Original Civil War era vest “1855”, worn by civilians and soldiers, partial identity (SOLD)

This is another unique item being offered, it is a Civil War era man’s vest. It is a cotton soft velour. The buttons are two-piece brass and on the back is a brass adjustment buckle. The adjusting buckle on the back is dated “1855”. Also, a sewed in cloth strip has the owners name “Charles Manson” (not that one). The Civil War Data Base shows only one Charles Manson with no middle initial, both Union and Confederate (see record). It shows that on February 1, 1864, a Charles Manson from Deerfield NY mustered into “I” Company of the 3^rd NY Light Artillery.

During the mid-19th century and earlier, it was common for men to wear a vest. They came in many different styles and colors, some very bright. Many men when they went off to war would have been wearing a vest. Being that it was worn under a jacket or coat, it was acceptable to continue using them. They are often seen in period photographs (see pictures). In “Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy”, a very similar vest is shown. It belonged to Private John Hazlehurst of the Georgia Battalion of Cadets (see pictures).

The vest remains in very nice condition, basically with no damage, only some minor staining, typical for its age. There are two pockets on the front and one on the inside. It would be perfectly acceptable in a display of a soldier’s personal items, or under a period coat for display.