This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/20/2014
Offered for this lot is a historically accurate 100th Anniversary Uniform designed in fashion to the exact uniform worn by George Washington during 1776. The uniform was tailored and made in 1876 to commemorate the World’s Fair.
The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 was the first official World’s Fair in the United States. The fair was held in Philadelphia, PA and celebrated the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 10 million people visited, or nearly 20% of the US population at the time.
The uniform is 100% complete and features a jacket, vest, and trousers.
Jacket:
Firmly sewn into the collar is the tag, “D. Klein & Bro.” tag. This company was a Philadelphia based company that provided uniforms to cadets, militias, and fireman during the 19th century.
The jacket body is navy and trimmed in cream on the cuffs, pockets, collar, tail, and opening. 14 unmarked buttons are found on the front (2x rows of 7 each). Each sleeve cuff has three matching buttons, identical to those found on the front. 6 more identical style buttons are found on the tail. The jacket is lined. The buttons are not sewn on with thread, but attached with wire looping. The overall condition is excellent, with even, light soiling throughout. No staining, no tears, no holes with the exception of 8 small moth holes evenly distributed along the placket and collar.
Vest:
A 7 brass button vest is included. The brass buttons are unmarked on the front, and “Superior Quality” is stamped on the reverse. They are not sewn in, but attached with wire looping. On the right front breast is one piece of 1”x3” fabric that appears to be an identification tag that has some unloose at the seams and peeled back. It is intact, but now loose.
Trousers: The tan trousers have 4 original and intact front buttons. Two pockets are found on the reverse. Toning on the pants, but no staining or tears.
Epaulette: On the right shoulder is a gold fringed epaulette. There is some confusion as to the reason there is only a single epaulette on the uniform. Period photographs show George Washington wearing two, but the example of the uniform on display, “George Washington Relics, Centennial Exhibition, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1876”, shows a single epaulette on the right shoulder of the George Washington worn uniform on display at the exhibit. Thus, this example perfectly matched the one on display.
Collectors, this unique opportunity to acquire a highly detailed, historically accurate, vintage replica uniform designed and issued during 1876 to commemorate George Washington and America is should not be missed. Visually stunning, this piece will be the centerpiece of any early American display. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS
(The accompanying digital image listed in this lot description shows George Washington’s actual uniform which is housed for permanent display at the United States National Museum of History. This lot is an exact replica of that very uniform. )
(63Q0080)