Uniform Coat
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
James S. McKenzie
(American, born 1842)
Clothing MakerMade by the
Schuylkill Arsenal
(American)
Date1861-1864
MediumHand-stitched wool, wool/cotton, and cotton, with brass buttons
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center front length x width across shoulders): 20 1/2 x 15 1/2in. (52.1 x 39.4cm)
Other (Sleeve): 26 1/2in. (67.3cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
Object number1966.139.2
DescriptionArtilleryman's jacket from the Civil War, made of dark blue wool and trimmed with red twill-woven wool tape. The jacket is tightly fitted and waist-length. The standing collar is one inch wide and is edged with the red tape. A double row of red tape is stitched inside the collar from the center front to the shoulder, where it ends in a folded point, embellished with a button. The center front opening fastens with eleven brass buttons (one is missing) with a design of an eagle and shield. The eagle clasps arrows in its proper left talons, and an olive branch in its right talons. The jacket opening and bottom edges are trimmed with the red twill-woven tape. The narrow coat sleeves are trimmed above the wrist openings with red braid stitched in an inverted V design. Two buttons close the vent of the sleeve seam at the outside of the wrist. The curved side back seams are covered with the red tape. At the bottom of each of these seams is inserted a small, cylindrical pad covered with the dark blue wool and trimmed with the red tape. The lower edge of the jacket dips slightly at the center back. The jacket is lined with undyed, plain-woven wool/cotton in the body and plain cotton in the sleeves.
NotesHistorical Notes: This coat was worn by James S. McKenzie, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, Company B, during the Civil War.Status
Not on view
