Worn by William Leonard Nicoll (b. 1888)

Tailcoat

1860-1875

Place madeUnited States, North America

Wool, silk, metal

Overall: 3 x 18 1/2 x 39 1/2 in. ( 7.6 x 47 x 100.3 cm )

Gift of William Leonard Nicoll

1949.314a

According to the accession record, this tailcoat was worn by William Leonard Nicoll (1842-1887), who served as Chief-Engineer in the U.S. Navy.

DescriptionDark blue or black wool Naval Engineer officer's tailcoat; double collar and lapels, 5 buttonholes down the edge on each side of the front, 4 buttons down each side of the buttonholes; attachments for epaulets at the shoulders; closed sleeves (no cuffs), 3 bands of gilt lacing around each wrist with red in between; 4 panels across the back, 2 buttons near the center at the waistline, a button at the bottom of each tail; all buttons cast with an eagle clutching an anchor above 3 cannon balls; bodice lined with dark green twill-weave silk, sleeves lined with white silk, bodice lightly padded and quilted, horizontal slit pockets on each side.

Markingsstamped: reverse of buttons: "JOSH STARKEY / (illeg.) / LONDON"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM