"Uniform question" Topic

Regarding officer greatcoats, did generals wear their rank on their greatcoats? US shoulder boards or CS sleeves?

TIA,
Dave
wargamingminiatures.com

In the case of the Union Army, neither officers nor enlisted men normally wore rank insignia on their overcoats – at least according to regulations. Officers' overcoats were normally a dark blue, as opposed to the sky blue of the enlisted ranks. And, especially for field and general grade officers, were usually of a finer material and often had fancy loops in place of buttons. So this, along with their swords, tended to distinguish them. Confederate enlisted men were rarely issued overcoats, so normally the only ones they had were captured. Confederate officers, like their Union counterparts, purchased their own uniforms, including overcoats. So there was some variation as to what they chose to put on them.

Actually, the US Army Regulations (my copy is the revised 1863 edition) Call for rank discs to be worn on the collars. In addition, federal officer greatcoats used black woven "frogs" (loops and toggles) for closure, as well as black embroidered Austrian knots on the sleeves, similar to those used by CS officers on their dress (frock) coats.

Officer greatcoats were to be of indigo wool. Same with their trousers. Having said that, US Uniform Regulations from prior to the war permitted officers on campaign to purchase from the QM enlisted trousers, shoes and greatcoats when on campaign.

Here's an example of a federal general officer's greatcoat, and the rank discs of embroidered material. The collar discs are for a captain of cavalry.

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Thanks for the information, I was drawing a complete blank.

Dave

Nice info. guys! I didn't know this.