Images(5)

Kit, Sewing

Object number2017.91.13 a-j

Date1941-1953

MediumCanvas; Metal; Wool; Felt; Paint; Fabric; Thread; Paper; Plastic; Sand(?)

Credit LineIn memory of Harry "Bus" Means

DescriptionMilitary sewing kit with contents including needles, sewing thread, hair comb, nail file, scissors, mending wool thread, buttons, identification card, and razor blades. Rectangular tri-fold green canvas sewing kit. Front flap has gold painted text and eagle emblem with metal snap closure. Inside front flap is lined with brown wool felt material. Interior has numerous pockets and slots for sewing materials and equipment. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a - Folded): 3.375 x 5.5 x 1.125 in. (8.6 x 14 x 2.9 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (a - Unfolded/Open): 11.25 x 5.438 x 0.75 in. (28.6 x 13.8 x 1.9 cm)
Length (b - Needle/pin maximum): 2.563 in. (6.5 cm)
Length (b - Needle/pin minimum): 1.188 in. (3 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (c): 3.25 x 2.375 x 0.25 in. (8.3 x 6 x 0.6 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (d): 1.063 x 4.813 x 0.125 in. (2.7 x 12.2 x 0.3 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (e): 4 x 0.5 x 0.063 in. (10.2 x 1.3 x 0.2 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (f): 3.25 x 1.688 x 0.25 in. (8.3 x 4.3 x 0.6 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (g): 4.625 x 3 x 0.25 in. (11.7 x 7.6 x 0.6 cm)
Diameter x Depth (h - each button): 0.563 x 0.125 in. (1.4 x 0.3 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (i): 1.938 x 2.938 x 0.031 in. (4.9 x 7.5 x 0.1 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (j - each packaged razor blade): 1.875 x 1 x 0.031 in. (4.8 x 2.5 x 0.1 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
Front flap has gold painted text "MILITARY / Sewing Kit".

Interior pocket has printed black text "Buttons".

(i)
Card has printed brown text "IDENTIFICATION CARD / Name.... / Address.... / City.... / State.... / Tel. No...."
Marks(c)
Card has printed blue text on each side "10 YARDS EACH COLOR / HEAVY-DUTY / No. 30 / SEWING THREAD / REGULATION / COLORS / SITCO BRAND".

(d)
One side has text at the right end of the handle "MADE IN U.S.A."

(g)
Front of card has printed navy blue text at top "Wonder / MENDING WOOL" and at bottom "ALL WOOL MENDING / 24 YDS. / MADE IN U.S.A."

(j)
Each paper wrapping has repeated white text on front "Marlin / DOUBLE EDGE" and on reverse "HIGH SPEED / MADE IN U. S. A." and "GUARANTEED BY / THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. / FINE GUNS SINCE 1870".
Historical NotesPart of a collection related to Harry "Bus" Means. This extensive collection of military uniforms and equipment relates to the life and career of U.S. Marines Corps chief flight mechanic Sergeant Harry “Bus” Means of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. Means served with multiple units during WWII and immediately afterwards, including the “Bombing Banshees” VMSB-244 flight squadron that participated in the occupation of China and the Philippines. Means served through 1946, then returned to service during the Korean War, so his story represents the Cold War history of those whose military participation did not end with the official surrender of the Japanese in WWII. The collection contains artifacts representing the post-War occupation of China and the Pacific Islands, and also reminders of the regional tensions that led to conflict again in Southeast Asia within ten years. The collection also includes more general materials from Mean’s childhood in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, and his civilian occupations, such as his role as a USPS mail carrier.

Previous owner Sergeant Harry E. Means

Related institution United States Marine Corps

Related institution Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 244

Subjects