From 1866 to 1898 there were only five regiments of artillery in the army and in each of those only two batteries were designated as light or field artillery, the remainder being coast artillery. The 1885 dress coats of the latter batteries follow the infantry foot pattern coat with long separate plackets on the tails; the light artillery coats follow the mounted pattern with a "W" shaped placket on the tails.

The coat is dark blue and the trim artillery red. The entire collar correctly bears the branch of service color, rather than just the short panels toward the front used on the 1872 pattern. The shoulder straps are in place, as are the cuff and tail plackets. The lapels, bottom edges, and side vents are all piped in red. As is correct for the 1885 pattern, there are no belt loops. All buttons are in place and correct Indian War 1883 style general service eagle buttons. There is some dust from storage and a light smudge or two of minor soiling. The colors are excellent. We see no moth damage. The interior is very good as well. The white sleeve and body linings, quilted in the chest, are all there, showing some small stains from sweat or wear, but no holes and tight seams. The black skirt lining is likewise in place and intact, with no wear spots or tears. The single interior left pocket is intact.

There is a small USQMD stamp in the lining on the lower left front and one in each sleeve at the shoulder. In the right shoulder there is also a small stamp reading “Baulig.” The name shows up in other military garments of the period and some conjecture him to be a QM inspector or employee, but he is more likely a maker. We find Theodore F. Baulig of Philadelphia seeking basters and finishers on “uniform coats” in the 1903 to 1910 period and he may have been in the clothing business much earlier. He incorporated in 1917 as the Theo. F. Baulig Clothing Company, “Manufacturing and selling clothing and other articles made out of woolen, cotton, linen or silk fabrics,” opening the possibility he may later have also been buying and selling surplus clothing.

This is a really nice, colorful, US army issue coat from a tough to find branch of service in the period.  [sr] [ph:L]

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