Help Identifying WW1 Trousers

[Liz5388]

Hello, 

I have acquired a pair of what I think are WW1 Trousers. They were found in an attic in Canada and the Buttons say ARMY USA. I would love some more information on them as searching around online leaves with so many results that pinpointing accuracy has proven to be a challenge. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Edited 24 August , 2022 by Liz5388
Adding information

[Michelle Young]

Welcome to the forum. Can you clarify which country these were found in please, then the experts might be able  to assist.

[Liz5388]

They were found in Canada, but the buttons say ARMY USA. My apologies for not clarifying that in my original post!

[FROGSMILE]

They look like US Army winter (i.e. woollen) breeches to me Liz.  Similar to the images below that you can use as a comparison.  A distinctive feature is the chevron shaped rows of reinforcement stitching on the lower legs.
Forum members @4thGordonsor @dutchbargewill be able to advise.

There were Canadians who served in the US Army and plenty of Americans who served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, so attics on both sides of the border can reveal many surprises.

 

Edited 24 August , 2022 by FROGSMILE

[Liz5388]

Thank you! I appreciate the images for comparison

[FROGSMILE]

9 minutes ago, Liz5388 said:

Thank you! I appreciate the images for comparison

I’m glad to help a little Liz.  You have a piece of history there. If only those britches could talk…(or perhaps best not 😉).

Edited 24 August , 2022 by FROGSMILE

[dutchbarge]

As always, Frogsmile nailed it..........standard US Army issue M1912 breeches........the suspender (braces) buttons on your breeches are not regulation.......this pattern continued to be worn long after the end of WW1.  Cheers, Bill

[AEF1918]

2 hours ago, dutchbarge said:

As always, Frogsmile nailed it..........standard US Army issue M1912 breeches........the suspender (braces) buttons on your breeches are not regulation.......this pattern continued to be worn long after the end of WW1.  Cheers, Bill

Yes spot on conclusion 

[FROGSMILE]

3 hours ago, dutchbarge said:

As always, Frogsmile nailed it..........standard US Army issue M1912 breeches........the suspender (braces) buttons on your breeches are not regulation.......this pattern continued to be worn long after the end of WW1.  Cheers, Bill

Thank you for the confirmation Bill.  The suspender/brace buttons are a typical dished type used on British/Canadian trousers/pants, but I don’t know if they were also a standard type in the US?

[dutchbarge]

3 hours ago, FROGSMILE said:

Thank you for the confirmation Bill.  The suspender/brace buttons are a typical dished type used on British/Canadian trousers/pants, but I don’t know if they were also a standard type in the US?

I believe the last time the US Army was issued with trouser suspenders was during the Spanish-American War.......during WW1 soldier's trousers were held up with a belt.  When doughboys spoke of 'suspenders', they were referring to load carrying gear, ie, cartridge or pistol belt suspenders.  Cheers, Bill 

[FROGSMILE]

6 hours ago, dutchbarge said:

I believe the last time the US Army was issued with trouser suspenders was during the Spanish-American War.......during WW1 soldier's trousers were held up with a belt.  When doughboys spoke of 'suspenders', they were referring to load carrying gear, ie, cartridge or pistol belt suspenders.  Cheers, Bill 

Thanks again Bill.  The retrofitted brace buttons might have been done in Canada then.

Edited 25 August , 2022 by FROGSMILE