A Review of the
Repro Winter Service Uniform
from National Capitol Historical Sales
by Pfc. Paul "Bolo" McKee

There has recently been an emphasis on outfitting the China Marines with green winter service uniforms. Original, large-size uniforms can still be found at military shows and on eBay, but they are becoming quite scarce. According to the 1943-44 Guide to Administration U.S. Marine Corps, anything larger than size 6 (civilian size 40-1/2) was a special order item. When found, these larger size coats are marked with actual sizes, IE: 42, 44 and even size 46.

At last Fall's drill at Camp Cullum, I wore an original winter service uniform identified to a 4th MarDiv sergeant who was also parachute-qualified. The coat was marked as a size 46. Before the Fall event and several times thereafter, I considered removing the sergeant's stripes in order to make it more appropriate for use with the China Marines. Every time I came near that grouping with a seam ripper, I hesitated. I just couldn't bring myself to destroy the historic integrity of the grouping by altering the insignia. For that reason, I decided to be the first in our group to try out the repro winter service uniform currently being offered by Mr. George Peterson of National Capitol Historical Sales of Alexandria, Virginia.

After several attempts to contact him by phone, I was able to connect with him during a weekday morning. I found him to be professional and to the point…not given to a whole lot of small talk and pleasantries. He shipped the uniform the same day and I received it several days later.

Here's my observations regarding the repro uniform:

On the positive side, the uniform was generally well constructed out of a decent grade of wool with some mottling of shade similar to that seen in original Marine wool. The wool was a little softer in finish than the originals…but not terribly so. Pocket flaps were appropriately pointed with the top pockets correctly pleated and the bottom pockets correctly gusseted. The pointed cuff detail was well done, pretty much matching the curve and shape of my originals. The trousers have the correct cut featuring proper darts for fit and correctly had no back pockets. A watch pocket is provided.

On the down side…the epaulets (or shoulder loops) were constructed of two layers of wool (rather than one layer with lining material underneath as on the originals) making them lay much thicker than usual. There was also no taper to the epaulets and no X topstitching as seen on WWII vintage uniform coats. The top pockets were only 5 inches wide instead of the 6 inches as seen on originals. One inch difference may seem minor, but on a larger size coat the smaller pockets are quite noticeable. The basic body pattern differed from the originals by lacking the two curved seams running from the arm holes down the back of the coat. Instead, two straight seams were used on each side as on a modern sport coat. There is also a curious notch above the top button of the right lapel which is hidden when the coat is buttoned. The color of the wool is a shade too brown for WWII Marine wool. Admittedly there is some variation in shade in the seven original uniforms I have on hand, but in my opinion the repro wool is a little outside this variation and will stand out somewhat when worn next to original uniforms. The lining is an acceptable shade of green in a synthetic material, but the sleeves were also lined with this instead of the correct white cotton or muslin lining of the originals. The repro buttons appear to be stamped bronze with blackening applied. The highlights have been buffed to reveal the bronze color. The buttons are a little heavy compared to originals, but Petersen recognizes this and has promised to send replacements when available at no charge. The trousers were lined with black fabric with brass buttons instead of white cotton and black composition buttons.

I called Mr. Petersen with my concerns and he said that I could return it for a refund if I wish or go ahead and use it for Camp Cullum doing whatever alterations necessary and then later see about getting a replacement. Being the headstrong individual that I am, I decided I would try to improve the uniform myself. I've had success with tailoring repro uniforms (two of which are on display at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum) so I wasn't particularly afraid to give it a try.

First, I corrected the most glaring errors: the epaulets and top pockets. I used material left over from hemming the length of the trousers to create new, tapering epaulets, matching the size and shape from my size 46 original. I faced the bottom of the new epaulets with green lining material from the sleeve lining that I also removed. I also used these materials to create new 6 inch wide flaps for the top pockets. I widened the top pockets themselves by opening the pleat slightly and stretching the pocket 1 inch, pressing a new pleat in place. This was the trickiest alteration, but fortunately it worked ok.. The coat was quite generously cut, so I then took in about an inch from both the straight side seams trying to mimic the curved seams on the original. The result is not an exact match, but it improved the fit and appearance of the coat. Finally I used the old sleeve lining as a pattern to cut new white muslin linings which were pretty easy to install.

Regarding the color…every time I walked by my new footlocker, painted with Rustoleum Forest Green spray paint, I was struck by how close the color is to WWII Marine wool. Remembering that car detailers will sometimes use spray paint to hide stains in car carpeting, I began to wonder if this uniform could benefit by a similar treatment. I tested the paint on a small scrap of wool, trying to lightly dust it with color rather than saturate it. The result was a little dark, but much closer in green color to the originals. I went ahead and gave the uniform the treatment. I was pleased with the end result. Final color was pretty darned close to the darkest of my original uniforms. I will have the uniform at Camp Cullum if anyone is interested in seeing the final result.

Without the pocket or epaulet alteration I cannot recommend this uniform as-is. If National Capitol sales can address at least these two details or if the purchaser is able to do it himself, the uniform would be acceptable despite the color cast. However purists would also want the following details addressed:
- White sleeve linings and white trouser lining & pockets
- Curved back underarm seams
- No notch in the right lapel (where it buttons).

Bottom line - for the amount of money charged, I would expect a more correct uniform out of the box requiring only sizing alterations. But for your money...and your time... your best and most authentic value will still be finding a large-size original.

