Gen. Grant's Coat

[Pritchett Ball]

http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/02/01/4594235/oilmans-museum-holds-unique-collection.html

http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/02/01/4593909/grants-coat.html

This is the coat that Gen. Grant wore when Gen. Lee surrendered to him in 1865. Article of Ray Richey's collection in the Texas Civil War Museum in FT. Worth, Texas.

If you ever get the chance to come down to Texas, you have got to see this museum!

Kevin Dally

[J. Donaldson]

Re: Gen. Grant's Coat

Anybody else cringe at the images of him handling artifacts without gloves? Also, and perhaps I am deeply wrong on this issue, but shouldn't Grant's coat have a third star? The article quotes Grant's memoirs that he was wearing a private's blouse with lieutenant general's bars. I realize I'm surmising from a photograph, but something doesn't seem right.

[Irish Reb]

Re: Gen. Grant's Coat

I agree with Bob, it does not appear to be something Grant would have worn. I could very well be wrong, but it just seems too flashy for Grant. Just my two cents.

~Corey O

[arkangel33]

Re: Gen. Grant's Coat

Why in earth would he be fingering that if it is in fact Grants sack coat. I just wanna punch people when i see stuff like that.
Mike Brase

[Jeremy Bevard]

Re: Gen. Grant's Coat

I thought the same thing on the straps, seems to be missing a star. Also, the article states the coat was missing its buttons which was further evidence this was indeed the coat. However, it clearly has buttons. Did he put reproductions on the coat??

[Cumpston1862]

Re: Gen. Grant's Coat

Gents-

When I saw this post last night I had the exact same thoughts...major general shoulder boards...? Shouldn't he be wearing gloves...?

I would venture to guess every curator within a latex glove's reach are cringing at these pictures. The gentleman said he doesn't purchase something unless he has solid provenance...at 2 million dollars I hope he has more than the little that was mentioned in the article.

Nonetheless...if it is Grant's coat...very cool! Hopefully it can be examined by some people more in the know for such items.

Either way thanks for posting this Kevin!

[FranklinGuardsNYSM]

Re: Gen. Grant's Coat

This coat, formerly in the Don Tharpe collection, came to New York several years ago at a Civil War exhibit in the New-York Historical Society -- at that time, it didn't have buttons, was attributed to 1863, and then, too, billed only as "believed to have been worn" at Appomattox.

[Busterbuttonboy]

Re: Gen. Grant's Coat

There are curatorial debates that go back and forth about the merits of wearing gloves while handling textiles. Some glove material, bleached or made with coarse material may damage an artifact based of course on the fabric and stability of the artifact. One way or another washed hands are preferred!

[Phil McBride]

Re: Gen. Grant's Coat

In 2006, shortly after Mr. Richey opened his museum, I chatted with him and toured the museum in preparation to writing an article about the museum for the Camp Chase Gazette magazine. One question and answer I've not forgotten was what is the hardest to find item with a credible provenance. Mr. Richey's immediate reply was any Federal fatigue coat, issued to an enlisted man. Clearly, General Grant's coat is a bit beyond that, as was the price he paid for it. I think it's time for another visit to the museum.

Phil McBride
The Alamo Rifles

[Pritchett Ball]

Re: Gen. Grant's Coat

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/21449686/lone-star-adventure-texas-civil-war-museum

Kevin Dally

[Alexander Vasquez]

Re: Gen. Grant's Coat

I wonder if the owner would consent to a palynological exam of the jacket; if it was as mud spattered as the sources say, and if it has not been dry cleaned at any time, then pollens may be present that could be studied.

Oh, to have a fraction of an oil man's mad money...

Alexander Vasquez
Formerly of Co. C, 15IA

[billmatt04]

Re: Gen. Grant's Coat

Cant seem to see the pictures. Am I missing something?