FROCK COAT, VEST & OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ID’D TO 8TH NEW YORK STATE MILITIA OFFICER

$4,095.00 SOLD
Originally $4,595.00

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 1006-01

This group of items are identified to Edward M. Bloomer of the 8th New York State Militia.

Coat is made of dark blue broadcloth. The condition of the exterior is good. Moth damage is minimal. Between the first and second buttonhole there is a well done moth damage repair that meas. approx. 2.25 x 1.50 inches. The right elbow has a moth whole about the size of a pencil eraser and there is some light tracking on the front of the skirts. The exterior seams are tight. The inside edge of the collar is lined with black velvet which has faded some. The collar also has a 6.00 inch long stress separation which may be able to be repaired. There are no shoulder straps.

Seven of the nine buttons down the front are present. The missing two are in the interior chest pocket. All are infantry “I” buttons and all have “EXTRA QUALITY” back marks. Three appear to have been reattached. The three buttons on each functioning cuff are artillery “A” buttons with “WATERBURY BUTTON CO.” back marks and the four tail buttons are infantry “I” buttons with “EXTRA QUALITY” back marks. Each tail has a pocket lined with white muslin. Linings in both are good.

The interior of the coat is in fair to good condition. The lining is present and complete in the chest, back and skirts. However, there are several small areas that exhibit some stress separations but nothing major. Chest area has ribbed quilting with a horizontal left breast pocket. Pocket lining is good and, as mentioned above, hold the two missing buttons from the front. Lining looks to have been brown polished cotton that has now faded to a green tint. Sleeves are lined with a brown muslin. Where the sleeve lining meets the coat lining there are separations. The left sleeve has a 2.00 inch separation while the right has a separation over half its distance. The wear to the collar and sleeves would indicate heavy use.

Also in the group is a three pocket vest in excellent condition. Front is made of dark blue broadcloth with a black polished cotton back that has a cloth adjustment strap and japanned buckle. Interior is lined with white satinette. The front of the vest has five artillery “A” buttons all with “W. G. MINTER PHILA.” back marks and all are original to the vest. Item appears to have never been worn and is in outstanding condition.

The next item present is a wartime CDV of Lieutenant Bloomer in uniform. Image is a bust view with good clarity and contrast. Paper has some silverfish tracking but none affects the image of Bloomer. Mount corners are trimmed round. Reverse has some tape residue with “LT. E. BLOOMER” in modern pencil and a photographer’s imprint of BURNITE & WELDON… HARRISBURG, PA.

Also present are a nice silver spoon and fork engraved with Bloomer’s name. Both pieces wear a light tarnish. Spoon is marked on the reverse with “YS & CO. AI” and “ROGERS BROTHERS” while the matching fork is only marked “ROGERS BROTHERS.” Each piece has an oval medallion on the tip of the handle that is engraved “LIEUT. BLOOMER.”

Lot includes an officer’s rectangular eagle sword belt plate. Face has a stippled background with a spreadwinged eagle and applied silver wreath. The wreath is thicker and more substantial then that found on the NCO version of the plate. Tongue on the back of the plate has the initials “EMB” scratched into its surface. Plate is in excellent condition with only light wear.

Group also includes a three piece medal of two bars connected by one link of chain with a drop at bottom. The top bar reads “WASHINGTON” over “1861” with an operating pin on reverse. The second bard reads “YORKTOWN” over “1862.” The drop is a Maltese cross superimposed over a sunburst and laurel wreath with the number “8” at center surrounded by a riband that reads “WAR VETERANS.”

Part of the group is a 7th New York National Guard medal. The top bar reads “PRO PATRIA GLORIA” over a laurel wreath pattern with an operating pin on the reverse. Suspended from the bar is a 1.75 inches long red silk ribbon with a drop that consists of a cross superimposed over crossed cannons with a “7” at center surrounded by oak leaves and “LONG AND FAITHFUL SERVICE.” Reverse of the drop is engraved “PRIVATE E. BLOOMER Co. B” and stamped with the number “1179.” Bottom is marked “TIFFANY & CO PAT. MAR. 3, 1886.”

There is a second medal similar in appearance to the one listed above. Top bar reads “LONG SERVICE” between the years “1786” and “1886.” Reverse has a working pin. Suspended from this is a 1.50 inch red silk ribbon that shows a little wear at top. Drop consists of a five-armed Maltese cross with rounded points. The cross is superimposed over a wreath of laurel. Each arm of the cross bears a different letter “NGSNY” for “NATIONAL GUARD STATE OF NEW YORK.” At center is the number “8” surrounded by “PARATUS ET FIDELIS.” Reverse is engraved with “M. BLOOMER 1859-1869.” Top is stamped with number “57.”

The last medal in the group consists of the remains of Bloomer’s GAR membership badge. The parts are the eagle with crossed cannons and torn US flag ribbon with the usual star drop and a Colonel’s shoulder strap clasp. Flag ribbon has a gold border showing that Bloomer held a national office.

There are also two documents in the group. One is a letter written by Anna Bloomer to Richard Mott dated 1812. The letter is taped along the folds but it appears as though the tape is archival as it has not yellowed. There are also one or two small holes and light surface dirt. Letter discusses family news and health issues.

The second document is a legal document from 1837. Written on the cover sheet is “FOUND JULY 20, 1861 AT FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE VA. DURING THE PASSAGE OF THE UNION ARMY TO BULLS RUN. ED. M. BLOOMER, 8TH REGT. NYST. Again the document appears to have been reinforced with archival tape.

Edward M. Bloomer was born in New York City on May 7, 1838. He enlisted as a Private in Company H, 8th New York State Militia in New York City on April 23, 1861 and was mustered in the next day. When the 8th New York was mustered in Company I was detached and served as artillery under the designation of Varian’s Battery.

Along with his regiment Private Bloomer became part of McDowell’s army and saw service at 1st Bull Run on July 21, 1861. He was mustered out at New York City on August 2, 1861.

In May of 1862 the 8th New York State Militia was federalized again. This time Bloomer was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. The regiment served on the Peninsula at Yorktown and was mustered out at New York City on September 10, 1862.

After his federal service Bloomer continued to serve in the New York National Guard.

In September of 1862 he returned to his occupation as an engraver and on June 7, 1866 he married Sarah Jane Styvesant. The couple lived in New York City and raised 3 children.

Bloomer was active in the GAR and for the 1891 GAR Encampment in Detroit Bloomer was chosen as an aide-de-camp for the Commander in Chief.

Edward M. Bloomer died of a heart attack on March 11, 1906.

With the group are multiple copies of Bloomer’s military and pension records. One document that should be pointed out is a copy of the New York Civil War Muster Roll Abstracts printed from ancestry.com showing that this Edward M. Bloomer of the 8th New York should not be confused with the Edward M. Bloomer who served in the 89th New York Infantry. They are two different men.  [ad]

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