U.S. Army blue dress uniform 1902-17

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From 1902-17 the U.S. Army wore a blue dress uniform that was (i) smart, (ii) distinctive, (iii) modern, and (iv) best of all from a quarter-master's viewpoint relatively inexpensive. It was suspended on the entry of the U.S. into WWI, reintroduced in a half-hearted way in 1928 as an optional off duty uniform to be purchased at the cost of the wearer; and finally replaced in 1937 by the forerunner of the modern Army's dress blues (with open collar and tie). The Army band at West Point wore a slightly modified version until about the 1990s when the addition of cadet shakos and other trimmings effectively marked the end of a handsome but traditional uniform.

One of its most striking features was the proliferation of branch colors in the form of piping, cap bands, chevrons, breast cords, trouser stripes and collars (latter for officers only). These included red for Artillery, yellow for Cavalry, light-blue for Infantry, red and white for Engineers, black and red for Ordnance, maroon and white for Hospital Corps, orange and white for Signal Corps. While the U.S. Army of the time had little in the way of regimental dress distinctions (other than badge numbers) there was no danger of confusing a "red-legged" artilleryman from a cavalry trooper faced in yellow, when both were in parade dress.

The elaborate mohair breast cord was another distinctive feature. Strung around the neck, under the arm and across the chest it must have been difficult to put on quickly and keep in correct alignment. It appears to have been mainly a parade feature and not required for more casual off-duty wear.

I collect photos of soldiers in the 1902-1917 full dress, as can be seen at MarksWebSite .

buistR's third picture is from my site, being an original photo I own.