G.A.R. coat?

[Package4]

Thanks @Package4! I bought it as a filler for my uniform display thinking it resembled an officers sack coat. Now that I have confirmation it is a G.A.R. coat I want to get a member badge to put on it but in the meantime I am still thinking of using it as a filler for my display. How close would you say it is in appearance to a Civil War officer's sack coat? I know they varied greatly in appearance since they could either acquire an enlisted sack coat, or they could privately purchase one. I am very happy with the coat and excited that it is a Civil War veteran's coat, too bad the owner's name is lost to history.

Here's what I think you have, the coat is very reminiscent of the 1890 GAR sack with three pockets, the difference here is a four button, in lieu of 5, which is not that significant. What I think happened here, is that the coat was made a school project, at some later date, by a descendant, of the original owner. Certainly just conjecture, but the placement of the "badges" and the overabundance or exuberant application of glue leads me to that conclusion.

GAR vets did not wear rank on the shoulders and I have never seen a picture or evidenced badges glued on, they were pinned. The back seam down the middle (two piece body) along with the pockets leads me to an 1880-90 vintage coat.

 

[Billw12280]

Here's what I think you have, the coat is very reminiscent of the 1890 GAR sack with three pockets, the difference here is a four button, in lieu of 5, which is not that significant. What I think happened here, is that the coat was made a school project, at some later date, by a descendant, of the original owner. Certainly just conjecture, but the placement of the "badges" and the overabundance or exuberant application of glue leads me to that conclusion.

GAR vets did not wear rank on the shoulders and I have never seen a picture or evidenced badges glued on, they were pinned. The back seam down the middle (two piece body) along with the pockets leads me to an 1880-90 vintage coat.

Perfect, thank you for the additional information and explanation. This makes perfect sense and I appreciate you taking the time to review everything. Do you recommend any books about G.A.R. regulations? I am ordering the book Membership and National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic but wanted to see if there are any other good books on the subject.

 

[Package4]

Perfect, thank you for the additional information and explanation. This makes perfect sense and I appreciate you taking the time to review everything. Do you recommend any books about G.A.R. regulations? I am ordering the book Membership and National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic but wanted to see if there are any other good books on the subject.

Not really up on the GAR, just know what to look for so that I may differentiate from war date caps, kepis and coats. You have a great find.

 

[Billw12280]

Not really up on the GAR, just know what to look for so that I may differentiate from war date caps, kepis and coats. You have a great find.

I agree. I really like the look of the coat and the price was too good to pass up. I haven't really looked into GAR either so this is new territory for me but I'm trying to learn as much as I can.