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Offered here is an exceptional original U.S. Navy dress blue uniform representing the lengthy career of a former enlisted sailor who rose through the ranks to become a full commander in the Navy Supply Corps.
The uniform displays three full gold rank stripes on each sleeve, identifying the officer as a commander, together with the distinctive embroidered Supply Corps oak-leaf insignia. The interior pocket is marked with the initials “M.J.B.,” offering an excellent opportunity for additional research and possible identification of the original officer.
Of particular interest is the remarkable set of original, early-style half-inch service ribbons. The combination reflects an extraordinarily long naval career encompassing Mexican Service, World War I, the interwar period, and World War II.
The ribbon group includes an early Mexican Service ribbon, World War I Victory Medal ribbon with campaign star, American Defense Service ribbon with “A” device, multiple World War II campaign and service ribbons, and a red Navy Good Conduct ribbon with an additional-award star.
The Navy Good Conduct ribbon establishes that the officer previously served in the enlisted ranks before receiving his commission. By the time represented by this uniform, he had advanced to the senior rank of commander—a superb example of a career “mustang” officer whose service appears to have spanned approximately three decades and two world wars.
Notable features include:
* U.S. Navy commander’s three-stripe sleeve rank
* Embroidered Supply Corps oak-leaf insignia
* Original early half-inch ribbon bars
* Mexican Service-era ribbon
* World War I Victory ribbon with campaign star
* American Defense Service ribbon with “A” device
* Multiple World War II campaign and service ribbons
* Navy Good Conduct ribbon with additional-award star
* Earlier enlisted service followed by a commissioned career
* Interior pocket marked with the initials “M.J.B.”
* Original gilt U.S. Navy buttons
The uniform remains in attractive vintage condition, showing normal evidence of age, storage, and service. The early ribbons exhibit honest wear and age toning appropriate to their period. Please examine all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the description and show the exact uniform being offered.
A remarkable career-spanning Navy uniform with tremendous visual presence and historical interest. This would make an outstanding centerpiece in an advanced collection devoted to Navy “mustang” officers, the Supply Corps, Mexican Service, World War I, or World War II.
Mannequin and display stand are not included.
