Silk GI sweetheart "whatsit"

Hi,
I had a huge stash of silk WWII pillow covers and lingerie holders that I sold. This is one piece I found a few days ago. It is from a Navy SeaBee. I have no idea what it is since it just folds in half compared to the lingerie bags. Perhaps it is for a hankie or just a pair of silk stockings. I think it maybe from the Korean War since it is wonderful yellow and gray silk. the front has a lace panel with the Motto US Navy Seabees with the bee in the center, it is edged with anchors and stars. It has silk flowers and stems attached. It folds in half and has a blue and yellow hand embrodered gimp closure. The back has three very faint watermarks which can be seen when it is turned into the light. The inside is grey silk and the outside yellow. The SeaBees where the builders who made roads, air landing strips, building and FOUGHT with the enemy.When folded it is 7" by 5¾". It is padded and very soft.

 

This Navy guy LOVES IT!!!!
It looks like a ditty bag but too feminine. Possibly made and sent to a loved one when serving in another country.
It's SEABEES.
Female Seabees not until 1972.

 

Possibly the wife or girlfriend attached the lace trim.
Looks like it might have been for silk nylons. Fold the nylons and lay in between the folds of the silk pillow, pack in suitcase/overnight bag so they don't get snagged.
Just a guess.

 

Hi Milt,
I don't know what navy you were in but my ditty bag had sides. That is why I called it a sweetheart "whata". It was bought by a Seabee for a girl. Sorry my spelling is the pits lately. I knew you would like it. You should have seen the pillow covers with all the fringe. I had 30+Navy and I think 52 Army. They went like hotcakes, the same as the lingerie bags. This not being a bag is what confuses me.
I already had your name in the hat
greg

 

Ha!!! I thought it WAS a bag...sorry.

 

Wish you had 300 Navy ones so I could REALLY feel bad.

 

Hi Milt,
I lied only had 29 Navy so do not feel so bad.
greg

 

Oh. Thank God....I can take my head out of the oven now.....

 

Hi Milt,
Do you feel the same way about Merchant Marine stuff as you do Navy?
greg

 

YES! My Uncle John served essentially as a BT during WWII on convoys!!!
He survived to be an Operating Engineer in JC.

 

Hi Pat,
That was what I was thinking then the "ribbon" could be on the inside to keep the stockings from moving. The only thing about lingerie from that period I know was how to remove them.
greg

 

ooooooooo..... I suck at putting women's stuff on them but...I don't care......

 

I want KingofThings to have this beautiful item.

 

Hi Fig,
His name is the only one in the hat so far.
greg

 

WOW! Fig! How sweet and nice is that!
Thank you!

 

I like it too, & if it was depicting a Canadian Air Force Super Hornet I'd fight ya tooth and nail for it .....but since it's not .......I'm with Fig , & I'll not be putting my name in any hat, cap , tuque , or Stetson !!!

 

Ha!!! Thank you komo!
I will keep my eye out on stuff for that plane for you.
Did you fly one?

 

In my dreams King....in my dreams !

I'm really more of a Spitfire lover , my den is decorated that way, but the RCAF boys push Hornets & I have a great respect for them and their jets.

Sorry, I'm not military......but a greatfull supporter none the less !



Beauty & history all wrapped up together !

 

Yes. A great plane this was.
~
Don't forget to 'buy' your Poppies soon! (It's actually a donation and doesn't have to just be $1.)
Everyone please.