Guns International #: 102377640
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Guns International #: 102377640
Category - Collectibles - Civil War
- Military Collectible US
CW Era Highland Military Academy Shell Jacket & Identified CDV of Cadet Wearing Same Style Jacket
Description: Offered here is a Civil War era shell jacket as worn by a cadet at the Highland Military Academy in Worcester, Massachusetts. Thirteen-year-old John F. Wilcox, a cadet attending the academy from 1864-1866, wears the same style jacket in a CDV from my collection, and I will include that CDV in the sale. Founded in 1856, the Academy added military instruction to its curriculum in 1858. By 1864, some 298 boys had attended the Academy, at least 50 of whom served in the Civil War, many losing their lives in the conflict. Lt J. W. Grout of the 15th Massachusetts Infantry was killed at Ball's Bluff on October 21, 1861. Only 18 years old, due to his military instruction at the Academy, Grout was recruited to help train new enlistees when the regiment was formed. The highest rank attained by any cadet was Brevet Brig. General, issued to William X. Green Jr, who lost his life as Lt. Colonel of the 173rd New York Infantry. Younger cadets remaining at the school during the war years participated in patriotic parades, military funerals, and in ceremonies sending regiments off to war and welcoming them back. Despite some scattered mothing, the jacket presents very well. It does appear to be sized to fit a cadet around age 12 or 13, so it pairs well with the CDV. The jacket has 9 coat sized Highland Military Academy buttons running down the front. All the buttons bear the Civil War era backmark of “Scovill Mfg Co./Waterbury” within an inner and outer circle. The bottom two buttons have been resewn to the jacket with fishing line (apparently someone wanted to make sure they did not fall off again). Each sleeve has 4 small sized Highland buttons attached at the cuffs, and the collar has a small Highland button on each side. The inside lining of the jacket is quilted, and has an inner pocket built into the left side. The inner collar is missing the hook that would attach to the loop on the other side. The back of the CDV has the maker mark of “Adams Gallery, 239 Main Street, Worcester, Mass.” Penciled on the back is “John F. Wilcox, Care of L. Wilcox, Philadelphia Pa.” John Fleming Wilcox, the son of Lemuel and Eliza (Fleming) Wilcox, was born on July 4, 1851 in Pittsburgh, PA. Highland Military Academy yearbooks of the era show that John F. Wilcox attended the Academy for the 1864-1865 and 1865-1866 academic years. In that latter academic year he is listed as a corporal. He married one Lois Mygatt on November 10, 1881 and died on March 18, 1918 in Tyron, North Carolina. Please take a look at all the photos as they provide the best description of condition. Shipping to the lower 48 contiguous states. Shipping charge $35 towards cost of Priority Mail with full insurance. Three day return privilege, buyer pays return shipping. Price: $800.00 Contact Seller |
Guns International #: 102377640
Guns International #: 102377640