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Man's Uniform

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Foster Wild Rice American, 1892 - 1970

Date1917-1918

MediumBoots (.a,b): Machine-stitched leather with metal hob nails, sole plates, and eyelets. Cap (.i): Machine-stitched brown drab wool, with a tan cotton sweatband and a blackened bronze insignia.

DimensionsComponent (Boots .a-.b: height x width x depth): 6 1/2 x 4 x 11 1/4in. (16.5 x 10.2 x 28.6cm)
Component (Cap .i: length x height): 11 1/8 x 4 5/8in. (28.3 x 11.7cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of Foster Wild Rice

DescriptionBoots (a,b): Heavy leather open tab boots. They lace up the center front with a leather shoe string, through seven pairs of metal eyelets. The welted sole is studded with iron hobnails; a horseshoe-shaped plate is embedded in the heel, and a semicircular metal plate is also attached to the sole in the area of the toes. The toes are round and the heel is stacked.

Coat (c):

Pants (d):

Shirt (e):

Belt (f):

Spats (g, h):

Cap (.i): World War I sergeant's uniform cap. Overseas style fatigue cap. Completely machine sewn of brown drab wool of mixed grey/brown yarn to create the drab effect. The sweatband is tan cotton. There is an insignia on the proper left band near the center front. It is a blackened bronze caduceus, suggesting affiliation with the medical corps.

Dress Hat (j):

Object number1961.3.1a-j

NotesHistorical Note: During World War I, Sargeant Foster Wild Rice (1892-1970) served with Base Hospital 5, which arrived in Boulogne, France, on 30 May 1917. It is believed that Sargeant Rice was the first Connecticut man to arrive in France to serve during World War I.

Subject Terms