Billw12280
Sergeant
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2017
It's been a while since I've posted anything but I recently acquired the nicest piece of history I've had the pleasure of being the caretaker for and I had to share it with you all. This enlisted frock coat is said to be the same coat pictured in the Time Life book Echoes of Glory The Arms and Equipment of the Union. I bought it from Allen Wandling from Midwest Civil War Relics, he has some amazing pieces and if you have not seen his website I recommend taking a look. His prices are on the higher side but so is the quality of his relics and he was great to work with so well worth the price IMHO. I've always been of the mind something is only worth what a person is willing to pay for it.
Mr. Wandling stated the coat was from the Schuylkill Arsenal and is one of only 3 or 4 known examples. The coat has a lot of hand stitching throughout which, I believe, is a common trait for uniforms from the S.A. The buttonholes are very nicely done, at first glance they looked to be machine sewn but they are in fact hand stitched. The sleeves are lined in plaid (also a trait of the S.A.?). The coat has the blue piping, signifying infantry, that lines the collar and comes to a point on the sleeve cuffs. As is usual for enlisted coats the only body lining is in the chest area, however unusual for a enlisted frock, is the presence of the 2 breast pockets. The coat is unhemmed and has the hook and eyelets on the skirt and also has the tail pockets. There are no markings that I have seen. The collar appears to have been lowered so I believe the coat saw some field use although probably not much due to it's excellent condition. My bathroom is currently being remodeled so I have not put the coat on a mannequin for display but I snapped a few pictures while there is not a lot of work being done and the dust has settled a bit. I will be displaying it with my NCO sword and baldric and, hopefully an NCO sword sash if I can find one for sale. I will post more pictures once I get the display finished. I would be thrilled if our uniform experts could provide more details about the coat. If more pictures are needed let me know what you would like to see and I will post them.
Mr. Wandling stated the coat was from the Schuylkill Arsenal and is one of only 3 or 4 known examples. The coat has a lot of hand stitching throughout which, I believe, is a common trait for uniforms from the S.A. The buttonholes are very nicely done, at first glance they looked to be machine sewn but they are in fact hand stitched. The sleeves are lined in plaid (also a trait of the S.A.?). The coat has the blue piping, signifying infantry, that lines the collar and comes to a point on the sleeve cuffs. As is usual for enlisted coats the only body lining is in the chest area, however unusual for a enlisted frock, is the presence of the 2 breast pockets. The coat is unhemmed and has the hook and eyelets on the skirt and also has the tail pockets. There are no markings that I have seen. The collar appears to have been lowered so I believe the coat saw some field use although probably not much due to it's excellent condition. My bathroom is currently being remodeled so I have not put the coat on a mannequin for display but I snapped a few pictures while there is not a lot of work being done and the dust has settled a bit. I will be displaying it with my NCO sword and baldric and, hopefully an NCO sword sash if I can find one for sale. I will post more pictures once I get the display finished. I would be thrilled if our uniform experts could provide more details about the coat. If more pictures are needed let me know what you would like to see and I will post them.
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