Original Great War Period US Military Chinstrap Collar Shirt

A nice original US military khaki wool shirt dating from around the time of the Great War. 

This shirt appears to be a private purchase example which is based on the standard United States military M1917 or M1918 pattern of shirt which was widely issued to enlisted men throughout the Great War and into the inter-war period. It is unclear if it was made for the military or a civilian body but the similarities between the standard army issue examples and this shirt are striking which could suggest that it was made for the military.

The shirt is made from an olive drab coloured wool cotton mix and features a half placket front as was common in the first half of the 20th Century. The front of the shirt fastens with brown coloured plastic buttons and more are used to fasten the cuffs and breast pockets. The collar features a chin strap detail which is typical of American work shirts for the beginning of the 20th Century. Breast pockets are fitted to the front of the shirt and feature square pocket flaps. Each pocket has a stitched pen pocket section which was a detail introduced on US Army shirts between 1916 and 1917.

Inside the shirt the original label is still present and is typical of those used in the early part of the last Century. It is a simple design featuring yellow lettering on a black field which reads 'Government Standard U.S.A'. 

The shirt is a smaller size which will suit around a 36" chest depending on desired fit. When laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 21 1/2"
Inside arm - 21"
Outside arm - 23"
Shoulders - 17 3/4"
Length at rear - 31"
Collar - 16"

The shirt is in very good condition for its age with no real signs of wear or use. It displays very well and is totally wearable but please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that they are a vintage, pre-worn item which may have small issues commensurate with age. 

A nice original early 20th Century shirt which is in excellent condition.