LOT #25470 |
Sold on Dec 2, 2006 for: Not Sold
U.S. Rifleman's Captain Civil War Uniform. This single-breasted Union Rifleman's frock coat with eagle buttons made by Steel...
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Description
U.S. Rifleman's Captain Civil War Uniform. This single-breasted Union Rifleman's frock coat with eagle buttons made by Steele and Johnson was fashioned for a captain in the U.S. Rifles. Made of very fine dark blue broadcloth, this coat is very well constructed with a tight thread count and a six-panel composition. Nine U.S. eagle buttons down the breast with the "R" insignia within the shield and back-marked "Steele and Johnson" signify that the coat was to be worn by a rifle officer. The coat's collar is a two-piece standing type and is lined with the same material as the coat. The sleeve cuffs are functional as each has two "Steele and Johnson" back-marked small buttons.On each shoulder of the coat there is a Smith's patent captain's shoulder strap with the edge and captain's device made of stamped brass. The background of these shoulder straps is green, which is the color of the Riflemen and Sharpshooters and is exceedingly rare. The back of the coat incorporates the conventional design with a center vent, four Rifle Officer's buttons, two at the hips and one each at the end of each pocket flap. All are back-marked "Steele and Johnson". The pockets are made of very dark brown cotton and access is from the outside of the coat. The coat is lined with a fine cotton.
Since the Revolutionary War, rifle units in the United States Army were specialists that fought along side the infantry. By the time of the Civil War, with the advent of advanced weaponry these units were assimilated into the regular forces as sharpshooters, although the term "foot rifleman" could still be found in the 1861 Army Regulations. However, within the state militias there were many foot riflemen who wore an upright trumpet insignia on their headgear.
Due to the fact that there were only a few units in the Union Army that were designated as rifleman units makes this U.S. Captain's Rifleman's frock coat much more interesting and rarer than the standard frock coats of the War. In overall good condition, this coat is a fine example of an extremely rare Civil War Union Rifleman's officer's coat.
Authentication: Les Jensen
Auction Info
2006 December Signature Civil War Auction #642 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2006
1st-2nd
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 3,592
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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