Beschreibung:

Singled-breasted blue-black coat made from smooth, satin-like wool with a single row of nine general service eagle buttons; fully lined interior and sleeves, Smith’s Patent metal-bordered second lieutenant of artillery red shoulder straps, and unusual hand-made XI Corps badge sewn to right breast. Despite the corps badge the key characteristics that differentiate a Civil War period frock coat are absent in this example. The chest and sleeves are cut noticeably “tighter” in appearance. The short collar lined with interior black velvet measures less than an inch, indicative of Indian War period. The unfinished skirts are made with false pockets in the rear and measure a demure 20 in. versus at least 22 in. normally expected of Civil War period coats. The black polished cotton lining is entirely machine stitched and the rows are noticeably closer together while the white satin sleeve lining is ribbed as opposed to plain. The buttonholes are likewise entirely machine stitched. The 2 x 2 in. 6th corps badge is hand-cut, made from red velvet bordered by a row of thick gold bullion and sewn to the breast by hand in two stages—red cloth followed by bullion tacked on. The crude but appealing corps badge appears to be of period construction and we can only surmise that it was added at some later date in an effort to “improve” the coat which, generally, conforms to the later M1872 regulations. Condition: Body is clean and free of moth damage although we note a couple of minor “repairs.” Lining in intact but shows service wear primarily around the collar and sleeves. Smith’s Patent straps show heavy wear to red velvet centers. Coat displays well, near VG.