The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca

Regulation dark blue wool shell jacket with period field modifications. The jacket has yellow piping at the collar, down the front, back seams, bottom edge, and cuffs as prescribed in the regulations, but with some important changes. The collar has been shortened from 2 in. to 1 3/8 in. to provide comfort for the wearer. The yellow trim and buttons were removed from the middle of the collar, in the process, leaving the lace at the top and bottom of the collar only. The pillows on the back of the jacket, used as a belt support, were also removed. On the sleeves is a handsome pair of sergeant’s chevrons (some scattered moth damage to the chevrons and rear of the collar piping, which have lost some stitches). With twelve small eagle general service buttons down the front. The interior of the uniform has a full white cotton lining (shows evidence of much usage with stains and a few breaks in the fabric).

Overall, a pleasing jacket that was modified and shows wear consistent with actual field use making it much rarer than the surplus cavalry shell jackets typically offered for sale.