Collections record Beta

Collection Record Detail

Object Name

Coat

Object Number

1918-34-0

Description

Wool military overcoat. Long coat made from blue wool. Collars and cuffs made from a darker shade of blue wool. Coat has two rows of brass buttons on either side of the center closure. Attached capelet covers the shoulders, chest, and back. Capelet also buttons closed with crass buttons along right side of closure. All brass buttons cast with an image of an eagle on the front of each. Interior of coat chest and back lined with a second layer of navy blue wool.

Provenance

This overcoat belonged to Sgt. Edgar A. Alvord of Morris, CT. During the American Civil War Alvord enlisted in the 5th CT in 1861. In 1862 he was wounded and taken prisoner by the Confederate Army and placed in Libby Prison. After being paroled from prison, Alvord re-enlisted in the army and served until the end of the war. In 1864 Alvord brought this coat home with him on furlough and left it with his family. Alvord kept the coat in his possession until 1918 when he deposited it with the Litchfield Historical Society for safe keeping. Alvord was a member of the Litchfield GAR.

Comment

The Morris Historical Society, Morris, CT, holds a collection of letters written by Alvord.