Tailcoat
1820-1835
Place madeUnited States, North America
Wool, silk, metal
Overall: 5 1/2 x 22 x 45 1/2 in. ( 14 x 55.9 x 115.6 cm )
INV.11351
The original record for this uniform stated that this tailcoat was worn in La Fayette's formal procession of 1824; however, there is no supporting evidence, and the shell and flame insignia wasn't worn by regulation on coat tails until around 1832.
DescriptionRed and blue wool artillery officer's double-breasted tailcoat; open 4" stand-up collar with 2 strips gilt lacing from the throat to the shoulder, with buttons at the terminus; buttonholes for epaulettes near the neck; 7 sets of hooks and eyes at the center of the bodice, with detachable plastron which buttons with 9 buttons down each side; open cuffs with 4 buttons around the wrists; 4 panels at the back of the bodice, with 2 buttons at the center of the waistline, tails have 2 false pockets just below the waistline with 4 buttons in a horizontal row beneath, 2 buttons at the inside center of each tail, gold metal embroidered shell and flame insignia on the tip of each tail; collar, plastron, cuffs and trim of tails are red, bodice, sleeves and center of tails are blue; all buttons are cast with eagle perched on a cannon, with 3 cannon balls beneath; bodice lined with black silk, tails lined with red wool, sleeves lined with white silk.Markingscast: reverse of each button: "TREBBLE GILT / AND COLOUR"
ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM
