Museum Collections
Luce Center
Shell jacket
Object Number:
INV.11358
Date:
1845-1860
Medium:
Wool, metal, cotton
Dimensions:
Overall: 3 x 19 x 29 in. ( 7.6 x 48.3 x 73.7 cm )
Description:
Navy blue wool enlisted man's single-breasted Cavalry shell jacket, with 2 1/4" closed stand-up collar (1 hook and eye) trimmed around the outer edge with lacing, with 2 lacing straps at the throat on each side decorated with buttons; 11 buttons down the front, open sleeves (no cuffs) with 2 buttons at each wrist, lacing around the wrists in a chevron design; lacing around the outer edges of the coat; 4 panels at the back with 2 vertical rows of lacing; all lacing of yellow cotton twill; all buttons unmarked, cast with shield-breasted eagle clutching arrows and branches; coat lined with green and brown wool twill-weave fabric, sleeves lined with white plain-weave cotton.
Gallery Label:
This pre-Civil War shell jacket may have been worn in the war against Mexico, ca. 1845.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.