December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2021
This officer's frock is identified by period ink identification in the sleeve and first reached the collector's market about 1975 through well known dealer George Lower, the Gettsyburg Sutler. The coat is the regulation Union line officer's single-breasted frock coat of dark blue satinette with nine cavalry officer's eagle-C buttons on the front, three on each functional cuff and four on the rear waist and tails. The coat is lined in (now) light green, quilted in the chest and sides, with white sleeve linings, and has pockets in the tails and a single interior breast pocket. The shoulders show small sewn sloops for the easy attachment and removal of shoulder straps. The sleeve lining at the upper left shoulder shows a period brown ink inscription: "Lieut. Vance / Nov. 24/ 62." The only candidate is McCray Vance (1812-1865,) who enrolled and mustered in as 2nd Lieutenant of Co. L, 2nd Ohio Cavalry for three years service 4 October 1862 at age 48. He was promoted and mustered in as 1st Lieutenant of the company 25 November 1862. It was likely in expectation of the promotion that he treated himself to a new uniform coat. In January 1863 he was detached for recruiting duty, but did not report back in time and was considered absent without leave from February 16 to March 25, but this may have been a matter of paperwork. He was present in April, but on May 9 offered his resignation, which was accepted as of May 21. Augustus Kautz, his brigade commander noted the resignation was offered, "from apprehension of an examination," though whether regarding his military competence or physical condition is not stated, but Kautz casts no aspersions on his ability. Vance had given his age as 48, but was actually 50, either age rather old for active field service and he died just three years later in 1865. The regiment had seen very field active service already in Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas before returning briefly to Ohio, where Vance joined it, and its hard subsequent service, where it lost 267 men, certainly justified the decision. CONDITION: Very good. No moth damage. Minor wear to the inside of the collar. Some shredding of the upper sleeve lining at the shoulders, but not affecting the inscription. Accompanied by a substantial file of genealogical research. This is a fully regulation, identified, Civil War Union cavalry officer's frock coat that displays very well.
Item Dimensions: 15" X 15"
Paperwork
Binder of Records