findmeabride

Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this question, but I didn’t see another listing that quite fit. How do you dating us military uniforms the date on a US military uniform? I found a uniform for sale and I’m pretty sure its Army, but it could be Marines.

It is a Tech seargent uniform that has the jacket, shirt, pants and belt in really good shape. I would like to know how to date it before I consider the purchase. I only got a short look at it or I could tell you more, I may try to go back and get some pictures of the insignias and other markings. If it has the “T” in the stripes, it’s near WWII. Look for the tags, WWII-Korean War has the date in it, and usually, dress uniforms have intact tags. If it has a long code with numbers like “D-234345373674567”, there is always a two digit number somewhere in the middle that usually refers to the year, so I have read. And of course the TYPE of uniform can tell you a fair amount, at least provide a “not earlier than or later than” date range.

FWIW, buy a few good reference books if you are inclined to begin collecting Anything. Unlike 20-30 years ago, there are many , many excellent books on just about every aspect of Militaria. Spending a few 100 bucks on books can save you 1000’s and lots of heartache. US Army mfg uniforms of WWII had, mfg’s name, contract number and date AND date of mfg. Info was ink printed on flimsy cheesecloth tag, sewn inside pockets,and other locations.

Many items simply had this info stamped in the cloth that quickly wore or washed out. Remember the Marines never threw anything away, so a WWII stamped Marine uniform could have been issued through Korea and later. Bottom line is you need to know what you are looking at, not rely on what some “dealer” says. A good starting out book for me was titled “The US GI in Color” or something like that. I think there are better books out now, though. I mentioned is for post-Korean era stuff. A last note, the soldier’s serial number is often partially marked in issued WWII era items.

Usually his last initial and last 4 digits of his number. Kinda helps to figure an era too. WWII Navy items never have the department of defense code either. Only the maker and contract number, and a place for the sailor to write his name.