Description:

UNION CAPTAIN OF RIFLES FROCK COAT
An excessively rare U.S. Captain of Rifles frock coat, one of only a tiny handful known to be in public or private hands. This dark blue single breasted broadcloth coat is very tightly woven and is composed of two front, two side, and two back panels with a center seam. The standing two-piece collar is of the same material as the coat, and stands 1 1/2" at front and rear, 1 3/4" at its tallest point. An iron hook and eye are present at the base of the collar. The two-piece sleeves measure 8 3/4" across at the elbow and 4 1/2" at the cuff, which is turned underneath and stitched. The functional cuff buttons with two 15mm. U.S. Rifle Officer's buttons backmarked "SUPERIOR QUALITY", with a third (surprisingly) non-functional button affixed furthest from the cuff. Each shoulder bears a Smith's patent captain's shoulder strap, the edge and devices made of stamped brass. The background is a light green cloth, more so obvious under the metal edge. Each strap is 4" x 1 1/2", with edging piece 3/8" wide. The straps are attached to a dark blue or black wool backing and sewn to the coat. The coat bears a center vent and a pair of side folds with pocket flaps on either side. There are four 22mm. Rifle Officer's buttons on the back, two at the hips, and one each at the end of each pocket flap, all backmarked "STEEL & JOHNSON". The coat is lined in a brown/green material, perhaps fine cotton, with a ribbed padded breast and shoulders. The coat measures 16 1/2" from the bottom of the collar to the waist seam at font; 19 1/2" in back; the skirt is 17 1/2" long in front and 18 1/4" in the rear. The sleeve front seam is 20" long, back seam 24 1/2". According to analysis provided, signed by expert Les Jensen: "...This coat conforms to U.S. Army regulations of 1851 and 1861 for a Captain of Rifles...[it is] clearly from the period of the Civil War. There were a limited number of units designated ar Rifles during the war...Based on thirty years of observation and study...it is my considered opinion that this is an original U.S. officer's frock coat for a Captain of Riflemen, dating from the period of the Civil War. It is a fine survival of a rare type of officer's coat. Congratulations on a very fine acquisition...". A few very tiny and widely scattered miniscule moth nips mentioned only for accuracy, else fine condition. A fine opportunity to acquire an excessively rare frock coat.

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January 31, 2013 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
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$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
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