Name/Title
JacketEntry/Object ID
2014.006.0074ADescription
WWII US Navy Jacket - outer part of a uniform of an Electrician's Mate, Chief Petty Officer (E-7) Construction Battalion (Seabees); On left shoulder is rating insignia in black on khaki with an eagle above a globe (the globe is the symbol for a Navy electrician), the chevrons and arc above them indicate Chief Petty Officer; the "CB" in a diamond shape on the lower sleeve stands for Construction Battalion or Seabees. On the upper right breast is the Honorable Discharge Emblem Lozenge sometimes referred to as the "ruptured duck" signifies that the sailor served honorably. It was worn by all servicemen, of all branches, when they were being discharged. They could wear their uniforms with the patch for up to thirty days after dischrge. It was authorized from September 1939 through December 1946. During World War II members of the armed forces were forbidden to possess civilian clothing unless so ordered. It made desertion harder and by rules they were to be treated as prisoners of war if captured and not spies.
The jacket is khaki colored wool with gold buttons with raised eagles; there are four button flap pockets on the front; a faux belt at waist, and is unlined. A label under front button side reads: "Regulation US Naval Officer's Khaki / Vender & Goldstein Inc. / 387 - 4th Ave / N Y C". In ink next to the label in neatly printed letters: W.F. BRUCE. No size is listed.
It is probable that the orignial owner of this uniform was entered into the service as a Chief Petty Officer because of his trade and leadership experiene in the electrical/construction field as a civilian.Collection
Clothing Collection