December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2023
Excellent Civil War Union army enlisted shell jacket with nice inspection and size markings. Adopted for light artillery in 1854, this pattern was regulation for regular and volunteer troops throughout the Civil War. The dark blue wool body is trimmed on collar, lapel, cuffs, back, and waist with red worsted wool tape, the designated artillery service color. Buttons are regulation small general service eagle patterns: 12 on the front, 2 on false buttonholes on either side of the collar, and 2 on each functional cuff. The jacket is virtually free of moth damage. The interior is complete, lined in a loosely woven brown and white with a single pocket in the left breast. The white sleeve linings are intact and in place, showing just some loose stitching at the armpits where they attach to the lining. The left sleeve shows a “2” size marking, with corresponding 2 dots, and a slightly blurred inspector stamp: “F. H. SHAFER. / U.S. / INSP. CINC.” These were regulation for privates and for NCOs with appropriate chevrons and were worn both by the light artillery batteries serving in the field alongside the infantry and by the batteries assigned to cavalry organizations. These were front line units, sometimes engaged in close combat. “Double canister at ten yards” is reminder on one battery’s Gettysburg monument. The training and discipline of the artillery was well recognized, as was the superiority of Union artillery in battle. Confederate General D.H. Hill was credited with saying, “Give me Confederate infantry and Union artillery and I can whip the world.” CONDITION: Excellent. A top notch example that would be a centerpiece of a uniform or artillery display.
Item Dimensions: 10" x 10"