Tailcoat

1946-1947

Place madeWashington DC, United States, North America

Wool, silk, metal

Overall: 4 x 21 x 43 1/2 in. ( 10.2 x 53.3 x 110.5 cm )

Gift of Mrs. Robert Lee Bullard

1947.409a

This dress coat was worn by General Robert Lee Bullard (1861-1947). Bullard served for 40 years as an officer in the U.S. Army. During World War I he was commander of the 2nd Army of the American Expeditionary Force. He graduated from West Point in 1885. As a 2nd Lieutenant, he was sent to fight the Apaches under Geronimo. After his retirement in 1925 he was appointed president of the National Security League. General Bullard presented the Society with all of his uniforms.

DescriptionBlack wool General's double-breasted tailcoat; double collar and lapels with 3 blind buttonholes, yellow metal studs near the collar and 2 fabric loops on the shoulders for epaulettes, black velvet false cuffs with 3 buttons, gold oak leaf metal embroidery around cuffs, with 3 silver stars horizontally above; 2 blind buttonholes at the bottom of the bodice; 4 panels on the back of the bodice, with 2 buttons near the center at the waistline, a button on each tail; bodice with vertical slit pocket on each breast, one pocket with a blue lead pencil inside; bodice and tails lined with black twill-weave silk; sleeves lined with white satin; all buttons and shoulder studs with shield-breasted spread eagle with cocade above, clutching branches and arrows in its talons.

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM