Item Description
Original Items: Only One Set Available. Between the early 1870s and early 1880s, a considerable lack of uniformity was noted in army clothing, particularly in the field uniform. A closer look at period photographs reveals that even within the same company, there were up to four different patterns and several variations of uniforms simultaneously. This lack of consistency was primarily due to the surplus of uniforms and equipment that the Army Quartermaster Department had at the end of the Civil War.
Initially, the surplus of uniforms and equipment seemed sufficient to last many years. However, by 1871, the Army faced a crisis as the stocks of the most needed sizes were depleted. This led to a shortage of essential items, such as shoes, blankets, and clothing items, which was becoming increasingly problematic. As a result, Congress was informed of the issue through the Secretary of War, and budget expenditures were authorized for the acquisition of new clothing and accouterments beginning in Fiscal Year 1872.
The acquisition of new clothing and accouterments was a significant step towards addressing the issue of the shortage of essential items. The items here would have been a part of this acquisition. The acquisition focused on ensuring consistency in the field uniform, which was a crucial step in ensuring that the army was well-equipped to face any
challenges that may arise.
The items in this lot:
- Model 1885 Dress Coat With Trousers: The Model 1885 Enlisted Infantry Full Dress Coat is made of dark blue wool, with nine buttons sewn in a single column. The shoulder straps, collar and tail flaps are made of yellow wool, with yellow piping along the front of the coat. There is scattered moth nips but nothing too damaging. The trousers are in similar condition and display quite well with the top.
- Cavalry M-1881 Blue Cloth Spiked Pith Helmet With Plume: This helmet dates to the late 1880s to early 1890s, and it really is quite striking. This is not the type of helmet that was worn in the field, but instead one intended for use with the "dress" uniform for ceremonial occasions. It is beautifully made from cork covered with brown fabric but no maker markings present.
The Helmet plate displays the Great Seal of the United States, with the American Eagle with a banner in its beak stating: E PLURIBUS UNUM. The "crossed sabers" on the shield indicate that it is for an Army Cavalry unit. The cavalry insignia was adopted in 1851. Officers and enlisted personnel assigned to cavalry regiments, cavalry squadrons or separate cavalry troops are authorized to wear the cavalry collar insignia in lieu of their insignia of branch when approved by the MACOM commander. Some of the armor and aviation units are designated cavalry units.
From the looks of the front plate, it is the original plate to the helmet and was not switched like ones we have seen in the past. The crossed saber side buttons are still present.
The overall condition of the set is quite nice with just the right amount of wear present. There is fading, minor tearing and moth nips present but is otherwise in fantastic condition for being well over 150 years old.
Very nice set that comes more than ready for further research and display.
Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 24.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 15”
Chest width: 20"
Waist width: 18.5"
Hip width: 21"
Front length: 33"
Pants:
Waist: 17.5"
Inseam: 27.5"
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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