Exceptional Named WWI U.S. Army Ambulance Company Group

The group is comprised of the uniform tunic, breeches and puttees, together with a medical equipment bag and a gas mask in carrying bag and Model 1917 helmet, with both the gas mask bag and the helmet painted in identical camouflage patterns. The wool tunic carries the shoulder patch of the Army Ambulance Service on the left shoulder while on the lower left sleeve is a single toned gold tape overseas service chevron. On the right sleeve is a particularly uncommon Private’s chevron for a mechanic serving with the Army Medical Corps.The collar displays the “U.S.” and Medical corps collar disks. The collar itself shows contrast in color as compared to the tunic as a result of toning of the dye that was used for the collar material. The contractor label is in place beneath the tunic lining. The tunic is accompanied by the matching wool breeches, and both the tunic and the breeches are in excellent condition, without holes, damage or repairs, although the tunic is missing the top front button and the button on the right shoulder strap. Also with the group is the cotton canvas medical equipment pouch, marked “U.S.” and bearing a painted red cross. The underside of the cover flap is manufacturer marked and dated in July of 1918. The group further includes a gas mask within its carrying bag. The bag was painted with a vibrant, multi-color, camouflage pattern, with the bag bearing the name of of “Howard E. Briner” of Evacuation Ambulance Company Number 20. The gas mask remains present inside of the bag, showing typical stiffening from age, and with a visible hole in the hose. The gas mask and bag appear to have been British made, with the interior of the cover flap having the manufacturer name and the British broad arrow mark. The helmet is an American Model 1917 helmet that was painted in a vibrant camouflage that was identical to the gas mask bag, with the helmet having the painted insignia of the Army Ambulance Service and of Ambulance Evacuation Company 20 of the First Army. the unit is also painted on the interior rim of the helmet, together with the name of “H.E. Briner”. The helmet is complete with the liner and chin strap. Overall the group is complete, impressive, and in excellent condition.