WW1 US Army 1st Infantry Division “Big Red One” Winter Wool Jacket

This exceptional WW1 US Army wool jacket belonged to a Corporal of the 1st Infantry Division, famously known as the “Big Red One,” serving in the 5th Artillery HQ. This historic piece is complete with its original insignia, including four overseas service bars, a discharge chevron, and corporal rank insignia. A true testament to one soldier’s service during the Great War, this jacket connects directly to the division’s storied history.

About the “Big Red One”

The 1st Infantry Division, the oldest continuously serving division in the U.S. Army, played a pivotal role during World War I. It was the first U.S. division deployed to Europe, arriving in France in 1917. Known for its heroics at the Battle of Cantigny, the Aisne-Marne Offensive, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the division earned a reputation as one of the most effective and reliable units on the Western Front. The division’s efforts, including those of its artillery units like the one represented here, contributed significantly to the Allied victory, cementing the “Big Red One” as a symbol of courage and sacrifice.

Key Features:

• Manufacturer and Date: Marked “Wolf & Abraham, January 30th, 1915,” inside the right pocket liner.

• Named Inscription: Handwriting inside the pocket reads “A. F.,” possibly indicating the original owner’s name (Friemann or Freeman).

• Original Insignia: Includes 4 overseas service bars, a discharge chevron, and corporal rank insignia, all original to the uniform.

• Condition: The jacket is in remarkable condition for its age, showing minimal wear and a few signs of moth activity as pictured.

Unique Details:

This jacket also bears markings from the New York Depot Inspector, adding to its documented authenticity. Writing inside the left breast pocket may provide additional clues about its original owner or serial number, offering a unique research opportunity.

Measurements:

• Pit to Pit: 18 inches.

• No visible size markings, typical of WW1-era tailoring.

Historical Significance:

This jacket not only represents the personal history of a WW1 Corporal but also the broader legacy of the 1st Infantry Division, whose soldiers were among the first Americans to serve in the trenches of Europe. Whether in Cantigny, where the division earned its first major victory, or the grueling Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the “Big Red One” demonstrated unmatched determination and valor.

Ideal for collectors, museums, or anyone passionate about World War I history, this jacket is more than a uniform – it’s a piece of American military heritage.

Price: $900.00

SKU: 56604

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