This is a Model 1926 dress uniform for a First Sergeant of Cavalry. This style of uniform was the first for the US Army to use a rolled collar and lapels, versus the standing "choker" collar of the World War I period. The coat is single breasted with four bright brass general service buttons down the front. The four exterior coat pockets, as well as the two epaulettes, also have smaller bright brass general service buttons. Brass collar disks were worn on the collars, with distinctive unit insignia worn on the lapels. This old time cavalryman ended his career with the Cavalry insignia of the crossed sabers on his left collar, with the letters HQ under the sabers. The right side collar disk has the standard US with the numeral 2 under the letters. What that all means is he was with the Headquarters of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. On both lapels is the unit insignia of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, also known as the 2nd Dragoons. This Cavalry unit, rich with history, was engaged during the Mexican War, the Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish American War, Philippine War, WWI, WWII and on into the current engagements. The rank insignia of a First Sergeant used between 1920 and 1942 is worn on both sleeves of the jacket. There are 7 service stripes and 3 overseas chevrons on the left sleeve, along with the Divisional patch of the 2nd Cavalry Division. This division was active from 1921 through 1944. Above the top left pocket are four ribbons, the Mexican Border Service medal, WWI Victory medal, Army Occupation of Germany medal and the American Defense Service medal. The Mexican Border Service Medal was awarded for service on the border between May 9, 1916 and March 24, 1917. The American Defense Service medal was awarded for service between September 8, 1939 to December 7, 1941. So taking all that into account, this trooper served somewhere between 1917 to somewhere around 1940. He was a young Cavalryman during the Pancho Villa Expedition, served in WWI in two different campaigns, served in the occupation of Germany after the Armistice and ended his career just before the outbreak of WWII. The name Gembrell is inked into the jacket on the right inner sleeve. It is also inked into the right side jacket liner but spelled Gimbrell. Here's a research project for somebody! The Cavalry breeches that came with this jacket are immaculate. There are no moth holes, rips tears or stains on the jacket or pants. This transitional uniform would make a great addition to any serious Cavalry collection.

Item # AA1361

(Sold)