This Union cavalry uniform jacket referred to as a shell jacket is a specimen worn by countless Federal horse soldiers during the Civil War. This original garment is in very good condition overall. Constructed of fine wool material dyed a deep indigo blue, the color of this jacket is still rich and vibrant.

Cloth exhibits virtually no moth nips or holes so common in these wool garments. Jacket features an approximately 2” tall standup collar lined with 3/8” wide, cavalry-yellow piping or braiding that decorates the front edges. Collar is also adorned with two, cuff size, eagle ‘shield’ brass buttons set back on each side and both buttons are offset by additional short strips of yellow braid. Collar braid is bright and tight with no fraying at all but right side collar braid shows one light stain. Collar is missing the black-japanned hook and clasp. Jacket front reflects the common brass button closure with twelve, original brass eagle ‘shield’ buttons securely sewn to the flap edge with original stitching; all button holes have tight stitching. The brass uniform buttons are a mix of both plain-backed and backmarked pieces showing Scoville and Extra Quality.

Both sleeves exhibit chevron-style, yellow braid at the functional cuffs along with two brass eagle ‘shield’ buttons at each cuff. Bright yellow braiding runs down the jacket’s opposite (button hole) flap. Braiding continues around the entire bottom edge of the jacket and rises to each shoulder from the two, belt-rest pads sewn on the jacket backside. These belt-rest pads were reported to be good places to hide money if the cavalryman became a prisoner.

Interior body is lined with original coarse, brown wool panels of cloth lining that is in poor condition with moderate tearing, thinning and ripping that exposes the dark blue inner shell. Jacket sleeves are lined with white cotton or muslin material in very good condition. Found stamped on the upper inner sleeve of the right shoulder is the remnants of an oval, three-line government inspector’s mark from the Cincinnati, Ohio depot. Stamping is in faded black ink and reads “MOW____/ U.S. INSP. C INTI. O.” In addition, two, ¼” diameter, black ‘sizing dots’ from the arsenal are stamped on the inner armpit area in addition to a single numeral “2” stenciled in the same area. Other ink markings are visible but are blotted out with larger ink spots. Left side of jacket boasts a single slash pocket. Brass scales are missing and likely thrown away by the trooper.

The cavalry shell jacket proved a tough, light and very serviceable uniform garment worn by Federal horsemen during the war. Less expensive than the frock coats, these type jackets were prescribed for issue to all mounted men in the Union army. This government-issue, Civil War cavalry uniform jacket is sure to enhance any collection of period cloth as well as make a stunning display piece for the cavalry collector.

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