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CAPT. E.V. RICKENBACKER’S WWI HIGH COLLAR TUNIC, BRITISH STYLE OVERSEAS CAP, AMMUNITION BOX & CHROM

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:15,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
CAPT. E.V. RICKENBACKER’S WWI HIGH COLLAR TUNIC, BRITISH STYLE OVERSEAS CAP, AMMUNITION BOX  & CHROM
CAPT. E.V. RICKENBACKER’S WWI HIGH COLLAR TUNIC, BRITISH STYLE OVERSEAS CAP, AMMUNITION BOX & CHROMOLITHOGRAPH. 1) The tunic bears the initials “E.V.R.” on the inside pocket The collar insignia consists of crossed Signal Corp flags which were proper for the early Air Service plus two of the standard “U.S.” Officer style insignia. On the left breast is a bouillon wing, ribbon bar for the Distinguished Service Cross with two additional award stars and an example of the 94th Aero Squadron sterling silver “Hat in the Ring” pin, on the left sleeve is the 3rd Army patch and two gold overseas stripes. Captain’s bars are on each shoulder. Accompanying is a magazine chipping showing Rickenbacker wearing the tunic and item 2, his overseas cap. Also accompanying is copies of correspondence from Rickenbacker to the vendor verifying that the uniform was his. CONDITION: The tunic is in excellent condition for its age showing minimum wear with one moth hole on the back which does not detract and a small snag on the cuff of the left sleeve. 2) The overseas cap is of the British style having two U.S. officer’s style buttons in the front, an Air Service winged propeller insignia and silver Captain’s bars. CONDITION: Excellent with one small area of minor moth tracking on the lower left side. 3) Wooden ammunition box, with metal reinforcing straps, containing a cloth ammunition belt and supporting 112 rounds of ammunition. The rounds are dated 1917 and are marked with “I” and “H.” The cloth belt shows one minor tear and the metal retaining clips show evidence of rust. Accompanying the box are copies of correspondence dated Oct. 8, 1970 from former ordinance officer Capt. Eley to the consignor stating that he removed the belt of ammunition from Richenbacker’s Spad at war’s end. CONDITION: As noted above. Box is very good overall with the remains of paper label affixed to its side. 4) Unglazed, framed chromolithograph of Rickenbacker painted after he received the Medal of Honor and wearing a similar style tunic. SIZE: Famed: 16”w x 23-1/2”h. CONDITION: Image has foxing, cracks, scuffs and chips. Frame shows heavy wear and paint loss. 4-49350 CW1