Description
Exceptional field worn infantry staff officer frock coat of Lt. Col. Norman Smith who enlisted as a Captain at age 32 from Stewartstown, NH. He was commissioned 9/27/1862 into Company H and rose through the ranks, achieving the rank of Major 7/15/1864 and Lt. Col. 10/28/1864. On 9/29/1864 he was wounded in action at Fort Harrison, Virginia, and mustered out of service June 21, 1865 at Richmond, Virginia.
During his term of service, Col. Smith saw action at Fredericksburg, Suffolk, Port Walthall, Swift Creek, Proctor’s Creek, Kingsland Creek, Drewry’s Bluff, Bermuda Hundred, Cold Harbor, Battery Five, Petersburg, Mine Explosion, Fort Harrison, Fair Oaks and Richmond–all in Virginia! The 13th New Hampshire was the first troops with colors to enter Richmond, Virginia in 1865.
The coat is adorned with eagle “I” infantry officer buttons and beautiful (and rare) Lt. Col. rank straps. There are a few loose seams in the old War jacket but nothing serious. The lining is in fantastic condition and heavily quilted as often seen with custom tailored uniform coats.
