Rare Fine Condition West Point Cadet Coatee – Circa 1862

Description

Rare Fine Condition West Point Cadet Coatee – Circa 1862

 

An exceptionally rare and iconic United States Military Academy swallow-tail coatee, representing the regulation pattern adopted for the Corps of Cadets in 1862. This classic Civil War–era example embodies the distinctive martial elegance associated with West Point at the very height of the national conflict.

 

The gray wool body retains its sharp military profile, featuring wide sleeves that flare at the elbows and taper gracefully to the cuffs, along with a 1½-inch stand-up collar secured by two hooks and eyes. The front is arranged with three vertical rows of eight brass “ball” buttons (two absent), trimmed across the chest with delicate black silk cord terminating in trefoil designs at each end. Each cuff bears three matching brass buttons accented with black cord in chevron form, while a single button adorns each side of the collar with corresponding trim. The swallow tails are ornamented with six buttons per tail (one missing), three on the plaits and three centered, all enhanced with black cord chevrons.

 

The interior is lined in lightweight white canvas with brown polished cotton sleeve linings. A 2” x 6” leather reinforcement backs the lower three buttonholes — a practical strengthening detail reflecting the Academy’s in-house production of uniforms during this period. As typical of West Point manufacture at the time, there are no maker or inspector markings.

 

Condition is remarkably sound and well preserved. The gray wool shows no discoloration, with only very minor scattered mothing and a few inconsequential frayed areas to the black trim — honest wear that lends character without detracting from its strong overall presentation.

 

The Class of 1862 graduated in the midst of the Civil War, when West Point accelerated instruction and shortened terms to supply desperately needed officers to the expanding Union Army. The wartime classes surrounding this period produced some of the conflict’s most capable young leaders — including figures such as George A. Custer and Emory Upton (Class of 1861) — illustrating the caliber of officers emerging from the Academy during these critical years. Cadets wearing coatees of this exact pattern would soon exchange gray for Union blue and step directly into active field commands.

 

Original wartime cadet coatees are exceedingly scarce today. Most were heavily worn, altered for post-graduation service, or discarded as regulations evolved. Surviving untouched examples from the Civil War period number only a small handful in private hands, with the majority residing in institutional collections.

 

An iconic and seldom-available uniform — representing not only West Point tradition, but the very crucible in which the Civil War’s next generation of officers was forged.

 

Inventory Number: UNI 211