Civil War Navy Commodore's Frock Coat at Auction

[Dave]

Louis J Dianni is auctioning off a Civil War Navy Commodore's frock coat attributed to Commodore William Porter, this weekend:

 

http://www.auctionflex.com/showlot.ap?co=5...=12&lang=En

 

Pretty interesting and historic piece!!!

 

Dave

[Dave]

Here's the description:

 

Lot#: 751

Description: Frock, Civil War, Commodore William Porter

Extremely rare Commodore's Frock, Civil War, circa 1864. Most likely belonged to William D. Porter as this coat, according to the consignor, originally came from the Porter family estate and William D. was the only Porter family member to serve in the commodore capacity while this uniform was in regulation. William D. Porter is also known to not have consistently worn shoulder insignia as seen in the period images of him in uniform. An envelope addressed to Warren Porter was found in the pocket and dated 1902. This coat was thoroughly gone over by John Sexton and his report follows: This naval officer's coat seems to be original and authentic from the Civil War era. Coat appears to have no alterations except where noted. This coat conforms to sleeve device designations of May 23, 1863(see Frederick Todd, p. 540 American Military Equipage) of rank of Commodore. The sleeve decoration of seven stripes(2 groups of 3 and a single stripe between) was only used till 1866 when regulations changed again. Unfortunately the collar insignia is missing( remnants of attaching sewing is evident) Todd shows a clear and identical cuff decoration matching 'Commodore' and at no other time in US Naval history was this identical cuff device used. The coat conforms t a typical late Civil War 1864-5 frock coat in construction. Features of late war include long unhemmed skirts measuring 20" and large balloon like sleeves with elbows over 9" and cuff opening being 6". The lining is polished green cotton with lightly padded areasin shoulders. Tail pockets and inside left breast pocket is lined in brown polished cotton. Sleeves are lined in a light weight white cotton. There are nom markings found anywhere in coat. The 'hanging' tab in back which often would have had a name inked on reverse appears replaced(probably in its time of use). There are several old repairs, small ones to fix small holes that appear original to time of coats use(note small repair on right sleeve about 2" from cuff. The cuff decoration of bullion stripes and embroidered bullion star appear original to manufacture of coat with no additions or alterations. I feel this is no doubt a 1864-5 US Naval Commodore frock coat. The buttons are regulation USN and appear original to coat(4 have been re-sewn on breast). BAck marks on buttons are D. Evans, Attleboro, Mass. which is a known wartime maker. Usually these buttons, when excavated are found in late war sites and are accepted as late war 1864-5. If you are viewing this on Liveauctioneers visit LouisJDianni.com for additional images.

Size: See above for specs.

Weight:

Condition: See above

Estimate: 2,000.00 - 4,000.00

[67Rally]

That's cool. If it were really Porter's coat...that'd be a great piece for the collection. I wonder if I can afford one of the buttons?

[uplandmod]

If I had a huge beard I would buy this, but since I don't I will have to pass.....

 

Awesome item, and great that it can be attributed to somebody so long ago!

 

Leonardo

[Justin B.]

Not questioning that being Dirty Bill Porter's coat, but I'm wondering what collar insignia they are talking about in the description? An officer's frock coat shouldn't have had anything on the collar.

 

At any rate, pretty cool!

 

Justin B.

[rayg]

I'm always suspicious of letters found in pockets of old uniforms. Especially a 1902 letter which is not to the alleged person who owned the coat and was dead in 1864 long before the letter date. And why would it be there? It's an old trick to give a uniform an identification/creditibility. The letter could have been from the estate but maybe not the coat. Hope I'm wrong and it is his coat.

I don't doubt the authenticy of the coat as Sexton knows his stuff just the Id to me isn't solid without documentation from the family. Ray