That style jacket is very similar to a 1859-1865 New York State Militia Jacket, worn by many of the State Militia's during the American Civil War. Referred to as the 5 button shell, it was work mainly by infantry and artillery of Northern Militias, complete with the light blue piping for infantry and the red piping for artillery. Cavalry used a much short shell with yellow trim that varied in the number of buttons. Buttons often were Waterford brass muffin or dome, with state militia crests. Only slight difference, US model did not have breast pockets, and not buttons on breast pockets, instead it had a inside pocket that opened at the seam of the opening of the jacket over the left breast, with not button, pocket was very deep. On the sleeves you had THREE smaller style cuff buttons, brass dome/.muffin style with same state crests. All had the high collar, and epaulets, just as this jacket has. Same jackets were worn, after the US Civil War by the Fenians who raided Ridgway in Canada in 1867, under John O'Neil.
Such jackets were used in place of the sack or frock, because it served as both dress and fatigue. VERY VERY similar. if not exact.
Last edited by CollinMacD; 6th February 17 at 11:26 AM.
Allan Collin MacDonald III
Grandfather - Clan Donald, MacDonald (Clanranald) /MacBride, Antigonish, NS, 1791
Grandmother - Clan Chisholm of Strathglass, West River, Antigonish, 1803
Scottish Roots: Knoidart, Inverness, Scotland, then to Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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