The US Marine Corps and Navy both allowed white linen trousers in warm weather for officers and men. The Army had no such common sense provision, but we have seen at least photograph of an army officer posted in the deep south who took matters into his own hands, at least off duty. These linen trousers are not military issue, but are of the period, and typical of what might be bought privately, as all officer’s uniforms, gear, and weapons were.

They show typical Civil War period construction with simple stamped metal buttons to fasten them and hold suspenders, no belt loops for wear with a waistbelt, a horizontal front pocket on either side, but no back pockets, and size adjustment made by a short belt of fabric at the rear waist adjusted by a typical buckle with a double prong. The fabric is a natural color, now an off-white, and loose weave, appropriate for warm weather and just lined along the waist. The legs are wide and not tapered. The upper back is made with a shallow V and slit for adjustment by the short fabric belt and buckle.

The condition is excellent, showing just folds from long storage. They would fit nicely in a display of officer’s uniforms and camp gear. We show a plate from the USMC uniform regulations showing officers in full dress wearing them and a photo of Navy officers on the USS Mendota, at least four of whom have donned them.  [sr] [ph:m]

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