History & Notes: According to the donor, this jacket was used during the United States' Civil War, however, the style of the garment is typical of militia dress uniforms used during the antebellum era. If it was used during the Civil War, it could have been worn by soldiers on either the Union or Confederate sides. According to paperwork found in manila folder: " One militia jacket, captured in 1864, in Georgia on march to the sea."
Description: Antebellum United States Militia Shell Jacket of blue wool trimmed in gold braid displaying the wearer's sergeant status. Elaborate bullion decoration with the horizontal stripes across the chest is typical of a musician for a military unit. Heavy metallic spheres decorate the jacket front and act as buttons.
Object Number: 1929.037.0039
Object: uniform, military --jacket
Category: Military Uniforms
Circa: 1850
Materials: wool, metal, burlap