Description:

GEORGE R. E. SHELL (1908-1996) American Marine Corps General, commanded the Second Marine Battalion of the Tenth Marine Regiment, of the Second Marine Division on Guadalcanal. For this, he received the Purple Heart and Legion of Merit with the combat 'V'. He later served numerous roles, including on the staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Pentagon and NATO, and as Commanding General of the Marine Recruit Depot at Parris Island. His US Marine Corps, Green Service Coat, constructed of green twill, dated 1959, bearing a single, General's star insignia pinned on to each epaulette. Each is clutch backed and matching. Each upper collar lapel has matching, Officer's style, lefts and rights, eagle, globe and anchor pins. They are of the correct period, are hollow backs and not hallmarked. All buttons are present and backmarked. They are of the sew on type and are attached with correct thread. There is a integral waist belt with a slider and correct brass buckle. Each lower sleeve cuff has the proper scallop design for a Marine. General Shell's ribbon bar, present above the left breast pocket, was missing from the garment, and a previous owner has since added in an accurate replacement. The inside of the coat has a partial green quilted lining, presumably made of rayon, and a name tag, sewn to the inside of an interior breast pocket, bears the typed name 'Gen. Shell'. Generally fine condition, save for a small 3/8 inch faded white stain on the edge of the lower right pocket bag, a 3/8 inch faded white stain on the lower left cuff, and some light sweat staining on the interior, each likely remedied with a professional dry cleaning. Two pairs of Shell's original trousers are also included, neither marked yet each in good condition. The lot also includes thirteen pages of biographical information, as well as three identical portrait images of General Shell. From a major private collection on public display.

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May 22, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000