Military uniform
This classic World War I uniform is part of a complete ensemble. Notable for its handsome appearance and excellent condition, it was worn by U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Charles P. Plunkett. Admiral Plunkett was a distinguished naval officer during the Spanish-American and First World War and held numerous postings and commands during his career, which began in 1879. His last posting before retirement was as Commandant of New York Navy Yard (now Brooklyn Navy Yard) from 1922 to 1928. The destroyer USS Plunkett is named in his honor. This uniform was worn with a hat, puttees and Sam Browne belt.
(d) This Sam Browne belt is part of a complete World War I uniform. The development and popularity of the belt is credited to General Sir James Samuel Brown (1824-1901) of the British Army in India, who, having suffered the loss of his left arm in 1858, found that the cross-body strap construction helped compensate for the weight of an officer's sword. The eponymous belt was later used by officers to help balance the weight of a heavy pistol. It was found, however, that the cross-strap could be used against the wearer by an adversary; the Sam Browne belt is now predominantly used as part of ceremonial wear.
(g) This cap, with its foldover construction, is part of a uniform worn by U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Charles P. Plunkett. Called an 'overseas cap' because it was first worn by troops overseas during the First World War, it replaced the less practical campaign hat.
(d) This Sam Browne belt is part of a complete World War I uniform. The development and popularity of the belt is credited to General Sir James Samuel Brown (1824-1901) of the British Army in India, who, having suffered the loss of his left arm in 1858, found that the cross-body strap construction helped compensate for the weight of an officer's sword. The eponymous belt was later used by officers to help balance the weight of a heavy pistol. It was found, however, that the cross-strap could be used against the wearer by an adversary; the Sam Browne belt is now predominantly used as part of ceremonial wear.
(g) This cap, with its foldover construction, is part of a uniform worn by U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Charles P. Plunkett. Called an 'overseas cap' because it was first worn by troops overseas during the First World War, it replaced the less practical campaign hat.
Artwork Details
- Title: Military uniform
- Department Store: Army & Navy Cooperative Company (American)
- Date: 1918
- Culture: American
- Medium: wool, cotton, leather, metal
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Rear Admiral Plunkett, 1928
- Object Number: 2009.300.2986a–t
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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