O.D. Service Cap and Service Coats

[Mojave Jack]

OK, chaps, I'm having trouble tracking down a U.S. OD service cap and service coat with lapels, circa 1928 to 1940. I find plenty of crushers in chocolate and tan, and plenty of chocolate coats, but nothing in O.D.! I'm trying to get together everything for an inter-war or very early WWII uniform, but everyone seems to like either the WWI stand up collars or the WWII chocolates. Anybody know of any sources?

They are planning to offer the service hat here, but they've not answered my inquiry as to when they will actualy be offering said cap.

 

[scotrace]

I spent some time today (with Major Nick Danger) at the US Wings store and got a crusher on my head for the first time. It was an OD. I have to say it made me want one. Now I have to educate myself on what to buy and how to get a bargain.

 

[Mojave Jack]

Boy! I hope they're not my only choice! The crusher from them that I had was the absolutel worst I've seen. I don't blame you for wanting a crusher, but not US Wings! :rage:

Not only do I think their customer service is the worst, but their claims to authenticity are bogus: Definitive on the G-8 or Type 440

I really like my WWII Impressions crusher, but it is tan cotton, and their winter one is the chocolate elastique. I really want one in the pre-war OD, which I think is OD No. 50, versus the OD Shade No. 51 (the so-called chocolate). I think the US Wings crusher is going for the OD Shade No. 51, as well.

I'm trying to find out for certain when the additional shades of OD were first authorized, but I cant seem to track that down. As far as I can tell, when the Army went to the lapel collar on the service jacket, there was only one shade. Sometime around 1940-1942 or so (maybe earlier) they went with the additional shades.

 

[scotrace]

Garcia isn't carrying them anymore, it seems.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

As with other things vintage,...

Ya just can't beat the original real McCoy item. For about the same price as a reproduction, you can find a good original at that online auction place,...whatchamacallit bay.
The price of the repros at US Wings was $79.95! And they weren't all that great. Depending on the size you require, (smaller is of course cheaper and easier to find) you can get a nice original name-brand like Dobbs, for instance, for about 80 to 100 bucks.

(US Wings was a cool store none the less,... eh Scott?)

 

[scotrace]

It was! A great meet-up place and lots to see. It was a pleasure to spend the time with you!

I don't see too many originals in a 7.5 so far, but it's early in the game...
The US Wings models seemed plastic and not very authentic, but I wasn't sure - glad to hear you confirm that.

 

[Zemke Fan]

Not my experience, Maj. Nick...

For about the same price as a reproduction, you can find a good original at that online auction place... Depending on the size you require, (smaller is of course cheaper and easier to find) you can get a nice original name-brand like Dobbs, for instance, for about 80 to 100 bucks.

... or more likely not my size... A 7-3/4 crusher never seems to appear at auction and when it does it often goes for $200 or more. Also, quality seems to vary greatly and there are some that are not in a condition that I'd buy. But, as for the smaller ones, you are absolutely correct... Originals are best and they are affordable. Anyone know how to shrink a melon-head?

 

[scotrace]

Anyone know how to shrink a melon-head?

Tell him his behind looks big in those breeches? lol lol

 

[Zemke Fan]

Just remember, Scotty...

... I can edit your posts into oblivion on THIS part of the Lounge!

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

... or more likely not my size... A 7-3/4 crusher never seems to appear at auction and when it does it often goes for $200 or more. Also, quality seems to vary greatly and there are some that are not in a condition that I'd buy. But, as for the smaller ones, you are absolutely correct... Originals are best and they are affordable. Anyone know how to shrink a melon-head?

Yeah, unfortunately,... anything over size 7 1/2 does usually command a higher price, but I managed to score my 7 5/8 for about $120.

 

[scotrace]

Yeah, unfortunately,... anything over size 7 1/2 does usually command a higher price, but I managed to score my 7 5/8 for about $120.

So there's hope!! Thanks!