PERMANENT MARINE CORPS UNIFORM BOARD (PMCUB)
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Unfortunately, the Uniform Plates are no longer available for order. The original production stock has been depleted, and the Marine Corps currently has no plans to order more. |
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1983 UNIFORM PLATES Displayed on our website are digital reproductions of a series of twelve paintings by Colonel Donna J. Neary, USMCR, illustrating Marine Corps uniforms. The purpose of the prints are twofold. First they provide an easily understandable, highly accurate pictorial supplement to the Uniform Regulations, and second they record with great precision the actual appearance of Marine Corps uniforms. Publication of the series was completed in 1984. Inspiration for the series of prints were uniform regulations of the 19th century, especially 1859 and 1875 Marine Corps regulations which were accompanied by colored lithographs of then current uniforms and accessories. Brigadier General Edwin H. Simmons, USMC (Ret), in his dual capacity as Director of Marine Corps History and Museums and as President of the Permanent Marine Corps Uniform Board, saw an opportunity to execute a series of uniform plates in the spirit of the 19th century illustrations. He was also aware of the artistic talents of Colonel Donna J. Neary. Colonel Neary, a captain in 1983, was called to active duty specifically for the project. She is a professional artist whose works have been highly acclaimed and have hung in the Pentagon, Headquarters Marine Corps, and the British Embassy. In 1971, Colonel Neary was elected a Fellow of the Company of Military Historians for her outstanding art work in the military and historical fields. In preparing each plate, Colonel Neary worked through a long and painstaking process to ensure accuracy. After submitting a "composition sketch" in pencil, showing the approximate poses of each figure in a plate, photos were taken of actual Marines in the exact uniform to be shown; Marines were inspected prior to the photos. Colonel Neary first completed a detailed pencil drawing of each figure before combining these sketches as the basis for each of her final illustrations. At each stage, Colonel Neary's work was examined by a Working Group which included representatives from the History and Museums Division, the Inspector General, and the Permanent Marine Corps Uniform Board. The Working Group was charged with critically examining the work with an eye for meticulous attention to detail. Together, the Working Group and the artist endeavored to ensure that even the most minute details would be accurately reflected. The work of many Marines, from the artist, to the inspectors, to those who posed for the illustrations, have resulted in a series of plates which can be placed with pride beside those of the 19th century. Our uniform regulations will be better understood, and our history better preserved, because of their efforts.
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