Description
Seldom seen on the collector market, this is a fine example of a Boylan Civil War contract artillery enlisted grade frock coat. This fine and rare frock coat retains all original buttons and lining and has correct period sergeant strips! Once in the well known California collection of Mike Sorenson, this gem came out about six years ago and has just now resurfaced. If you’re missing this item, don’t hesitate–they are almost as rare as 4 button sack coats!
Known as an enlistedman’s frock coat during the war years, today’s students of Civil War uniforms call this frock a “9-button coat.” It is a solid representative example of one of the more desirable of Civil War uniforms.
Marked in the sleeve is the numeral “2” alongside two ink dots. Also stamped inside the right shoulder is the manufacturer’s mark, “John Boylan & Co., Newark,” and the date of the contract, “Nov. 3, 1864.” Bazelon’s Directory of American Military Goods Dealers and Makers notes that Boylan fulfilled a contract for 25,000 artillery 9-button coats provided to the Army on the November 3 contract.
The nine breast buttons and two buttons at the waist on the back of the coat are all coat sized general service US eagle buttons with Waterbury backmarks, the letters being raised in a depressed channel. The four functioning cuff buttons are unmarked. The dark blue wool broadcloth retains its original knap texture on the surface. The interior of the skirts are lined with brown polished cotton and both have pockets. The sleeves are lined with white cotton now toned to a light tan. A scarlet welt is present at the cuffs and collar, the collar having been lowered at some point during the coat’s service. Adorning the sleeves are scarlet sergeant’s chevrons, hand sewn to the jacket. Sleeve linings are white cotton.
