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RARE WW1 26TH QUARTERMASTER COMPANY GUIDON.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 400.00 USD
RARE WW1 26TH QUARTERMASTER COMPANY GUIDON.
28" x 40" triangular red, white, & blue bunting guidon, double applique detailed navy blue cotton "starred wheel, crossed sword, key, & eagle" QM logo, Philadelphia QM label dated January 1917. This may be the earliest QM flag extant. The task of feeding soldiers during WWI was enormous and the logistics staggering. For the first time in U.S. history, a trained military unit was responsible for supplying the troops. In prior conflicts, contractors did most of this work, but during WWI the responsibility fell to the Quartermaster Corps. The Quartermaster Corps had numerous functions and supplied everything from personal equipment, horses, ammunition, automobiles, laundry and bath services. Its most important function was bringing food to troops. 26th Infantry "Yankee Division" which 26th Company QM was element, was part of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, WW1. The division saw extensive combat in France. Sent to Europe once again for World War II, the division again fought through France, advancing into Germany and liberating the Gusen concentration camp before the end of the war. CONDITION: very good overall, some staining, light insect damage. (02-19473-26/JS). $300-400.