This is a late 1800's dress tunic from the New Jersey state militia/guard. The dark blue wool material this tunic is made of marks the end of this style uniform, as the Army went to the khaki colored uniforms in the late 1890's. This particular uniform is a private purchase tunic, made by the Horstmann Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The single breasted tunic has three rows of 9 New Jersey state seal buttons on the front, and four on the tails. All have the back mark of Horstmann/Philadelphia, including the cuff buttons. Three of the buttons are missing, one on the front, one of the tail buttons and one from the left cuff. The body of the coat is a five panel construction, with 19" skirts. The skirts are not hemmed. The blue wool color is still very vibrant. The front of the tunic has been embellished with 9 rows of worsted braid. The braid, along with the collar, are black in color. The collar is adorned with two black, one inch square backings with the letters DRP in bullion. There is an white knotted epaulette on each shoulder. During this period of service the branch color of Infantry was white. The tunic is fully lined, to include the sleeves. There are a couple of stains on the lining, showing this one did get worn! There are two interior pockets, one on the left and one on the right side of the tunic. The horizontal pocket on the right does not have a Wm. H. Horstmann label sewn into it, but there is another tunic in the shop identical to this one. To be around 125 years old this tunic is in remarkable condition. There are a couple of small moth holes, but no tears, rips, stains or anything present. This would make a great piece for a late 1800's Infantry display!

Item # AA2380