Original Great War Period US Army Khaki Tan Enlisted Men's Breeches

An original pair of First World War period United States Army khaki cotton enlisted men's breeches in very good condition.

These breeches were introduced by the United States Army during the First World War for wear with the M1912 Service Uniform and were intended for mounted troops and soldiers whose duties required riding. The distinctive reinforced seat and inner leg, together with the close-fitting lace-up lower legs, made them ideally suited for wear with the Army's leather riding boots and leggings. Whilst wool examples are encountered more regularly today, khaki cotton examples are considerably less common and were intended for wear in warmer climates and during the summer months.

Constructed from a sturdy khaki cotton drill fabric, the breeches feature the classic WW1 riding cut with a high waist, generously cut thighs and tapered lower legs. Reinforced panels are fitted to the seat and inner knees to improve durability whilst mounted. The lower legs are fitted with brass eyelets and retain their original lace fastenings. The fly fastens with stamped metal buttons which are all marked 'U. S. Army'. There is a separate waistband, belt loops and small ticket pocket to the right hip. Frog mouth pockets are located to the front and two welt pockets are located to the seat which denote these as the Enlisted Men's pattern. 

The breeches will suit a 32" waist and when laid flat they measure -

Waist - 16"
Rise -12 1/2"
Rear rise - 18"
Inside leg - 27 1/2"
Outside leg - 38"
Calf - 6 1/2"
Cuff - 4 1/2"

The breeches are in very good condition with only limited signs of age or wear. The cotton drill remains strong throughout with good colour and only light marks etc. There is a mark to the rear of the left leg which is illustrated in the final picture. All of the buttons remain present and the original leg laces are intact. They display extremely well but please study the photographs before purchasing and bear in mind that this is a vintage item which may have small issues commensurate with age.

A scarce original pair of First World War era United States Army cotton enlisted men's breeches which would make an excellent addition to any WW1 US uniform collection or display. Cotton examples are encountered far less frequently than their wool counterparts and are increasingly difficult to find today.

This is a vintage item which is 'sold as seen'