How to ID period uniforms

[Coma]

Hi all you 'Nam buffs. I while ago I was given what I was told is a real era tunic in fairly good condition, covered in real patches. To me, and from the examples I've seen for sale online it looks real, but I seek your guideance.

Are there any specific things I can look for to know that its real and the patches are period correct? Seams, pocket styles, tags, etc.

All help is appreciated. If its necessary I can take some crappy webcam photos.

Thanks dudes.

[Renegade)]

Look for the main lable, there is a DSA number, example
DSA 100-69-C-1362, 1969 is the date of that item.

[Coma]

Thanks Renegade, I found a DSA number of 100-69-C-1329. It also says;

'Shirt, man's, cotton. Sateen, OG 107
Then the DSA number
Guy H.James Ind., Inc.'

So this is a 1969 dated item? Does the rest of the info help any?

[Renegade)]

Originally Posted by Coma

Thanks Renegade, I found a DSA number of 100-69-C-1329. It also says;

'Shirt, man's, cotton. Sateen, OG 107
Then the DSA number
Guy H.James Ind., Inc.'

So this is a 1969 dated item? Does the rest of the info help any?

Affirmative, 1969. Nice pick up!

The other stuff I have no idea about, manufacturer stuff.

[Coma]

Wow, I didn't actually think it'd be original. And for free too.
Thanks again Renegade, you've been a big help.


One more question to be a real pain in the ass.... is there a way to tell if the patches are period as well? My concern is that they don't all belong together and were added by a post-war collector. Even so, they all seem to be in their proper places.

The name tag looks properly faded (Clarke, for anyone interested) and the US ARMY tag seems to be a different material because its not faded at all.

Its also got;
-a jump patch (parachute with white wings)
-infantry combat badge (I think? Musket on a blue background and white wings again),
-airborne on both shoulders (black with yellow lettering, white stitching),
-ranger on the left shoulder (black background, yellow lettering and border)
-what I think is a major's rank insignia on the collar (gold 7 pointed leaf/star on subdued background)
-unknown patch on the collar (gold crossed muskets, subdued background)

As well as what I assume are divisional patches. I did a quick Google search on them, and the one on the right sleeve is listed as special forces (Link here, mine is exactly as pictured with airborne above), and the other took some searching but turns out to be for the special warfare school. Here is a link Here