Vintage uniform ID

[ddesjard-7]

Hi, All:

Brand-new member and poster. Any thoughts about what the G.P.S. lapel pin stands for?  Any thoughts on the shoulder board? The crossed rifles always seem to suggest U.S. Army to me, but maybe not in this context. The photo is a little dark but maybe you can see that the buttons are very plain (so maybe not much help in ID'ing this thing). Would also appreciate any input on dating the uniform. It has an inside label that reads, "The M. C. LILLEY & Co. Columbus Military and Society Goods."

Thank you. 

[infladiana]

Uniform style 1890's - 1920. GPS is most likely a military school (high school level). PS = prep school (
a private school that prepares students for college.) Disks to show are rank used by ROTC and Military schools.

[ddesjard-7]

Thanks! Helpful stuff.

[austinprovisioning]

Possibly from Grand Prairie Seminary (1864 - 1917). 

[austinprovisioning]

Searching google using GPS or G.P.S. was useless. Figured it was a shuttered school and found list of defunct military academies.

[unclekipsy]

I tried to define GPS but failed. I'm glad to see the responses and I agree with the assessments.  I learned something today. Thanks!

[pennsylvaniaoldstuff]

Your uniform is much like the cadet uniform at Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. We are a senior military school. The jacket is referred to as a Blue Blouse, here, and has been around since the 1880s. 

Our insignia includes the disks (we call Headlights), which are for a multitude of organizations: Engineers, Artillery, Infantry, Air Force, etc. The crossed rifles stand for Infantry; crossed cannons for Artillery, etc.

Uniform style Looks to be from early 1900s. Can't tell the rank from the "straps" on the shoulders.  Uniform is likely wool. 

Samantha

[ddesjard-7]

Thanks, Samantha.  I think you're onto something. I posted the picture for a friend.  In a follow-up conversation with her, I learned that someone in prior generations of her family actually owned the Kentucky Military Inst. (KMI) and that past members of her family also likely went to VMI.  Anyway, there's a tradition of these kinds of military schools in her past.  Take care.

[ddesjard-7]

Great lead.  Thanks so much.

[ddesjard-7]

Yes, I tried internet searches, too.  Came up empty-handed, but learned a little bit about satellites and cellphones . . .

[ddesjard-7]

Thanks, unclekipsy.  I'm with you re: uselessness of internet searches--but the solid input from group members.  I've learned some interesting things, too re: militaria.