Man's Uniform Coat
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Captain James Harman Ward
(American, 1806 - 1861)
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1860-1861
MediumHand-stitched wool and silk, brass buttons and epaulettes, metallic braid, and unidentified wadding (probably wool)
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center back length x width across shoulders): 39 1/8 x 21 1/2in. (99.4 x 54.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. S. A. Ward
Object number1861.21.1
DescriptionBlue-black wool superfine broadcloth tailcoat, lined with ecru silk. The coat is double-breasted, with nine pairs of brass shank buttons emblazoned with a design of an eagle clasping an anchor. The coat has a high standing collar, trimmed with gold metallic braid. A heavy gold metallic epaulette with coiled brass fringe is mounted on each shoulder. The sleeves are trimmed at the wrists with gold braid and three brass buttons. Two faux pocket flaps are mounted into the waist seam on each side. Two functioning pockets are located under the pleats of the coat's tails. The tails are decorated with a brass button at the top and bottom of the pleats. The bottom edge of the broadcloth is cut and left unfinished, as it is so closely woven and fulled that it does not ravel. The front and side panels of the coat body are wadded.
NotesHistorical Note: Captain James Harman Ward was killed in battle at Matthias Point, Virginia, on 27 June 1861. He was the first Union Naval officer killed in the Civil War.Object Note: According to curatorial research notes, this was a dress coat and not worn in action. (Troiani 3/23/2000)
Status
Not on view
