he was described by the Draft Registrar as having Light hair, Blue eyes, Short height and Medium in stature.
This auction contains his British manufactured helmet, 89th model 1917 Tunic, Breeches and Gas Mask Bag. Their description follows:
M1917 Brodie Helmet ~ This helmet is just the shell, the liner has been removed. The helmet was manufactured by the British with the identifiable split pin and thin gauge wire for the chinstraps. There are faint marks of irregular white lines on the helmet, which suggest that it may have been turned into a decorative campaign helmet as many soldiers did to show where they fought in the war. The paint either faded in time or was intentionally wiped by the soldier or family member to show the original paint.
M1917 U.S. Tunic ~ Marked Size 38. The jacket measures around 19 inches across the shoulder and I would consider to be Medium sized. The interior lining of the Tunic is in near perfect shape except for the sweat stain and small 1/8 inch hole near the neck. The exterior of the Wool jacket is in Very Good shape the fabric retains its strength there are two small holes on the back of the Left sleeve. The holes are about a 1/4 inch in diameter and the the other one is much smaller. The back and the rest of the jacket is in great shape. The Jacket has artillery collar discs, a hand sewn 89th patch, a honorable discharge red chevron, and two oversea stripes signifying his year spent in France.
M1917 U.S. Breeches ~ Size not marked but Waist is 28" and the inseam is also 28". On the inside of the waistband there is the signature in cursive of "E. J. Zeiser" the center of the Zeiser has been worn down and is faint but still can be read in proper lighting. The Lace Breeches can be described of as being in Good/Fair the wool is in good condition however there are small 2 field repaired holes on the back the largest being a 1/4" wide. It appears that the breeches have been modified by the soldier and the stitching by the calf has been removed to a higher part by the knee.
M1917 U.S. SBR Gas Mask Bag ~ The color of the bag is a bright khaki color and is marked size 3. The bag is good shape but has a slight odor of ammonia. The bag is in good shape except for two small holes on the back of the bag. largest is a 1/4" the other is about a 1/8".
Overall this is a remarkable collection that depicts a general U.S. soldier who fought in WWI. Many hours have been spent researching this uniform and it is a museum quality presentation peace. As stated before printed copies of his draft records, passenger Lists, and Census Data will be shipped with the Uniform.
