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WWI US Army First Sergeant Service Coat Named Klopfer Pittsburgh Tailor 1920Privately tailored U.S. Army service coat from the World War I and immediate postwar period, bearing First Sergeant rank insignia, two overseas service chevrons, and an honorable-discharge chevron.The interior retains a black-and-gold woven label reading “Karl the Tailor, N.S. Pittsburg, Pa.” A separate customer/order label bears the surname Klopfer, with preceding lettering that is less clearly readable. The order date was previously read as July 1920. The named label provides an interesting opportunity for further research into the original wearer.The coat features olive-drab wool with a pronounced diagonal weave, a standing collar, shoulder straps, four exterior patch pockets with buttoned flaps, and a lined interior. U.S. Army eagle buttons remain on the pockets, shoulder straps, and lower front closure. A crossed-rifles infantry collar disc bearing the letter B is attached to the collar.Insignia present:* First Sergeant rank insignia with three chevrons and a central diamond.
* Two overseas service chevrons on the lower left sleeve, representing twelve months of overseas service.
* A red/orange honorable-discharge chevron on the upper left sleeve.An appealing example of a privately purchased enlisted/NCO coat, combining period tailoring, a named customer label, and distinctive service insignia.The coat shows age-related wear and discoloration, with wear to the interior lining. The two upper front closure buttons are absent. Close-up photographs show the fabric, insignia, labels, and construction.Includes the exact coat pictured.Privately tailored U.S. Army service coat from the World War I and immediate postwar period, bearing First Sergeant rank insignia, two overseas service chevrons, and an honorable-discharge chevron.The interior retains a black-and-gold woven label reading “Karl the Tailor, N.S. Pittsburg, Pa.” A separate customer/order label bears the surname Klopfer, with preceding lettering that is less clearly readable. The order date was previously read as July 1920. The named label provides an interesting opportunity for further research into the original wearer.The coat features olive-drab wool with a pronounced diagonal weave, a standing collar, shoulder straps, four exterior patch pockets with buttoned flaps, and a lined interior. U.S. Army eagle buttons remain on the pockets, shoulder straps, and lower front closure. A crossed-rifles infantry collar disc bearing the letter B is attached to the collar.Insignia present:* First Sergeant rank insignia with three chevrons and a central diamond.
* Two overseas service chevrons on the lower left sleeve, representing twelve months of overseas service.
* A red/orange honorable-discharge chevron on the upper left sleeve.An appealing example of a privately purchased enlisted/NCO coat, combining period tailoring, a named customer label, and distinctive service insignia.The coat shows age-related wear and discoloration, with wear to the interior lining. The two upper front closure buttons are absent. Close-up photographs show the fabric, insignia, labels, and construction.Includes the exact coat pictured.
