Cavalry Musician Shell Jacket and Cavalry Enlisted Shell Jacket

[Billw12280]

I wanted to share my most recent acquisitions with you. Over the last year I purchased 2 new uniform jackets, an Enlisted Cavalry Shell jacket and a Cavalry Musician's Shell Jackets. They are both in stunning condition but the Musician's Shell is spectacular. First up the Enlisted jacket.

This coat is in very nice condition and still retains the lining and back pillows. It has the size numeral "2" along with 2 dots inside the sleeve lining. It appears to have a combination of hand stitching and machine sewing. A very nice example that I would assume to be surplus that was never issued during the war.

Next up is the Musician's Shell

This coat is in near pristine condition with just a few minor seam separations and a couple of moth nips here and there, overall a stunning coat. Everything is intact on this coat as well with a numeral "10" in the right sleeve and a single dot in both sleeves for size. The first thing that struck me with this jacket is that it appears to be made of finer cloth and better constructed than the other coat. The blue is more vibrant and the piping stitching is not visible on the interior of the coat as is the case on the other coat. The interior lining is a softer fabric that I think would be more comfortable and definitely less scratchy than the first coat. The back pillows are kind of odd being made out of the same fabric as the coat panels, the fabric was rolled over and sewn back onto the jacket to create the pillows. The pillows are also much larger than on the other jacket. This is the first Musician's Shell jacket I have seen but these pillows are different from the enlisted jackets that I have had the pleasure of viewing up close. The sleeves are more gathered at the shoulder, maybe due to being a smaller size? The collar piping does not come to a point but is rather squared off. This also appears to be an unissued uniform.
Now for some comparison pictures of the two coats.

The different collar piping can be seen in the above picture. As you can see one is squared while the other terminates in a point.

The above picture shows the rear collar. The Musician's Shell Jacket is on the left. Even though the coat is a smaller size the collar height is slightly taller on that jacket.

And finally the back pillows. Notice the difference in construction and size. You can also see the difference in color and material in this photo.

Hopefully somebody can shed some light on the differences between the construction on these two coats. Perhaps it is a difference in date or place of manufacture. I know the size stamps changed and can somewhat help in determining if it is early or late war. Unfortunately, I can't recall if it was just dots first before changing to numerals or vice versa.

 

[FrankN]

Beautiful shell jackets! Thanks for posting them.

In an article about Federal issue sack coats by Paul Mckee and included in the link provided by njsekela, he says -
"Sizing would either be marked with dots signifying sizes 1-4 , by arabic numerals 1-4 or a combination of both. Current thought is that dot marks alone signify early war manufacture, combination dots with arabic numerals are mid- War period, and that numerals alone date from the later part of the War."

http://www.njsekela.com/reference/cmh/Sack%20Coat%20Article.pdf

Frank

 

[JOHN42768]

Great looking. The piping is still brightly colored

 

[James N.]

I wanted to share my most recent acquisitions with you. Over the last year I purchased 2 new uniform jackets, an Enlisted Cavalry Shell jacket and a Cavalry Musician's Shell Jackets. They are both in stunning condition but the Musician's Shell is spectacular...

What likely saved these and the others like them was their gaudiness. They and the similar artillery shell jackets are probably the most common Civil War era uniforms to survive today. (I've owned no fewer than THREE artillery shell jackets over the years; while working on Glory in 1989 my friend who was in charge of Wardrobe segregated a whole rack of them and five-button fatigue coats of the Indian and Spanish-American Wars periods to keep them safe.) When in 1872 they were rendered obsolete by the new regulations they, unlike the four-button sack coats, were considered by the army as useless, whereas the plain sack coats continued to be issued for fatigue purposes until they were essentially all used up, making them one of the rarest of Civil War uniforms despite their onetime abundance!

 

[Billw12280]

Beautiful shell jackets! Thanks for posting them.

In an article about Federal issue sack coats by Paul Mckee and included in the link provided by njsekela, he says -
"Sizing would either be marked with dots signifying sizes 1-4 , by arabic numerals 1-4 or a combination of both. Current thought is that dot marks alone signify early war manufacture, combination dots with arabic numerals are mid- War period, and that numerals alone date from the later part of the War."

http://www.njsekela.com/reference/cmh/Sack%20Coat%20Article.pdf

Frank

No problem, I love to share my uniform acquisitions because I know you all appreciate them as much as I do. I also look forward to the knowledge I gain from the members here. More often than not somebody points out something that I would have missed or provides details about how a certain construction or fabric can attribute a piece to a manufacturer. I don't have that ability yet, but I am still eager and willing to learn as much as I can.

