3172

CIVIL WAR CONFEDERATE MILITIA UNIFORM FROM

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:9,000.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 24,000.00 USD
CIVIL WAR CONFEDERATE MILITIA UNIFORM FROM

ALABAMA. This early uniform has an association with a militia unit from Montgomery, Alabama that wore these coats into the Civil War in 1862. As one would imagine, blue coats were not worn for long by Confederate forces and this one was likely replaced early in its useful life with a gray or butternut uniform. As indicated by a letter from A. Newbold Richardson, a textile conservator, the uniform was likely made around 1845 but was altered around 1862. By the style and cut of the uniform, it likely dates from the later half of the 1850s and probably had a full complement of enlisted militia eagle buttons throughout the coat. In the early 1860s the coat was modified for use by Confederate troops. The "Yankee" buttons were removed and Halfmann Taylor manuscript "I" buttons were sewn to the front and tails of the coat. The original "Yankee" cuff buttons remained on the sleeves. The coat itself is a fine dark blue wool. The collar and front edges of the coat are piped in light yellow. The front panels of the collar are also light yellow reminiscent of the U.S. regulation M1851 enlisted uniform coat. The triple breasted coat has 1/4" light yellow ribbon across the front connecting the buttons horizontally. All buttons on the front and tails of the coat are Confederate regulation manuscript "I" buttons by Halfmann Taylor of Montgomery, Alabama. There are a total of 37 manuscript "I" buttons throughout the coat. The tails are trimmed in a brighter yellow with thin gold bullion trim. The cuffs have similar bright yellow highlights and are also trimmed with gold bullion. Each cuff has 3 M1851 enlisted eagle buttons attached. These 6 eagle buttons appear original to the coat as they are sewn under the lining and they attest to the fact that the original buttons on the coat were likely M1851 enlisted eagle buttons prior to the commencement of hostilities between the North and South. Each shoulder is adorned with an NCO brass shoulder scale with yellow fringe at the edges indicating the uniform likely belonged to a senior NCO. The lining is a cotton muslin machine sewn to the upper torso and sleeve area. The tails are lined with a black polished cotton. There is an interior pocket at the left breast. UNATTACHED ACCESSORY: a copy of a letter from textile conservator and specialist, A. Newbold Richardson describing and analyzing the construction of the coat, as well as the condition of the coat. CONDITION: uniform is in great condition considering its age and history. There are minor moth tracks throughout the nap of the wool. The overall coat is a bit dirty and there is some obvious wear to the yellow button trim. The lining has a general stained appearance. Buttons are all undamaged. Epaulettes show light wear. (02-16094/BF). $18,000-24,000.