Until recently in the collections of the Texas Civil War Museum, this Union cavalry officer’s vest is in great condition and displays very, very well. The exterior is white wool, showing a slight cream color, is very solid, with no tears or rips, buttoning all the way up the front with nine small cavalry officer’s eagle-C buttons, and fitted with a short stand-up collar. It has three external pockets on the front: two at waist level at either side, and one smaller one, certainly a watch pocket, slightly higher on the wearer’s left, with the opening level with middle button of the lapel. The buttons are the small, cuff size and bear Scovill, Waterbury, CT, back marks. They are attached through sewn grommet holes by split rings for ease of removal during cleaning of the vest or polishing of the buttons.

The interior lining and back of the vest is simple white cotton. The fit was adjusted by two short belt sections sewn at either side. These are complete and full length, but the small wire frame buckle that would have linked and adjusted them is missing. The condition is excellent. We see only some small moth nips on the inside of the lapel that do not show on the outside. There is a little thin, brown staining on the back: a small bit under each arm and two on the back of the shoulders- a small area on the wearer’s upper left shoulder and a slightly bigger one on the back of the right. None of these show from the front. The only marking we find is an original brown ink “36” inside at the wearer’s upper back, likely the tailor’s reminder of the sizing. Vests were not items of issue and, like all officer’s material, had to be privately purchased. They were not specified by regulations, but might be expected of any gentleman of the period and show up in white, light blue and dark blue, mostly in this fashion, buttoning up all the way up the front, with short standing collar, and some external pockets, though other forms are occasionally seen in photographs.

This would be good addition to a uniform collection or a cavalry display, particularly one containing a cavalry officer’s uniform and gear.  [sr][ph:L]

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