Tailcoat

1918-1931

Place madeNew York, New York, United States, North America

Wool, silk, metal

Overall: 38 in. × 3 in. × 18 3/4 in. (96.5 × 7.6 × 47.6 cm)

Gift of Mr. Edmond C. Bonaventure

1951.331b

This artillery coat was worn by Private Edmond C. Bonaventure, who served in the 7th Regiment of New York State's National Guard from 1918-1931. The Society also owns other pieces of Bonaventure's uniforms.

DescriptionGray wool New York National Guard single-breasted artillery tailcoat with 2" closed stand-up collar (2 sets hooks and eyes) with black lacing trim around the outer edges and gilt lacing from the throat to the shoulders, with a single button near each shoulder, collar lined with black silk; loops and evidence of epaulette attachments on each shoulder; 3 vertical rows of 10 buttons down the front, with stripes of black lacing relating the rows of buttons horizontally; closed sleeves (no cuffs), with 4 buttons at each wrist against gilt lacing; 4 panels at the back of the bodice with 2 buttons near the center of the waistline, false pockets on the tails with 4 buttons against gilt lacing on the false flaps, shell and flame artillery insignia at the bottomof each tail; all buttons cast with an eagle with a shield in its beak flying above a banner reading "NYSA", encircled by "EXCELSIOR / NATIONAL GUARD"; bodice lined with white silk, lightly padded and quilted, sleeves lined with white silk with blue pin stripes, tails are lined with black silk and have a vertical slit pocket inside each tail.

Markingscast: on each button: "EXCELSIOR / NATIONAL GUARD" stamped: reverse of each button: "RIDABOCK & CO. / N.Y." embroidered: on maker's label, inside left breast: "Ridabock & Co. / New York"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM