1930s Men Military Private Purchase Button Down Shirt Army WWI WWII WW2 WW1
This remarkable garment represents a significant piece of Pacific Northwest military history from the 1930s era. Historical Significance & Fort Lewis Connection. The “Uniform Portland Seattle” label strongly suggests this piece originated from Fort Lewis, as Portland and Seattle suppliers specifically served the growing Pacific Northwest military community. Fort Lewis, established in 1917, was experiencing significant growth during the 1930s as military tensions escalated globally, making this shirt a tangible link to that historic buildup. Such garments were often of superior quality, as military personnel stationed at Fort Lewis invested in better-made uniforms for the demanding Pacific Northwest climate and extended service wear. Crafted from heavyweight cotton twill in the classic military olive drab color, this shirt exemplifies the robust construction standards required for Fort Lewis’s challenging training conditions. The fabric exhibits the characteristic diagonal weave pattern that provided exceptional durability for field exercises in Washington’s varied terrain. The shirt features authentic period details including genuine mother-of-pearl buttons, reinforced double-stitched seams, and the distinctive military-style chest pockets with button-down flaps. The contrast stitching in cream thread was both functional and decorative, typical of quality military tailoring that Fort Lewis personnel demanded for their investment pieces. Fort Lewis Historical Context. Fort Lewis served as a critical training ground for troops who would later serve in World War II. The base’s expansion during the 1930s coincided with increasing military preparedness efforts, and servicemen stationed there were among the first to experience modern military training techniques. This shirt likely witnessed the transformation of civilian recruits into skilled soldiers, making it a silent witness to one of the most important chapters in American military preparedness. Military collectibles from the 1930s, particularly those with documented regional provenance like Fort Lewis, are experiencing unprecedented demand among collectors, historians, and Pacific Northwest enthusiasts. The “militaria” market has seen consistent growth, with authentic pre-WWII pieces from major installations commanding premium prices. Fort Lewis memorabilia specifically appeals to collectors interested in Pacific Northwest military history and the base’s role in training America’s Greatest Generation. Workwear and military-inspired fashion has become increasingly popular, with modern brands attempting to replicate the authentic construction and styling of pieces exactly like this one. The current trend toward sustainable fashion and “investment pieces” has further elevated interest in genuine vintage military garments with documented historical connections. This shirt represents more than vintage clothing – it’s a tangible connection to Fort Lewis heritage and the brave servicemen who trained on Washington’s prairies before serving our nation worldwide. The combination of its Fort Lewis regional provenance, exceptional preservation, and authentic period construction makes it highly desirable to serious collectors of Pacific Northwest military history. The workmanship evident in every detail – from the precisely executed buttonholes to the military-specification pocket construction – cannot be replicated in modern reproductions. This is the quality that Fort Lewis personnel depended upon during some of our nation’s most challenging preparatory years. Military uniforms from Fort Lewis’s expansion period are becoming increasingly scarce, particularly in such well-preserved condition with clear regional supplier documentation. This is your opportunity to own an authentic piece of Fort Lewis and Pacific Northwest military history – a garment that bridges the gap between our peacetime military preparation and the generation that would soon answer the call to defend freedom worldwide from the training grounds of Washington State.