I will be purchasing an Artillery Sergeant Shell Jacket next and will be sure to post photos of it when it arrives.

Thank you for posting that article, I knew I had read that somewhere I just couldn't remember where but that is exactly what I was searching for. From that information the Musician's Shell jacket would presumably date to earlier in the war which would make sense being that the collar is slightly taller on that coat. That could also possibly explain the finer cloth and construction when compared to the other coat since fabric was more readily available and the demand for uniforms wasn't as hurried so they could take more time with sewing them. I am very happy with these two uniform jackets and can't wait to get my display together with all of my other uniforms.

 

[Billw12280]

What likely saved these and the others like them was their gaudiness. They and the similar artillery shell jackets are probably the most common Civil War era uniforms to survive today. (I've owned no fewer than THREE artillery shell jackets over the years; while working on Glory in 1989 my friend who was in charge of Wardrobe segregated a whole rack of them and five-button fatigue coats of the Indian and Spanish-American Wars periods to keep them safe.) When in 1872 they were rendered obsolete by the new regulations they, unlike the four-button sack coats, were considered by the army as useless, whereas the plain sack coats continued to be issued for fatigue purposes until they were essentially all used up, making them one of the rarest of Civil War uniforms despite their onetime abundance!

That is certainly true, I think they are some of the nicest looking uniforms though. I do know there was a lot of surplus after the war and people were supposedly still able to buy sealed bundles up into the 1960s or 1970s on the cheap. I can't recall the ratio of musicians shell jackets and sergeants jackets per bundle but I want to say it was 1 or 2 of each per bundle of 20 or so uniforms? I believe size 2 was the most common issued with 4 being the least common followed by size 1.

 

[James N.]

That is certainly true, I think they are some of the nicest looking uniforms though. I do know there was a lot of surplus after the war and people were supposedly still able to buy sealed bundles up into the 1960s or 1970s on the cheap. I can't recall the ratio of musicians shell jackets and sergeants jackets per bundle but I want to say it was 1 or 2 of each per bundle of 20 or so uniforms? I believe size 2 was the most common issued with 4 being the least common followed by size 1.

At least one of mine had been worn and used by a Centennial-era reenactor who had split out the dry-rotten shoulder seams. (Fortunately at that time I had the services of a friend who was both a restorer and costume-maker!) I remember seeing ads for them in Civil War Times ca. 1961 for $12 or so - I don't know whether they were originals (likely) or repros though.

 

[Billw12280]

Great looking. The piping is still brightly colored

I love the colors, they are so much brighter in person.

 

[Billw12280]

At least one of mine had been worn and used by a Centennial-era reenactor who had split out the dry-rotten shoulder seams. (Fortunately at that time I had the services of a friend who was both a restorer and costume-maker!) I remember seeing ads for them in Civil War Times ca. 1961 for $12 or so - I don't know whether they were originals (likely) or repros though.

I would have loved to be able to buy a bundle back then, I definitely paid a lot more for these jackets but it was well worth the price.

I was looking through an old price guide and I was amazed by some of the prices.

 

[James N.]

I would have loved to be able to buy a bundle back then, I definitely paid a lot more for these jackets but it was well worth the price.

I was looking through an old price guide and I was amazed by some of the prices.

As I recall, my first one (probably in the late 1960's or early-to-mid 70's) was less than $100; I bought the one with the ripped-out seams at a gun show for about $75 and sold a little later around 1987 for $300.; and the last one I got in 1989 and subsequently traded for a reproduction Federal officer's frock coat by a well-known manufacturer of reproduction uniforms for reenactors and films. (I wish I'd kept it but the reproduction was listed at $400!)

 

[Billw12280]

As I recall, my first one (probably in the late 1960's or early-to-mid 70's) was less than $100; I bought the one with the ripped-out seams at a gun show for about $75 and sold a little later around 1987 for $300.; and the last one I got in 1989 and subsequently traded for a reproduction Federal officer's frock coat by a well-known manufacturer of reproduction uniforms for reenactors and films. (I wish I'd kept it but the reproduction was listed at $400!)

Those were great prices, I don't think I've seen any under 1k since I began collecting even with the lower prices. I bought one that was missing the lining and the pillows for $1300 a few years back but I sold it to put toward another purchase. I would love to one day get a sack coat but sadly everytime one becomes available it is out of my budget. I did however get the next best thing for federal cloth when I got my 1st Sgt frock coat.

 

[Badgercwcollector]

No problem, I love to share my uniform acquisitions because I know you all appreciate them as much as I do. I also look forward to the knowledge I gain from the members here. More often than not somebody points out something that I would have missed or provides details about how a certain construction or fabric can attribute a piece to a manufacturer. I don't have that ability yet, but I am still eager and willing to learn as much as I can.

I will be purchasing an Artillery Sergeant Shell Jacket next and will be sure to post photos of it when it arrives.

Thank you for posting that article, I knew I had read that somewhere I just couldn't remember where but that is exactly what I was searching for. From that information the Musician's Shell jacket would presumably date to earlier in the war which would make sense being that the collar is slightly taller on that coat. That could also possibly explain the finer cloth and construction when compared to the other coat since fabric was more readily available and the demand for uniforms wasn't as hurried so they could take more time with sewing them. I am very happy with these two uniform jackets and can't wait to get my display together with all of my other uniforms.

Thanks for posting ! I always learn something through photo's and even though I will never be an expert I can learn enough to be dangerous.

 

[Billw12280]

Thanks for posting ! I always learn something through photo's and even though I will never be an expert I can learn enough to be dangerous.

Thats how I started out, and infrequent museum trips. Then I bought an Indian War uniform and I was hooked. As nice as the Indian War uniform was, I still wanted Civil War cloth and wouldn't stop until I found the right piece. I found Midwest Civil War Relics and, even though he is high priced on some stuff, Allen has been great to deal with. He has a layaway program and is willing to work with your budget to help you get what you want. Much to my wife's displeasure, I cannot stop myself now.

 

[Salterr]

I wanted to share my most recent acquisitions with you. Over the last year I purchased 2 new uniform jackets, an Enlisted Cavalry Shell jacket and a Cavalry Musician's Shell Jackets. They are both in stunning condition but the Musician's Shell is spectacular. First up the Enlisted jacket.
View attachment 419227View attachment 419228View attachment 419229View attachment 419230View attachment 419231View attachment 419232View attachment 419233View attachment 419234
This coat is in very nice condition and still retains the lining and back pillows. It has the size numeral "2" along with 2 dots inside the sleeve lining. It appears to have a combination of hand stitching and machine sewing. A very nice example that I would assume to be surplus that was never issued during the war.

Next up is the Musician's Shell
View attachment 419235View attachment 419236View attachment 419237View attachment 419238View attachment 419239View attachment 419240View attachment 419241View attachment 419242View attachment 419243View attachment 419244View attachment 419245View attachment 419246View attachment 419247View attachment 419248View attachment 419249View attachment 419250View attachment 419251
This coat is in near pristine condition with just a few minor seam separations and a couple of moth nips here and there, overall a stunning coat. Everything is intact on this coat as well with a numeral "10" in the right sleeve and a single dot in both sleeves for size. The first thing that struck me with this jacket is that it appears to be made of finer cloth and better constructed than the other coat. The blue is more vibrant and the piping stitching is not visible on the interior of the coat as is the case on the other coat. The interior lining is a softer fabric that I think would be more comfortable and definitely less scratchy than the first coat. The back pillows are kind of odd being made out of the same fabric as the coat panels, the fabric was rolled over and sewn back onto the jacket to create the pillows. The pillows are also much larger than on the other jacket. This is the first Musician's Shell jacket I have seen but these pillows are different from the enlisted jackets that I have had the pleasure of viewing up close. The sleeves are more gathered at the shoulder, maybe due to being a smaller size? The collar piping does not come to a point but is rather squared off. This also appears to be an unissued uniform.
Now for some comparison pictures of the two coats.
View attachment 419252
The different collar piping can be seen in the above picture. As you can see one is squared while the other terminates in a point.
View attachment 419253
The above picture shows the rear collar. The Musician's Shell Jacket is on the left. Even though the coat is a smaller size the collar height is slightly taller on that jacket.
View attachment 419254
And finally the back pillows. Notice the difference in construction and size. You can also see the difference in color and material in this photo.

Hopefully somebody can shed some light on the differences between the construction on these two coats. Perhaps it is a difference in date or place of manufacture. I know the size stamps changed and can somewhat help in determining if it is early or late war. Unfortunately, I can't recall if it was just dots first before changing to numerals or vice versa.

These are outrageously stunning. I've always wanted uniforms in my collection. I've always pictured one of each, artillery and Cavalry shell jackets one on each side of an infantry frock of a captain or colonel. I've come so close so many times. If you ever sell them would you accept blood sacrifice, firstborn children or just boring old cash???

 

[Old Man]

Many years ago when I was visiting Beverly Dubose he showed me a sealed bundle of Union Cavalry shell jackets just the way it came from the Quartermaster. That was impressive!

Nice Cavalry shell jackets Billw12280.

 

[Elliot Crumblemuffin]

I wanted to share my most recent acquisitions with you. Over the last year I purchased 2 new uniform jackets, an Enlisted Cavalry Shell jacket and a Cavalry Musician's Shell Jackets. They are both in stunning condition but the Musician's Shell is spectacular. First up the Enlisted jacket.
View attachment 419227View attachment 419228View attachment 419229View attachment 419230View attachment 419231View attachment 419232View attachment 419233View attachment 419234
This coat is in very nice condition and still retains the lining and back pillows. It has the size numeral "2" along with 2 dots inside the sleeve lining. It appears to have a combination of hand stitching and machine sewing. A very nice example that I would assume to be surplus that was never issued during the war.

Next up is the Musician's Shell
View attachment 419235View attachment 419236View attachment 419237View attachment 419238View attachment 419239View attachment 419240View attachment 419241View attachment 419242View attachment 419243View attachment 419244View attachment 419245View attachment 419246View attachment 419247View attachment 419248View attachment 419249View attachment 419250View attachment 419251
This coat is in near pristine condition with just a few minor seam separations and a couple of moth nips here and there, overall a stunning coat. Everything is intact on this coat as well with a numeral "10" in the right sleeve and a single dot in both sleeves for size. The first thing that struck me with this jacket is that it appears to be made of finer cloth and better constructed than the other coat. The blue is more vibrant and the piping stitching is not visible on the interior of the coat as is the case on the other coat. The interior lining is a softer fabric that I think would be more comfortable and definitely less scratchy than the first coat. The back pillows are kind of odd being made out of the same fabric as the coat panels, the fabric was rolled over and sewn back onto the jacket to create the pillows. The pillows are also much larger than on the other jacket. This is the first Musician's Shell jacket I have seen but these pillows are different from the enlisted jackets that I have had the pleasure of viewing up close. The sleeves are more gathered at the shoulder, maybe due to being a smaller size? The collar piping does not come to a point but is rather squared off. This also appears to be an unissued uniform.
Now for some comparison pictures of the two coats.
View attachment 419252
The different collar piping can be seen in the above picture. As you can see one is squared while the other terminates in a point.
View attachment 419253
The above picture shows the rear collar. The Musician's Shell Jacket is on the left. Even though the coat is a smaller size the collar height is slightly taller on that jacket.
View attachment 419254
And finally the back pillows. Notice the difference in construction and size. You can also see the difference in color and material in this photo.

Hopefully somebody can shed some light on the differences between the construction on these two coats. Perhaps it is a difference in date or place of manufacture. I know the size stamps changed and can somewhat help in determining if it is early or late war. Unfortunately, I can't recall if it was just dots first before changing to numerals or vice versa.

Wow those are in great shape!! What are the functions of the back pillows and collar buttons?

 

[Salterr]

Many years ago when I was visiting Beverly Dubose he showed me a sealed bundle of Union Cavalry shell jackets just the way it came from the Quartermaster. That was impressive!

Nice Cavalry shell jackets Billw12280.

That must have been amazing to see. I wonder if there are photos of the bundles somewhere.

 

[Salterr]

Wow those are in great shape!! What are the functions of the back pillows and collar buttons?

The pillows help hold up the sword belt. The buttons are decorative as there is a japanned collar hook to close the very top of the jacket around the neck

 

[Elliot Crumblemuffin]

The pillows help hold up the sword belt. The buttons are decorative as there is a japanned collar hook to close the very top of the jacket around the neck

Very cool thank you!

 

[Billw12280]

These are outrageously stunning. I've always wanted uniforms in my collection. I've always pictured one of each, artillery and Cavalry shell jackets one on each side of an infantry frock of a captain or colonel. I've come so close so many times. If you ever sell them would you accept blood sacrifice, firstborn children or just boring old cash???

Thank you, they are amazing pieces of history and I am so happy to be able to have them in my collection. I love collecting Civil War items, especially the uniforms and accoutrements. When I started I had a few small items and wanted a uniform but all I could buy was post CW uniforms. Don't get me wrong the IW uniforms are pretty incredible too but nothing is quite like a CW uniform. I was finally able to purchase my first piece, a beautiful enlisted Infantry sergeant frock coat, and was hooked. Now I am constantly looking for my next acquisition. My plan is to have a uniform from every branch. I currently have Infantry, Cavalry, and now Artillery.