Dakota Territory uniform 1800s

Gdudz389

Cadet
Joined
Aug 13, 2018
Hello all. This is my first post I am making and looking for assistance in identifying a uniform in our possession. I have pictures of this uniform and would like to know more about it and where it's from and what unit would of worn it. So far we know it belonged to M.D. Smith from Blunt South Dakota. The buttons on the uniform say (Dakota N.G.) which makes me thing it was a national guard unit. Although the year eludes me I believe it belongs in the mid to late 1800s. Any help would be appreciated!
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Beautiful coat! Hello and welcome! I believe it is post war most likely just before the turn of the century. 1880-1890’s can you take a few pictures of the coat lining, sleeves and a close up of the buttons holes. as well as the back of one the buttons? This would help dating.
 
I don't know diddly about uniforms but can say that the term "National Guard" didn't become generally used until 1903. Before that, it was just state militia. So, as the button does seem to designate National Guard I'd say it's 1903 or later. Nice specimen whatever the origin.
 
Right on. So far on the back button it says (1875 Goodwin Pat) from what I can read on there then a few more close ups.
 

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I don't know diddly about uniforms but can say that the term "National Guard" didn't become generally used until 1903. Before that, it was just state militia. So, as the button does seem to designate National Guard I'd say it's 1903 or later. Nice specimen whatever the origin.


Right on, I wasn't sure if militia was still used during those times. That's good to know when the term started being used.
 
Right on, I wasn't sure if militia was still used during those times. That's good to know when the term started being used.

I'm pretty sure there were still militia but an act that passed in '03 designated parts of the militia National Guard and made them available for federal service if needed (pretty sure that's the gist of it anyway).
 
I don't anything of the "Dakota National Guard", but I will point out that some States maintained "National Guards" rather than "State Militia" before even the CW, New York being a good example. Judging from the pictures of the coat, I'd date it from the mid-1880's to the late-1890's, perhaps even early-1900's but the "Dakota N.G." buttons are probably a clue to when it was made, find out how often, or long those buttons were used on this and other dress coats, and you will probably have an idea to when it dates from.

But beautiful uniform coat if I may say so.
 
The buttons tell the tale! Post CW late turn of the century. It appears in fabulous condition it is a striking uniform! Would display great! Congratulations on a fine coat!
 
Thank you! My father and I collect different memorabilia from mostly ww2- Vietnam era and we actually got this coat in a bundle with another named smith uniform from Vietnam. We've never seen anything like this. Even with searching for the buttons history we can't find anything similar to the ones on the uniform.
 
I don't anything of the "Dakota National Guard", but I will point out that some States maintained "National Guards" rather than "State Militia" before even the CW, New York being a good example. Judging from the pictures of the coat, I'd date it from the mid-1880's to the late-1890's, perhaps even early-1900's but the "Dakota N.G." buttons are probably a clue to when it was made, find out how often, or long those buttons were used on this and other dress coats, and you will probably have an idea to when it dates from.

But beautiful uniform coat if I may say so.

Edit: I retract my response - see the next post.
 
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The Dakota NG was formed in 1883 and then in 1889 North Dakota became a state and the state seal was used for the button thereafter. Basically the same for South Dakota which also became a state in 1889.

I would theorize that the button/coat would have a time range of between 1883 and 1889.

I think the key is Dakota National Guard and not North or South, which would have been delineated post 1889.

In 1883, Company A, First Regiment, Dakota National Guard, is organized at Bismarck, Dakota Territory
 
The Dakota NG was formed in 1883 and then in 1889 North Dakota became a state and the state seal was used for the button thereafter. Basically the same for South Dakota which also became a state in 1889.

I would theorize that the button/coat would have a time range of between 1883 and 1889.

I think the key is Dakota National Guard and not North or South, which would have been delineated post 1889.

In 1883, Company A, First Regiment, Dakota National Guard, is organized at Bismarck, Dakota Territory

Thank you sir ! I think you've narrowed down the time frame nicely.
 
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