1035

ESCADRILLE LAFAYETTE UNIFORM OF SGT. RAY CLAFIN BRIDGMANN

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
ESCADRILLE LAFAYETTE UNIFORM OF SGT. RAY CLAFIN BRIDGMANN
ESCADRILLE LAFAYETTE UNIFORM OF SGT. RAY CLAFIN BRIDGMANN. Lot consists of 1) a four pocket black wool tunic with the label of a Paris tailor reading "Williams & Ci. 1Et 3 Rue St. Martin Paris”. The tunic is lined in black cotton. The collar insignia consists of a winged star on each point. Each cuff bears an inverted single gold stripe and the left sleeve bears a sergeants rank which consists of five Chevrons above a winged propeller. The tunic contains seven large domed buttons and six smaller buttons all embossed with the wing and propeller insignia of the French Air Service. Accompanying this lot is photocopy of his military pilot’s brevet #5009 dated 5 Dec, 1916 and assorted photographs. Also photocopies of letters of authenticity from Mrs. Bridgman dated 10-8-76. CONDITION: The tunic has numerous moth holes and the cuffs are worn. 2) The accompanying breeches are of red whipcord material with three black stripes on the outer seams. CONDITION: Minor moth tracking and shows evidence of wear and repairs, otherwise in good overall condition. 3) On the right breast of the tunic is a heavily constructed private purchase French pilot’s badge bearing the engraved number 5009 and a Escadrille Lafayette medal in bronze gilt with the original embroidered ribbon to which is affixed a bronze Indian head which was the insignia of the squadron. The medal was manufactured "Lindauer Graveur, Paris” and is so marked on the back, and engraved with the initials "RCB”. The left breast has a 1914-1917 Croix de Guerre medal with star also engraved "RCB”. Accompanied by a letter from Bridgman’s daughter indicating she had found her father’s Croix de Guerre. Worn next to the Croix de Guerre is the "American Volunteers French Army 1914-1917” medal. CONDITION: All medals are in fine condition. 4-49351