Frock Coat puzzler........

[GaWildcat]

In a discussion on FB about an image of Federal Corporal in a frock coat, with eppaulettes. Trying to figure it out, as to possible state issue, or Private purchase. Right now, leading argument is Private Purchase.

[pvt_dirty]

The frock looks lighter in color could be a state issue.The first vermont units went to Bull run wearing gray frocks that look like this one. From what I know there are no photos in Vermont in any records that show the gray frock just written descriptions. Im thinking this coat is a state issue.

Tyler Goodrich

[GaWildcat]

Mr. Goodrich.

Thanks! appreciate that much. Gives me a good starting place.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

I'm just throwing this out there, and can be completely off base, but it looks to me like a state jacket with skirts added at the bottom. The waist appears too low to be a normal frock, the skirts completely close around the front, which is abnormal. The skirts normally flair out a trace up front. The puckering around the waist leads me to believe that is the base of the old jacket. I can't speculate why someone would want to do that other than to be dressier or to replace a lost or damaged dress coat (they were expensive then, as now). I've seen stranger retrofits in originals....

[GaWildcat]

Interesting take Ross, and yeah I see what your saying........now THAT would be an interesting impression LOL

[roundshot]

I'd say state frock, likely of New England or New York provenance. Several NYSM units were initially so attired, including the 20th and some companies of the 69th. See this MC&H plate of the 20th NYSM: http://military-historians.org/compa...images/530.htm

Bob Williams
26th NCT

[GaWildcat]

Thanks everyone for the help!

[Bear Flagger]

What leads to the conclusion that image is of a Federal soldier? It looks just as likely to be a member of the Crescent Regiment of Louisiana.