May Trousers = English Import?

[Reserve]

I am sure some of the NC uniform "gods" might know this... The Alfred May trousers in the NC Museum of History appear that they might* be English import due to their pattern, material, and the location in which May served. What educated determination has been made for these trousers? The NC MOH catalog lists them as US issue, however, to me the pattern does not lend to such.... May Trousers catalog entry Thoughts and conclusions would be appreciated.

[CJDaley]

Re: May Trousers = English Import?

Thoughts and conclusions would be appreciated.

Markings usually give it away. Most (not all) English made goods are marked somehow with inspector's or maker's stamps or stencils.

There are examples of imported goods that aren't marked as such, but this'll give you a good head start.

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: May Trousers = English Import?

I have seen the trousers. They are not Federal made/issue, not even close.
From what I have seen the May trousers do not compare to Import (GB) trousers and textiles because of their (May trousers) poor quality.
I know Ben Tart and my dad viewed them several times. They are thinking Richmond or local. Maybe a call to Ben could shed a more professional light on them.

[LocalOaf]

Re: May Trousers = English Import?

The May trousers are somewhat crudely made, which many of us felt didn't indicate English manufacture. The thinking around here is that they orginated in Richmond, although there might be a possibility that they were made somewhere in North Carolina. My bet is that they came from Richmond.

Regards,

Dan Brennan

[LocalOaf]

Re: May Trousers = English Import?

Ethan-

I forgot to mention that when the May uniform collection was donated to the museum that the person who did all of the initial registration work was not at all familiar with Civil War uniforms. She simply saw blue trousers and assumed that they were Federal without consulting anyone else on the staff. To be fair, the uniform was in such terrible condition in 1994-96 that it was difficult to manipulate the fabric (even moving it was a challenge) without fear of damaging it further, so she was somewhat risk averse.

Regards,

Dan Brennan