What War Is This Uniform?

[JeffHendricks]

I got in an album full of stage actors/actresses, a boxer, Samuel Morse, Ole Bull the violinist and a number of others, and the guy on the left. I did a search and found someone wearing a uniform the same as his. The guy on right is William M. Wherry. He enlisted 1861 as First Lt. and retired in 1899 as a Brigadier General with Medal of Honor. So I am trying to figure out what war this uniform is, and if anyone recognizes the man on the left.

 

[major bill]

I got in an album full of stage actors/actresses, a boxer, Samuel Morse, Ole Bull the violinist and a number of others, and the guy on the left. I did a search and found someone wearing a uniform the same as his. The guy on right is William M. Wherry. He enlisted 1861 as First Lt. and retired in 1899 as a Brigadier General with Medal of Honor. So I am trying to figure out what war this uniform is, and if anyone recognizes the man on the left.
View attachment 504786

 

[major bill]

It appears that both uniforms are company grade officer Model 1876 coats. I new company grade officer coat came out in 1886 so I guess I would call them Indian War uniforms.

 

[Bentonville]

That is more trim than you'd see on a Christmas tree.

 

[JeffHendricks]

It appears that both uniforms are company grade officer Model 1876 coats. I new company grade officer coat came out in 1886 so I guess I would call them Indian War uniforms.

And I am guessing that the same applies here as the Civil War with 2 button rows as far as rank goes. He would be a major or higher grade. The guy on the right was a Lt. in Civil War, but was a Col. by the time that picture was taken and ultimately retired as a Brigadier General.

 

[RedRover]

And I am guessing that the same applies here as the Civil War with 2 button rows as far as rank goes. He would be a major or higher grade. The guy on the right was a Lt. in Civil War, but was a Col. by the time that picture was taken and ultimately retired as a Brigadier General.

The 1870s US Army uniform had double-breasted coats for all ranks of officers. Their specific rank was shown on the shoulder-knot insignias and in the number of buttons, etc.

 

[Bentonville]

Interesting to see how much uniforms have changed over time.

 

[JeffHendricks]

The 1870s US Army uniform had double-breasted coats for all ranks of officers. Their specific rank was shown on the shoulder-knot insignias and in the number of buttons, etc.
View attachment 504809

View attachment 504810

Well darn, can't see the amount of buttons on either photo!!

 

[Bentonville]

Well darn, can't see the amount of buttons on either photo!!

"General, how many buttons should be on the new uniforms?"

"Yes."

 

[Salterr]

And I am guessing that the same applies here as the Civil War with 2 button rows as far as rank goes. He would be a major or higher grade. The guy on the right was a Lt. in Civil War, but was a Col. by the time that picture was taken and ultimately retired as a Brigadier General.

Post war uniforms had two rows of buttons for ranks lower than general. The guy in the right is not wearing colonel boards. Most likely it's a number in the middle of the pad and possibly the two marks next to it are captains insignia

 

[JackADriscoll]

I got in an album full of stage actors/actresses, a boxer, Samuel Morse, Ole Bull the violinist and a number of others, and the guy on the left. I did a search and found someone wearing a uniform the same as his. The guy on right is William M. Wherry. He enlisted 1861 as First Lt. and retired in 1899 as a Brigadier General with Medal of Honor. So I am trying to figure out what war this uniform is, and if anyone recognizes the man on the left.
View attachment 504786

Out of my curious nature could you please post the boxer?

 

[JeffHendricks]

Here is boxer. It is John L. Sullivan. Here is link to entire album if you want to see it.'

Barry Fonda & Whitcomb From Boston With Many Stage Actor/Actresses - Ancestry Photo Store

Barry Fonda & Whitcomb From Boston With Many Stage Actor/Actresses Identified: Unidentified Unidentified Unidentified Unidentified Sarah Unidentified Unidentified Unidentified Unidentified Unidentified Unidentified Queen Victoria Unidentified Unidentified Ramona Reginald...

ancestryphotostore.com

 

[R. Porter]

The guy in uniform on the left appears to be wearing buttons with the MA state seal, would that make him militia or national guard and thus not regular army?

 

[R. Porter]

Here is boxer. It is John L. Sullivan. Here is link to entire album if you want to see it.'

Barry Fonda & Whitcomb From Boston With Many Stage Actor/Actresses - Ancestry Photo Store

Barry Fonda & Whitcomb From Boston With Many Stage Actor/Actresses Identified: Unidentified Unidentified Unidentified Unidentified Sarah Unidentified Unidentified Unidentified Unidentified Unidentified Unidentified Queen Victoria Unidentified Unidentified Ramona Reginald...

ancestryphotostore.com

When I saw the boxer's name I wanted so much to say, "Wow, he could box AND write light opera!" but I was afraid someone would think I was serious. Besides, the composer was an Arthur of some repute and I'd be criticized for getting his first name wrong.