Civil Defense uniform coat worn by Ann L. Adikes (1896–1956)

1942

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

Wool, silk, metal

Overall: 28 3/4 × 17 × 3 in. (73 × 43.2 × 7.6 cm)

Gift of the Mayor’s Committee

1946.89a

This uniform was worn in New York City, 1942-1945, by a member of the Civilian Defense Volunteer Organization. After the sinking of thousands of tons of shipping near New York harbor and German radio's threat to target New York, Mayor La Guardia formed the Civil Defense. During the war more than 400,000 New Yorkers joined.

DescriptionMedium blue wool women's New York Civil Defense Volunteer's single-breasted coat; double collar and short lapels, insignia patches at the corners of the collar; shoulder loops with buttons at the collar end; 3 buttons down the front anchored to the coat at the shanks with wire coils from the inside; a pocket at each breast and hip with flaps which button closed; closed sleeves (no cuffs), left sleeve has insignia at the shoulder and 6 red stripes set at a diagonal below the shoulder; all buttons cast with the Great Seal of the U.S.; 2 panels at the back; lined with blue twill-weave silk.

MarkingsEmbroidered maker's label, inside neck: "Saks Fifth Avenue"; cast on the face of each button: "E PLURISBUS UNUM"; stamped on reverse of each button: "HANDY MACHCO / NEW YORK"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM