Uniforms Federal Shell(?) Jacket Question

[CyleKostello]

Hi folks,

A buddy who knows I'm interested CW collecting found this cleaning out a house. Photos are terrible so I assume it's a reproduction.
Looks like it's got some age to it, might be a centennial piece?

But I was wondering what

a) what the name of this style of garment is? Sorta looks like a cross between a shell and a frock.
b) was it common for wartime jackets to have three cuff buttons? (Most photos I've seen only have 2)
c) hard to tell from these photos but could any part of this jacket be original (stripes/buttons)

And would it be worth me going to inspect in person? Already asked for clearer photos, will update when he sends those along.

I am a badge and photo guy so I'm totally out of my depth here. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Edit: some googling around shows examples of 9 button, 3 cuff button private purchase shells? Maybe that's what this is/what it's modeled on.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[bdtex]

I'm certainly no expert. Even if it's a reproduction, it's still a cool find.

 

[CyleKostello]

I'm certainly no expert. Even if it's a reproduction, it's still a cool find.

Yeah that's what I'm leaning towards. Fella's asking $100 for it, wouldn't be the worst buy either way.

 

[Package4]

Yeah that's what I'm leaning towards. Fella's asking $100 for it, wouldn't be the worst buy either way.

It's a reproduction, originals were made from stripping the tape from cav and arty jackets, lowering the collar and wacking the pillows. Good buy at $100.

There were also state issued jackets of this pattern (NY) as well as private purchase 9 button fronts.

 

[Salterr]

Yeah that's what I'm leaning towards. Fella's asking $100 for it, wouldn't be the worst buy either way.

There are many factors when considering real civil war uniforms. It is a reproduction But I think the dead giveaway before anything is the price. If the buttons were real it would already be worth the asking price. Most likely they are blank back reproductions or Waterbury reproductions. The sleeve chevrons don't have the right stitching or pattern when compared to most other known artifacts. The first thing most people like to mention is that officers bought their own uniforms so variations do exist BUT you have to consider what lining is in the jacket. Is it checkered like some Arsenal jackets or off white Muslin found in shell jackets? Is there an inspectors cartouche and size number with accompanying dots 1-4 in the armpit?Officers had polished silk linings that usually have a green appearance and padded chest lining. If the inner sleeves have a blueish lined material that's usually found in post war pieces. Ballooned sleeves are another characteristic of proper wartime pieces with the width at the elbow at 8 inches or so. Also is the bottom of the coat finished off or not? It's a lot to consider when looking at the different styles of uniform but you should page package4 for the ultimate rundown.

 

[CyleKostello]

Thanks folks! Appreciate the detailed answered.

 

[Dan Kohli]

That jacket has the appearance of a frock coat with its tales cut off.

 

[Sebastian Tuemmler]

Can anyone help me? How many beltloops had the first issued new york shell jacket?
two? One?

 

[Salterr]

Can anyone help me? How many beltloops had the first issued new york shell jacket?
two? One?

Are you referring the infantry jackets with the shoulder tabs or a New York arsenal maker and the pillows found on the back of shell jackets? Most I've seen have one loop on the left side.