Today I went to the outskirts of town where the largest military surplus store in central Ohio is located. They seem to have everything from US and foreign militaries, including historic, complete uniforms dating back to WWII. While perusing the rack of Navy dress overcoats and whatnot, I found a black tuxedo jacket. It was listed as being USAF mess dress, however, it had bright blue officer braid on the sleeves, and CAP crest buttons, minus one where the CAP crest is placed. Of course I had to purchase such an item, but now comes the better questions: Does this have any historical worth, is it still somehow regulation, and what time period is it from?
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2mgpgll.jpg)
Behind it is a shade 1620 NCO service coat for color comparison.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/1r99ns.jpg)
Button close up.
may have been from when the AF still had a white mess dress.
That was the winter mess dress, summer mess dress was white. This was worn until around 84 - 85. Was replaced with the current blue mess dress.
Does this mil-surp place have a website?