Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice private purchase Indian Wars era uniform consisting of an M1883 style sack coat and matching trousers worn by a corporal in the Sons of Veterans organization during the 1880s or 1890s. Complete uniforms of this type are difficult to find, particularly with their matching trousers still present.

The organization was founded by Major Augustus P. Davis in November 1881 under the name Sons of Veterans of the United States of America. It was created to preserve the principles of the Grand Army of the Republic, assist aging Union veterans and their families, and promote the values of Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty. The organization later became known as the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

During the late 19th century, the Sons of Veterans organized uniformed, militia style companies that conducted military drill, participated in ceremonies and public events, and supported the activities of the Grand Army of the Republic. Their privately purchased uniforms were frequently patterned after contemporary U.S. Army clothing, including the Model 1883 fatigue blouse or sack coat.

The dark wool sack coat retains its interior lining, although the manufacturer or tailor label that was once positioned above one of the pockets is now missing. All five front buttons remain present and are in fair condition. Four are Sons of Veterans buttons, while the center button is a Federal U.S. pattern replacement. The Federal button appears to have been installed during the coat’s period of use, although the reason for the replacement cannot be confirmed.

The four Sons of Veterans buttons are marked for A.P. Davis of Pittsburgh and bear an 1888 patent date. This is particularly interesting because Major Augustus P. Davis was the founder of the Sons of Veterans organization.

Each sleeve carries a set of blue corporal’s chevrons, indicating the wearer’s rank within the organization. The blue coloring is consistent with the infantry styling used on the uniform.

The matching trousers remain in excellent condition and have a blue stripe running down the outside of each leg. The stripe complements the blue corporal’s chevrons on the coat and further supports the uniform’s infantry presentation. Finding one of these private purchase coats with its matching trousers is particularly desirable.

A very attractive and unusually complete Indian Wars era Sons of Veterans militia uniform, retaining its corporal’s chevrons, four A.P. Davis marked buttons, period Federal button replacement, and matching blue striped trousers.

Approximate Measurements:

Collar to Shoulder: 9"
Shoulder to Sleeve: 24"
Shoulder to Shoulder: 13"
Chest Width: 17"
Waist: 16"
Hip: 21"
Front Length: 28"
Trouser Waist: 15"
Inseam: 27"