Double Breasted Shell Jackets

[rebjeb04]

Hello Gents,

I had posted a question regarding this before the crash, but lost what input was given. I was looking for what examples I could find of this garment in the western theater. I think its a pretty cool looking jacket, especially for cav. The list below are published examples I have found. :wink_smil

1.) Col. John S. Mosby 43rd Va.
2.) Gen. J.E.B. Stuart Va. Cav.
3.) Capt. John Powers Stonewall's Aide

Please let me know if anyone out there knows of any other examples of this "privately purchased" officer's garment.

Thanks,

[NY Pvt]

Re: Double Breasted Shell Jackets

Christopher,
This past January at the Charleston Civil War Show, there was one vendor, who had an absolutely great frock coat made out of English wool, tons of detail, and ID’d to a officer in the Palmetto Legion! Best item at the show in my opinion. I took pictures of the frock coat and the information there on it, but for the life of me can’t find it and am kicking myself. But how this relates to your question is:

The same original owner of the frock coat also had a double breasted shell jacket (if memory serves me right). However, this dealer had already sold it. He did have a nice write up on the collection including pictures of the shell jacket. While the jacket is no longer in his ownership, you may be able to contact him and ask if he would be willing to send you a photo or two of it. He seemed like a really nice fellow.

And of all the people there his was the only business card I picked up:

Otterburn Antiques LCC
Russell Hicks
P.O. Box 60
Altavista, VA 24517
Email rwhickscpa@aol.com

May I ask what type of research are you doing on double breasted frock coats? Or was this just a general question.

[k6j3p]

Re: Double Breasted Shell Jackets

How many buttons did the shell you saw have? I have one that has 9 evenly spaced buttons. I haven't seen any pictures or original jackets with 9 evenly spaced. I have seen 3 groups of 3 or 8 but usually 7. Mine is Cadet Grey.....
Keith Pavulak

[rebjeb04]

Re: Double Breasted Shell Jackets

Hey Fellas,

You just jogged my memory on the S.C. coats! They belonged to Capt. Robert Chisolm of the Palmetto Sharpshooters. There are images of it on the link below. A very unique shell jacket that has TEN BUTTONS IN EACH ROW! Even better than nine. It also has the french style braiding that goes up the rear "elbow" seam of the sleave -- not often seen on officers jackets in the hobby. :D

Check them out:

http://www.civilwarpreservations.com/newmus141.html

[rebjeb04]

Re: Double Breasted Shell Jackets

Hey Fellas,

Here is another double breasted shell coat in the collection of Mr. Hohler of Franklin Relics, in Tennessee. Below is an exerpt from his site regarding the provenance of the jacket. Click on the link to see the garment. Still nothing west of the Mississipp.

"The Confederate Officer shell jacket was worn by Lt Edward Bryan, 31st
North Carolina Regt. wounded at Cold Harbor and surrendered May
1865. Click on contact us page to see photo of Lt. Bryan in coat."

http://www.franklinrelics.com/images/CS_NC_shell_002.jpg

Any input invited on this garment. Does anyone fell it is an over-rated or under-rated in the hobby. :confused_

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Double Breasted Shell Jackets

Capt. Robert Chisolm of the Palmetto Sharpshooters were do I know that name from!?