Artist/Maker Brooks Brothers (founded 1818)

Coat

1941-1945

Place madeNew York, New York, United States, North America

Wool, silk, metal

Overall: 3 x 23 1/4 x 34 1/4 in. ( 7.6 x 59.1 x 87 cm )

Gift of Paul H. Downing

1946.118a

This coat is part of a uniform worn by Paul H. Downing when he served as Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Corps during World War II. He was Commanding Officer of the Rochester, (New York) region, Materiel Command.

DescriptionOlive drab wool officer's single-breasted coat; double collar and shallow lapels, "U.S." insignia at each corner of the collar, air service insignia at the top of the lapels, with a propeller against a pair of wings; shoulder loops which button at the collar end, with silver leaf and air service insignia pin; closed sleeves wiwth a band of yellow lacing around each wrist, a chevron patch with 3 stripes embroidered in metal above lacing on the left sleeve; 4 buttons down the front; a pocket at each breast and hip with flaps that button closed; false belt around the waistline with a metal buckle frame (no teeth), belt snaps closed; 2 panels at the back, skirt is split below the waistline; coat lined with olive drab silk, sleeves lined with white silk, pockets lined with olive drab silk and white earthy-colored cotton, horizontal slit pocket at the left breast.

Markingsapplied: corners of collar: "U.S." printed: label inside inner breast pocket: "BROOKS BROTHERS / MADISON AVE. COR. 44TH STREET / NEW YORK, N.Y. / DATE" cast: on face of each button: "E PLURIBUS UNUM" stamped: reverse of each button: "*SUPERIOR* / QUALITY" handwritten: label inside inner breast pocket: "Major Paul H. Downing / 5/5/42 -- 522"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM