WWII USMC Private 4th Marine Division Dress Blues Jacket

Here is a recent pick up for the Iwo Jima uniform collection. This pocketless WWII Dress Blues coat belong to Marine who was originally a guard at the then unpopular and now demolished Navy and Munitions Building in Washington DC. The difficulty of finding WWII Dress Blues is that they were a limited standard only issued to Guards and Ships Detachment Marines. Most Marines had to purchase their blues from out of their own pocket. Since this Marine was a guard in Washington DC he was issued this dress blues. Later in his career he would be transferred to the 14th Marines 4th Marine Division where he would participate in the Battle Of Iwo Jima. An incredible Dress Blues uniform coat to a Top Marine!

WWII USMC Trunk Seabag Pad Lock by Slaymaker

Part of the challenge of collecting and documenting USMC items is the difficultly of finding items that are Marine Corps specific. Where as Army and Navy items and even Air Corps items are relatively easier to locate, the Marines were truly "The Few, The Proud.." Recently I came across this little gem, a USMC ID Brass padlock at a local Militaria show earlier this year. Although I didn't purchase it, it was definitely worth the price the dealer was asking for it. Sigh....another item to look for but at least I know "It Exists!" Below is another style of USMC lock that is made by Slaymaker.

Finally found myself a USMC lock!

WWII USMC 1st Marine Division Hand tinted photograph

Incredible hand tinted photo of a WWII Marine Corporal in the 1st Marine Division!