This is a US Model 1898 enlisted khaki field blouse worn by the US Army during the Spanish American War. The blouse has been identified to Private Harry S Watson of Company M, 71st New York Volunteers. This type blouse with the light blue collar, epaulettes and pocket flaps was introduced in August, 1898. The five button coat has the bright US eagle buttons, with six smaller buttons of the same type for the pockets and epaulets. The coat buttons are all back marked HORSTMANN PHILADA. The coat is not lined and has no inner pockets. The sleeves have the light blue cuffs to denote the Infantry branch. There is no rank insignia, makers stamps, inspector stamps or any other markings in the blouse. The blouse is in very good condition, having no holes, rips or tears. Most of the khaki uniforms I've seen that are Spanish American War era are usually pretty heavily stained, but this one is an exception. This particular blouse was formerly in the Jack Blades collection. Apparently he printed out a copy of Private Watson's Spanish American War service record, as it was found in the lower right pocket. It shows where Harry S. Watson enlisted on 10 May, 1898 for a period of two years service as a Private in Company M, 71st New York Infantry at Camp Black, New York. He left the unit on 15 November, 1898 as a Private in New York City when the entire 71st Regiment mustered out of service. The remarks block show that young Private Watson was wounded in the leg on 1 July, 1898 at San Juan Hill. He was in the hospital in Siboney, Cuba from 2 July to 8 July. From there he boarded the transport City of Washington from 8 July to 14 July. He was then admitted to the hospital at Fortress Monroe from 14 July to 22 July, then placed on sick furlough from 22 July until his unit mustered out. If you collect Spanish American War memorabilia, it doesn't get much better than this!

Item # AA2945

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