This is a very good example of the classic Civil War Union officer’s regulation frock coat, all original and bearing “Eagle-I” buttons indicating service in the infantry. The coat has all the elements you want to see: stand-up collar, nine-button single-breasted front, indicating the officer was a company-grade (“line “) officer: a lieutenant or captain, wide sleeves with three smaller buttons at each cuff, and four more coat-size buttons on the rear waist and skirts. The coat has strong, original dark blue color and is a typical officer’s dark blue satinette with the sleeves lined in a simple, plain white (now off-white) fabric, and the body lined in a silk that has (typically) shifted to a green with some light brown/tan tones on the edges of the skirts. The body is lined and quilted, also typical tailoring, with a single interior pocket in the left breast and two tail pockets accessible from the inside.

The coat was obviously worn but shows little exterior wear and those on typical spots: some losses to the buttonhole edges from fastening and unfastening, wear to the top edge of the collar from movement of the chin and jaw, etc., and minor wear spots and light staining inside also at typical locations- armpits, upper shoulder below the neck, and the like. A tab along the lower inside collar for hanging up the coat is partially detached. There are a couple of tiny moth nips, but nothing noticeable or that even needs repair. The shoulders show signs of once having shoulder straps. These were often removed by families so they did not tear out when the coat was folded and put away. Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant or Captain of infantry straps would be appropriate if one wanted to restore them, but the coat could also be displayed alongside all three sets as indicating various ranks the wearer might have held or passed through.

As with all officers’ uniforms this would have been tailor made and privately purchased. It is in very good condition, has strong eye-appeal, and would display nicely with an officer’s sash, sword belt, and Model 1850 foot officer’s sword- the regulation weapon for a company grade  infantry line officer, who served in the front lines with his men.  [sr] [ph:m]

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