ORIGINAL WWI US Army 34th Division Band Bandsman Winter Tunic Coat Kingmade Wool

Description

Up for your consideration is this all original WWI US Army 34th Division Bandsman Winter Tunic Coat! This comes with all original patches and bronze insignias found on the jacket. This jacket is in excellent condition and is free of any major stains and moth holes. It does show some general wear and age and smells a bit dusty. This has been in storage for quite some time. Inside of sleeves have some dirt/ wear (see photos). Next to the closure buttons it feels a bit spiky (see photos).
Features felt Bandsman and 34th Divison Bull patches on either sleeve. Also has rank patches on sleeves and bronze insignia pins on the collar.
This was made by the “Kingmade” Company out of Chicago Illinois. Jacket is a thick green woven wool and is lined with another material. Has soldiers initials stenciled under the tag. These are all in good condition and look great. Bottom closure button looks darker than the rest.
The 34th Infantry Division Band traces its lineage to the 1st Infantry Band (Minnesota National Guard), organized on 30 April 1900 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During the early 1900s the Minnesota National Guard fielded 4 bands in addition to the 1st Infantry Band to include: the First Field Artillery Band (St. Paul, Minnesota), the Second Infantry Band (New Ulm, Minnesota) and the Third Infantry Band (Duluth, Minnesota).
With the approval of the National Defense Act the 1st Minnesota Infantry Band was mustered into federal service on 30 June 1916 for service in the Mexican Expedition. The unit was stationed at Camp Llano Grande, Texas where National Guard units were utilized to conduct border patrols and discourage raids as part of a "show of force" gesture. The 1st Minnesota Infantry Band returned home and was discharged from federal service on 14 March 1917 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota.
The 1st Infantry Band was later mobilized as part of the Minnesota National Guard in support of World War I as a part of the newly formed 34th Infantry Division in 1917. Shortly after the unit was redesignated the 135th Infantry Regiment (United States) Band and sent to Camp Cody, New Mexico for training. Although the 34th Infantry Division arrived in France in October 1918, with the signature of the Armistice of 11 November 1918 the division was of limited use. The 135th Infantry Regiment Band was demobilized 18 February 1919 at Camp Grant, Illinois and returned to Minnesota.
This piece just looks wonderful and would be an excellent addition to anyone’s collection. We are open to offers!
Measurements:
Length: 26.5”
Pit to Pit: 17.5”
Sleeve: 23.25”
Please see all photos for more information on condition.
If you’re interested in this, please see our other auctions for similar items! We offer combined shipping on orders with multiple items!
#052921M