Item Description
Original Set. One-of-a-Kind. This is one of the most tremendous Naval uniforms we have offered at IMA, a gorgeously sewn jumper & trousers to Machinist’s Mate Albert Wallace, who served in the U.S. Navy in the late 19th century. The grouping includes his Navy jumper & trousers, which are uniquely designed and stitched with gorgeous patterns and fringed edges, along with a custom-stitched navy rate on the sleeve. The grouping also includes his flat cap, his black neckerchief, and a copy of a photograph of him with his name written at the bottom.
The jumper is modeled based off of the 1886 Navy Regulations,. The breast of the jumper bears a very unique stitching pattern which is also found on the breast pocket. The bottom edges of the jumper are fringed in a zig-zag pattern, with this pattern also found on the small holes to each seam, one of which has a white string for tightening. The right sleeve bears a cross-stitched rate for Machinist’s Mate 1st Class which is handmade according to the 1886 Regulations. The cuffs bear receding stitch patterns in the same style. The back flap of the uniform, which normally bears two stitched stars, bears two flowers, with a wavy stitch pattern below the flap. There is scattered mothing across the jumper. The jumper is complete with its original black neckerchief which shows very heavy use with some tears throughout.
The trousers are equally as gorgeous, with even more ornate & meticulous stitching patterns integrated into the “butt flap”. The uniform bears the 1886 regulation navy buttons, featuring an anchor with four small holes for stitching. There is a gorgeous wavy stitch pattern around the edges of the flap with an extra-reinforced back pocket. The pants are in fantastic shape with just light mothing. Pieces of the interior also bear the zig-zag fringing pattern.
The flat cap in this group bears a cap tally reading U.S. SERVICE in gray lettering which is in line with late 19th century flat cap tallies. The cap is secured to the head via a lace which is tightened in the back of the cap, the laces secured within small metal grommets. The cap retains its leather sweatband which is very old and delicate. There is scattered mothing across the cap.
Due to lack of records, we can’t find much on Wallace, whose photo is in a small plastic frame measuring 5 x 3½”. From the uniform and accessories, we can date the photo around the 1890s. His cap bears a tally that is too faint to read. This group definitely requires a lot more research. The Navy is one of the most difficult branches to find material from this early, and naval uniforms of this period are normally only found in museums. Whether this set is East-Asian made, family-made, or soldier modified, we cannot say for sure, but it is certainly unique and of the period, making it one of the scarcest naval uniforms we have offered.
This set requires a great deal more research, so this should be a great project for someone. We haven’t ever seen a uniform quite like this, so don’t miss it. Comes ready for further research and display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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