Original Item: Only One Available. The time honored tradition of “playing Army” dates back centuries. Children have always wanted to emulate those around them and if they’re from a military family they do so to honor them. It was no different during the WWII era. The war was in every household, on the radio and at the picture shows. There were countless recycling drives and award systems specifically for children and the War Effort, this was essentially a way of life and the children wanted to look the part while playing the part.

The set is in wonderful condition and even comes complete with a set of trousers, suspenders, and a pair of boots. The jacket has gilt Tank Corps collar insignia and U.S. officer’s collar insignia. There are two ribbons above the left breast pocket, the American Defense Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, likely belonging to the father of the wearer. The jacket is in great condition and has a tag for the famous F.A.O. SCHWARZ, the world’s most famous toy store located at 58th Street at 5th Ave in Manhattan. The jacket is well designed which makes sense given the maker. There is no maker’s tag on the trousers or suspenders but both are in great shape and go with the jacket. The boots are marked on the inside to Arrow Head, but the markings are faint. This is a fantastic child’s Tank Corps uniform set.

A lovely set ready for further research and display.

The uniform came to us from the American Armored Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The AAF Tank Museum was a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world. Before 1981 some of the artifacts that make up the AAF Tank Museum was a private collection belonging to Mr. William Gasser. Mr. Gasser felt that his collection would be beneficial in educating present and future generations to the sacrifices made and the technologies gained during war. Therefore, in 1981 the AAF Tank Museum was established as a non-profit charitable organization, and Mr. Gasser donated his private collection to the Tank Museum. Mr. Gasser is still active as Volunteer Director and Curator of the Tank Museum and his knowledge of military history has been a great asset to the museum. Unfortunately after 20 years of operation it had to close its doors, which is when this uniform was acquired.