Here is an original Union cavalry uniform jacket, also referred to as a shell jacket, in as fine condition as we’ve seen. Of the type worn by countless Federal horse soldiers during the Civil War, this original specimen is in truly wonderful condition.

Garment is constructed of fine wool material dyed a deep indigo blue with the blue color still rich and vibrant. Cloth body exhibits virtually no visible moth nips or holes so common in these wool garments. Jacket features a standup collar with a black japanned hook and eye stitched in. Approximately 2” tall with 3/8” wide, cavalry-yellow piping or lacing decorating the edges, collar is adorned with two, cuff size, eagle ‘shield’ brass buttons set back on each side. Both buttons are offset by additional short strips of yellow braid. Collar braid is bright, tight, and free of any seam separations at the center outside or inside seam as normally seen. Jacket front reflects the common 12-button closure with twelve, original brass eagle ‘shield’ buttons securely sewn to the flap edge. All buttons on the jacket have no marker marks. All buttons still have the original reddish/brown colored stitching with none that appear to be re-stitched. Both sleeve cuffs are functional with two brass eagle ‘shield’ buttons sewn on each cuff. Cuffs also exhibit the chevron-style, yellow braid. Cavalry braiding also runs down the opposite (button hole) flap, circles around the entire bottom edge of the jacket and rises to each shoulder from the two belt-rest pads sewn on the jacket backside. One minor spot of braid fraying is located 3” away from the left pad. These belt-rest pads were good places to hide money if one became a P.O.W.

Interior body of this uniform jacket is padded and lined with original, light beige cotton cloth that is in exceptionally fine condition. One small (1/8” dia) moth nip visible in the lining below the collar area. All stitching appears original on the lining and on the padded interior panel area. Lining also sports a chest-high interior slash pocket. Jacket sleeves are also lined with dull beige cotton or muslin material in still very fine condition. Found stamped on the upper inner sleeve of the right shoulder is a maker mark that reads “A. ROSE / NY (large) 1 (large) X” in stenciled black ink. No research done on Rose as yet. Opposite armpit also shows the maker’s name (Rose) and an ink-blurred / blacked out stamping in faded black ink. Also visible is a large, one-inch high stamping of a “1” numeral in black ink and a large one-inch high stamping of a “X” from the depot that indicates the jacket size. This is the smallest size shell jacket produced by the government and does not appear to be a costume company garment.

The shell jacket proved to be a tough, light and very serviceable garment worn by Yankee cavalry troopers and mounted artillerymen during the war. Less expensive than the frock coats, these jackets were prescribed for issue to all mounted men in the Federal army. This handsome, government-issue, Civil War cavalry uniform jacket is indeed one of the best to surface in the collecting field in a great while. Cavalry jackets are fast becoming difficult to find and this specimen surely makes a stunning addition to any cavalry display or collection of cloth.

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