Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of an excellent condition Model 1895 Officers Tunic, worn by a member of the United States Army. The uniform is constructed of dark blue wool with a polished black cotton lining. The collar devices on this fine tailor made tunic are unfortunately no longer present.

The tunic itself still retains the manufacturer label for JACOB REED’S SONS’ of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with the name S.G. HOUGHTON (unresearched). The shop began with the completion of Jacob Reed’s apprenticeship in 1824. Though he was just 21 years of age, Jacob had spent 13 years of his life learning the art of tailoring and was ready to open his own clothing shop on High Street (now Market), the largest concentration of tailors in the city.

Jacob Reed struggled through his first few years. His shop bounced around the eastern part of the city, not lasting in a location for much longer than a year, but he eventually began to gain a steady flow of business by offering his “one price” guarantee which would eliminate the need for bargaining over goods, since he was offering his garments at their lowest price and by shifting some of his work towards producing ready to wear garments.

By 1858, Jacob had settled in his location at the corner of 2nd and Spruce, and was becoming increasingly involved with the production of military uniforms. This practice was something that would continue for decades, as Reed’s and then Jacob Reed’s Sons would produce uniforms for government agencies ranging from the Army and Navy to the Post Office and National Parks.

The tunic itself is in wonderful condition and is presented with all buttons and no extensive damage. It doesn’t get any better than this!

Comes ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 25”
Shoulder to shoulder: 15”
Chest width: 17.5"
Waist width: 16"
Hip width: 19"
Front length: 27.5"