Gifted Ike Jacket

[RustyRelics]

Yesterday I received a box in the mail from a guy I have been working for the past year for. Curious, I opened it up and inside was this WWII Ike jacket and a note thanking me for the moderating work (I moderate another forum, non military related) and such. I was really surprised, so I emailed him and thanked him profusely.

It's a rather pristine jacket, it almost looks like it has never been used, but there are service stripes on it. I don't see where there were any other patches in the past, but maybe I don't know what I'm doing. It's dated April 18th, 1945 and it was made by the Jersey Coat Company. There is no known history behind it, no curious stampings, nothing in the pockets and no writing that I can find on it, so it's kind of naked when it comes to uniforms. It did light a spark in me though, I want to add more American uniforms to my collection this year.

[TWS]

Ike jackets can be addicting. I bought four last year.

[reneblacky]

Nice large size.

[RustyRelics]

Ike jackets can be addicting. I bought four last year.

This year I'd like to purchase one American uniform (looks like I got that box checked) One Russian enlisted-mans jacket, one Japanese Tunic, one British jacket and one German tunic. I think I can do it.

[RustyRelics]

Nice large size.

Really? It fits me pretty well, and I'm not a large guy...

[reneblacky]

Really? It fits me pretty well, and I'm not a large guy...

Beats a more commonly found 36

[RustyRelics]

Beats a more commonly found 36

I found where there were patches on it after I turned the sleeves inside out. I have to photograph it once it gets more light outside.

[RustyRelics]

This is what I found on the right sleeve of the jacket.





Because of the hourglass shape, I think a 10th Army patch used to be here, which would mean this thing saw service in the Pacific?










This was on the left sleeve.





even highlighted, I'm not quite sure what it is.






Forgive the bad photos, it's cloudy here.

[RustyRelics]

After looking it over with a magnifying glass, the threading looks arrowhead shaped. I tried capturing it in a photo, but am having a bit of trouble with it. Any suggestions on how to photograph things like this?


It is similar to the 2nd Marine Division arrowhead patch, which served under the Tenth Armies command. That's the only thing that I can think of that this patch may have been.

[reneblacky]

Right side is certainly Tenth Army - nice!
Left side (current unit) I'll leave it to you. Certainly won't be USMC.

Photos are good hey...