Uniform guess.

[major bill]

Just for fun who can identify this Civil War era undress uniform? And what rank?

 

[Pvt.Shattuck]

Naval officer but can't identify the rank on the shoulder strap

 

[major bill]

Sorry, good guess but not navy. Look close at the cap badge.

 

[major bill]

The cap device is a foul anchor superimposed over a shield , all with in a wreath. Hint the shield is the give away. This is the undress 1862 pattern uniform.

 

[Mike Serpa]

I know but I cheated. Had to look it up. So I won't say. Know his name, too!

 

[major bill]

He is a third Lieutenant. Hint from 1834 until 1836 officers wore gray uniforms.

 

[Mark F. Jenkins]

My first response was 'naval uniform' as well, but the cap device is indicative of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service. If the USRCS followed contemporary Navy uniform regs-- likely, but I'm not certain-- the buttons on the sleeve cuffs would make the gent a junior officer or perhaps a warrant officer.

 

[major bill]

Mark you nailed it. A Third Lieutenant U.S. Revenue Marine (a.k.a Revenue Service or U.S. Revenue Cutter Service) in his pattern 1862 undress uniform.

 

[Mike Serpa]

Third Lieutenant Joseph K. Whitcomb, USRCS, circa 1862.
Joseph Whitcomb was commissioned as Third Lieutenant on 9 October 1861. He died on 19 February 1863.
http://www.uscg.mil/history/uscghist/USRCS_Uniform_Photos_1889.asp

 

[mikekj]

Third Lieutenant Joseph K. Whitcomb, USRCS, circa 1862.
Joseph Whitcomb was commissioned as Third Lieutenant on 9 October 1861. He died on 19 February 1863.
http://www.uscg.mil/history/uscghist/USRCS_Uniform_Photos_1889.asp

Is that the same as an Ensign?

3rd, 2nd, 1st Lt.
Ensign, Ltjg, Lt.

 

[Mike Serpa]

Is that the same as an Ensign?

3rd, 2nd, 1st Lt.
Ensign, Ltjg, Lt.

One of the Navy guys will have to answer this question.

 

[AndyHall]

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/for...-1907-usrevenue-cutter-service-rank-insignia/

 

[AndyHall]

U.S. Revenue Cutter Service Uniforms to 1908.

 

[major bill]

AndyHall that is a great web site. I have some information about uniforms of the Coast Guard in my reference library, but do not have this kind of detail for the USCG.

 

[AndyHall]

AndyHall that is a great web site. I have some information about uniforms of the Coast Guard in my reference library, but do not have this kind of detail for the USCG.

The author of that uniform essay, Donald Canney, has written a ton of good naval stuff. He was a hew one coming out next year that will be on a lot of peoples' wish lists:

http://www.amazon.com/Confederate-Steam-Navy-1861-1865/dp/0764348248

 

[Mark F. Jenkins]

Excellent! I've long been hoping that he'd do a volume on the Confederate Navy.