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Vintage military coat?
I have this old military looking coat, but I can't find much information about it. It resembles the greatcoats issued to US GI's during WWI, but the manufacturer isn't the same, plus a few other minor details. It was made by Browning, King, & Co. which was based in New York and had retail stores around the country, which went bankrupt in 1934. Before that time, they were really popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They also made the Union greatcoats during the American Civil War, but as far as I know they did not have a contract during WWI. The person that gave this to me said it belonged to his great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and finally him. It looks like some hand-stitching was done on this coat at one time. Any help is greatly appreciated.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._zps9c68-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._zps7e65-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._zps4e25-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._zpsac4f-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._zps2efa-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._zpsc701-1.jpg
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It looks like a privately purchased coat. The lining is a finer grade of cloth than the typical issue greatcoat.
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U.S. Army overcoat M1912, tailor made. Usually purchased by officers, in this case if acquired by an officer he was probably a second lieutenant. If there is any sign that braid was applied to both cuffs, definitely acquired by an officer. You may find another label inside the interior pocket with the purchaser's name, rank, and a date on it.
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Thank you for the replies! There is no name and rank inside, but there is this number:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._zps808f-1.jpg
And also some photos of the other pockets and the neck clasp:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._zps9a43-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._zps8f1e-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._zpscf6f-1.jpg
---------- Post added at 07:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:45 AM ----------
Also, there isn't any stitching on the cuffs.
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Your man was probably a second lieutenant, and purchased the overcoat on a budget off the rack, as the personal label I was referring to was included in coats made to order.
Your overcoat appears to be a very nice example.
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Thank you so much for the information! That is all really interesting to know. I'll have to get in touch with my friend that gave this to me ages ago and see if he has any information about his great-grandfather.