This infantry officer’s coat likely dates 1866 to 1872. It might pass for Civil War but for the use of striped material for the sleeve lining, which is generally taken as a late sign. The lining of the chest, back and sides is not quilted, but that is not an absolute requirement for wartime dating. The nine-button front with three cuff-buttons is typically wartime. The cuffs are not functional, but that too would be acceptable, though the sleeves do not have much of a billow. The length of the skirts is good.  The straps are simple homemade affairs with a medium blue background and rounded ends with flat braid for borders and rank bars rather than bullion embroidery. The eagle-I buttons are backmarked D. Evans & Co., Attleboro, Mass., which does not narrow down the date.

The rates good to very good for condition. It shows some fading and a few stains from use, but no significant mothing. The seams are good and the interior shows just a little wear at center rear on the waist and a partial repair with red thread. Several buttons are loose. Three small ones are missing from the right cuff and two larger ones from the lower rear of skirts. The interior chest pocket is torn below its lower edge.

This coat displays well and could be improved with some restitching and replacement of buttons. It could pass for Civil War in some settings, but really belongs in a display of the early frontier army since regulations changed in 1872.  [sr] [ph:m]

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