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MARTIN LUTHER SMITH'S HEATHERED BLUE/GRAY

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:30,000.00 USD Estimated At:60,000.00 - 80,000.00 USD
MARTIN LUTHER SMITH'S HEATHERED BLUE/GRAY
MAJOR GENERAL'S FROCK COAT. This double breasted coat of heavy wool must have been made for the field. This coat was made w/ out insignia or facings, but the buttons are made in regulation Major General specifications w/ three groups of 3 buttons stitched in 2 rows. It was not uncommon for generals to have coats w/ out rank insignia for use on the battlefield. Sharpshooters loved to zero in on high ranking officers. General Smith was often at the front as he was chief engineer in charge of defensive positions for both Robert E. Lee & later John Bell Hood in 1864 & this no doubt was a coat he wore in the field. The sleeves balloon to 9 1/2" at elbows, tapering to 3 3/4" cuffs. Coat is lined in a glossy olive green polished cotton. This coat, like the other, saw use in the field but survived quite nicely. We can find no record of any pair of original Confederate General's coats in private hands. Accompanying this coat is a regulation Confederate General's collar insignia wreath w/ 3 stars that was never sewn but found in same closet w/ uniforms. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: insignia as noted above. Complete conservation report w/ images. CONDITION: coat is very good as conserved. The coat retains all of its original buttons. Lining is 95% plus complete w/ wear & small reductions. Detailed conservation report which consists mostly of backing moth damage on cuffs & collar. PROVENANCE STATEMENT: Direct Family Descent. (02-13232 & 02-13486/JS). $60,000-80,000.