Respectully Submitted,

Bolo

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	A Review of the Repro Winter Service Uniform from National Capitol Historical Sales by Pfc. Paul "Bolo" McKee There has recently been an emphasis on outfitting the China Marines with green winter service uniforms. Original, large-size uniforms can still be found at military shows and on eBay, but they are becoming quite scarce. According to the 1943-44 Guide to Administration U.S. Marine Corps, anything larger than size 6 (civilian size 40-1/2) was a special order item. When found, these larger size coats are marked with actual sizes, IE: 42, 44 and even size 46. At last Fall's drill at Camp Cullum, I wore an original winter service uniform identified to a 4th MarDiv sergeant who was also parachute-qualified. The coat was marked as a size 46. Before the Fall event and several times thereafter, I considered removing the sergeant's stripes in order to make it more appropriate for use with the China Marines. Every time I came near that grouping with a seam ripper, I hesitated. I just couldn't bring myself to destroy the historic integrity of the grouping by altering the insignia. For that reason, I decided to be the first in our group to try out the repro winter service uniform currently being offered by Mr. George Peterson of National Capitol Historical Sales of Alexandria, Virginia. After several attempts to contact him by phone, I was able to connect with him during a weekday morning. I found him to be professional and to the point…not given to a whole lot of small talk and pleasantries. He shipped the uniform the same day and I received it several days later. Here's my observations regarding the repro uniform: On the positive side, the uniform was generally well constructed out of a decent grade of wool with some mottling of shade similar to that seen in original Marine wool. The wool was a little softer in finish than the originals…but not terribly so. Pocket flaps were appropriately pointed with the top pockets correctly pleated and the bottom pockets correctly gusseted. The pointed cuff detail was well done, pretty much matching the curve and shape of my originals. The trousers have the correct cut featuring proper darts for fit and correctly had no back pockets. A watch pocket is provided. On the down side…the epaulets (or shoulder loops) were constructed of two layers of wool (rather than one layer with lining material underneath as on the originals) making them lay much thicker than usual. There was also no taper to the epaulets and no X topstitching as seen on WWII vintage uniform coats. The top pockets were only 5 inches wide instead of the 6 inches as seen on originals. One inch difference may seem minor, but on a larger size coat the smaller pockets are quite noticeable. The basic body pattern differed from the originals by lacking the two curved seams running from the arm holes down the back of the coat. Instead, two straight seams were used on each side as on a modern sport coat. There is also a curious notch above the top button of the right lapel which is hidden when the coat is buttoned. The color of the wool is a shade too brown for WWII Marine wool. Admittedly there is some variation in shade in the seven original uniforms I have on hand, but in my opinion the repro wool is a little outside this variation and will stand out somewhat when worn next to original uniforms. The lining is an acceptable shade of green in a synthetic material, but the sleeves were also lined with this instead of the correct white cotton or muslin lining of the originals. The repro buttons appear to be stamped bronze with blackening applied. The highlights have been buffed to reveal the bronze color. The buttons are a little heavy compared to originals, but Petersen recognizes this and has promised to send replacements when available at no charge. The trousers were lined with black fabric with brass buttons instead of white cotton and black composition buttons. I called Mr. Petersen with my concerns and he said that I could return it for a refund if I wish or go ahead and use it for Camp Cullum doing whatever alterations necessary and then later see about getting a replacement. Being the headstrong individual that I am, I decided I would try to improve the uniform myself. I've had success with tailoring repro uniforms (two of which are on display at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum) so I wasn't particularly afraid to give it a try. First, I corrected the most glaring errors: the epaulets and top pockets. I used material left over from hemming the length of the trousers to create new, tapering epaulets, matching the size and shape from my size 46 original. I faced the bottom of the new epaulets with green lining material from the sleeve lining that I also removed. I also used these materials to create new 6 inch wide flaps for the top pockets. I widened the top pockets themselves by opening the pleat slightly and stretching the pocket 1 inch, pressing a new pleat in place. This was the trickiest alteration, but fortunately it worked ok.. The coat was quite generously cut, so I then took in about an inch from both the straight side seams trying to mimic the curved seams on the original. The result is not an exact match, but it improved the fit and appearance of the coat. Finally I used the old sleeve lining as a pattern to cut new white muslin linings which were pretty easy to install. Regarding the color…every time I walked by my new footlocker, painted with Rustoleum Forest Green spray paint, I was struck by how close the color is to WWII Marine wool. Remembering that car detailers will sometimes use spray paint to hide stains in car carpeting, I began to wonder if this uniform could benefit by a similar treatment. I tested the paint on a small scrap of wool, trying to lightly dust it with color rather than saturate it. The result was a little dark, but much closer in green color to the originals. I went ahead and gave the uniform the treatment. I was pleased with the end result. Final color was pretty darned close to the darkest of my original uniforms. I will have the uniform at Camp Cullum if anyone is interested in seeing the final result. Without the pocket or epaulet alteration I cannot recommend this uniform as-is. If National Capitol sales can address at least these two details or if the purchaser is able to do it himself, the uniform would be acceptable despite the color cast. However purists would also want the following details addressed: - White sleeve linings and white trouser lining & pockets - Curved back underarm seams - No notch in the right lapel (where it buttons). Bottom line - for the amount of money charged, I would expect a more correct uniform out of the box requiring only sizing alterations. But for your money...and your time... your best and most authentic value will still be finding a large-size original. Respectully Submitted, Bolo Return to Home

A Review of the Repro Winter Service Uniform from National Capitol Historical Sales by Pfc. Paul "Bolo" McKee

A Review of the
Repro Winter Service Uniform
from National Capitol Historical Sales
by Pfc. Paul "Bolo" McKee