Militia infantry coat

1850-1870

Place madeUnited States, North America

Wool, silk, metal

Overall: 3 x 28 x 43 in. ( 7.6 x 71.1 x 109.2 cm )

Gift of William Leonard Nicoll

1949.316

According to the accession record, this uniform coat was worn by William Leonard Nicoll (1842-1887), an engineer in the U.S. Navy. However, it has militia infantry officer's buttons (note the "I" at the center). Military expert William Brown III noted that the gilt trim on the collar, as well as the coat's exceptionally high quality, would indicate that it was worn by an officer. However, lack of evidence of epaulettes may indicate that it was in fact worn by an enlisted soldier.

DescriptionDark blue wool single-breasted militia infantry coat (enlisted or officer's? overcoat?), with 1" closed stand-up collar (one hook and eye) lined with dark blue velvet, with gilt trim towards the front and one button at each shoulder, no evidence of epaulette attachments at the shoulders, 9 buttons down the front to the waistline, flared skirt, unusually wide sleeves (10 1/4", flat), closed, no cuffs, 3 buttons at the wrists; 4 panels on the back of the bodice with 2 buttons near the center at the waistline, a button on each side of the split skirt; all buttons with shield-breasted eagle with "I" on the shield; coat lined with dark green silk, padded and quilted chest, cleeves lined with white linen.

Markingscast: center, obverse of each button: "I" stamped: reverse of each button, around outer edge: "SCOVILL MF'G CO. / WATERBURY"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM