I finally fixed up my WWII WAAC coat I found on ebay over the summer. I'd been searching for a tailored one for about a year, and was so happy when I was the only bidder!
I have yet to research the badges, so if anyone knows anything about them, some info would be greatly appreciated!
The cap doesn't go with it, and you're probably not supposed to wear them together, but it just looked weird without a hat.
The coat is super warm, lined in wool, so it's very heavy! Like wearing a blanket. I wish I knew the original owners name so I could look her up, I'll bet she had a pretty interesting life!
The coat is beautiful and even thought the hat isn't a match, it looks quite lovely with its little silver accent pin. Hope someone can help solve your patch questions! -Jamie http://chatterblossom.blogspot.com/
The air Transport Command was started in April 1942 and was only called that for 2 months. In June 1942 it was changed to the I Troop Carrier Command. So I guess it's pretty definate that that coat is from 1942! According to the internet it was out of Stout AAF in Indiana... which If I remember correctly was somewhere near Indianapolis but I could be wrong. There were originally stared to transport paratroopers but I'm not sure what all they did.
OH and the patch on the front is called a "ruptured Duck" and basically means the person is no longer active duty but allowed them to wear their uniforms for a while after they got out because of the clothing shortage. AKA they were honorably discharged and let MP's know they were not AWOL.
That is a great find! The Air Transport Command (ATC) was just what it sounds like, basically a branch of the USAAC which operated flights carrying supplies and ferrying troops. It operated most notably in the China-Burma-India Theater, flying the Hump to supply US and Chinese allies against Japan (and one of the most dangerous jobs in the war.)
The two chevrons denote the wearer was a corporal.
The yellow badge on the front is nicknamed the "Ruptured Duck", denoting the wearer was honorably discharged at war's end.
If it had been a man's coat I would have suggested the book "Finding your father's war." But there could be an equivalent for your female ancestors who served in WWII.
this actually reminds me of a question I wanted to ask! I bought a military-issue coat for a dollar several years ago and assumed it was a fairly recent item due to the extremely good condition (lining totally intact, no signs of wear to the external material, all buttons present and firmly fastened). I recently learned that it may actually be vintage due to a few details (the beige corduroy pocket linings and the extreme surprise of the tailor I brought it to for repairs) but have not found a good source of information for dating women's military wear. Any suggestions?
Great find! Women's military uniforms in good condition can be hard to come by. The yellow "Ruptured Duck" on the coat was an honorable discharge badge issued to all service members, men and women, at the end of WWII. I have a WAVE uniform with one. And yes, its an eagle not a duck. :) Two stripes on the sleeve are for a corporal. Your hat is called a garrison cap and I believe the two silver bars are for a captain. So while it is the right time period for the coat the ranks don't match. -Emily
What a neat find! Living in a military town, I often see a lot of vintage men's military uniforms (spotted some WWII Navy uniforms just last week ;) ), but rarely any vintage women's pieces. Have fun wearing it!
That coat is such a beautiful, evocative piece of history and, in its own special way, art. It looks marvelous on you - olive green and brunette locks are such a lovely combination.
Beautiful! Military hats are callee "covers". There are different ones for each uniform, and are worn anytime you are outside and removed once you step inside.
That had to be a magical feeling to wear such a memories-full piece of clothing. You look awesome, like you were one of those gorgeous girls helping to win the war. Love your blog!
31 comments:
so beautiful :)
Oh my goodness, it looks so lovely on you!
The coat is beautiful and even thought the hat isn't a match, it looks quite lovely with its little silver accent pin. Hope someone can help solve your patch questions!
-Jamie
http://chatterblossom.blogspot.com/
The air Transport Command was started in April 1942 and was only called that for 2 months. In June 1942 it was changed to the I Troop Carrier Command. So I guess it's pretty definate that that coat is from 1942! According to the internet it was out of Stout AAF in Indiana... which If I remember correctly was somewhere near Indianapolis but I could be wrong. There were originally stared to transport paratroopers but I'm not sure what all they did.
The patch under it is the Army Air
Force Patch.
2 strips is a corporal.
OH and the patch on the front is called a "ruptured Duck" and basically means the person is no longer active duty but allowed them to wear their uniforms for a while after they got out because of the clothing shortage. AKA they were honorably discharged and let MP's know they were not AWOL.
I believe it's really a eagle not a duck!!
WOW! I love it! I would love one of those! You look fabulous!
Wow - that looks amazing. I have such a yearning to get myself some vintage uniforms and now I am even more keen!
That is a great find! The Air Transport Command (ATC) was just what it sounds like, basically a branch of the USAAC which operated flights carrying supplies and ferrying troops. It operated most notably in the China-Burma-India Theater, flying the Hump to supply US and Chinese allies against Japan
(and one of the most dangerous jobs in the war.)
The two chevrons denote the wearer was a corporal.
The yellow badge on the front is nicknamed the "Ruptured Duck", denoting the wearer was honorably discharged at war's end.
Wow, what a wonderful thing to have! I'm jealous!
How lovely this old coat found a home with you who can appreciate what life it had before it came to you.
There is nothing like wearing a piece of history, it really gives a new meaning to fashion!
Gorgeous! Love the pockets and the back
If it had been a man's coat I would have suggested the book "Finding your father's war." But there could be an equivalent for your female ancestors who served in WWII.
What a gorgeous coat. It looks stunning on you!
Omg Solanah.....that coat is just the cutest!!!!! What an amazing find. I have serious coat envy now!!!! Lol :)
this actually reminds me of a question I wanted to ask! I bought a military-issue coat for a dollar several years ago and assumed it was a fairly recent item due to the extremely good condition (lining totally intact, no signs of wear to the external material, all buttons present and firmly fastened). I recently learned that it may actually be vintage due to a few details (the beige corduroy pocket linings and the extreme surprise of the tailor I brought it to for repairs) but have not found a good source of information for dating women's military wear. Any suggestions?
Gorgeous find and spruce-up job.... you look fabulous!
PS love your hair too - which I could tame my unruly mess to stay like that!
www.mancunianvintage.com
Great find! Women's military uniforms in good condition can be hard to come by. The yellow "Ruptured Duck" on the coat was an honorable discharge badge issued to all service members, men and women, at the end of WWII. I have a WAVE uniform with one. And yes, its an eagle not a duck. :)
Two stripes on the sleeve are for a corporal. Your hat is called a garrison cap and I believe the two silver bars are for a captain. So while it is the right time period for the coat the ranks don't match.
-Emily
Just love it. Something so tailored and official yet charming about it, especially from the back. What a great thing to scoop up!
You look amazing in this!
Gorgeous coat dear! I wish I knew the owner's life too, must of have some life huh?
That overcoat is just gorgeous on you, Solanah!
xxM
You might be the only person I know who can make that coat look totally feminine ;) Gorgeous!
What a neat find! Living in a military town, I often see a lot of vintage men's military uniforms (spotted some WWII Navy uniforms just last week ;) ), but rarely any vintage women's pieces. Have fun wearing it!
That coat is such a beautiful, evocative piece of history and, in its own special way, art. It looks marvelous on you - olive green and brunette locks are such a lovely combination.
♥ Jessica
Beautiful! Military hats are callee "covers". There are different ones for each uniform, and are worn anytime you are outside and removed once you step inside.
This is so perfect! The color is beautiful, and totally matches the hat. Also, well done to Ruth on the photos :)
Looks absolutely perfect - the hair totally rocks it.
www.shopdisowned.com
disownedclothing.blogspot.com
Lovely on you!!!! My husband has several vintage military jackets and coats and love to wear them but I don't own any uniform...
That had to be a magical feeling to wear such a memories-full piece of clothing. You look awesome, like you were one of those gorgeous girls helping to win the war.
Love your blog!
Linn from all-is-pretentious
Those boots are beautiful! Where did you find them?
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