Description
Rare quarter plate tintype of a unidentified sharpshooter. He is dressed in this unique great coat and cape which was specifically worn by members of Berdan’s Sharpshooters. Constructed of grey felt cloth and edged in green cloth tape. It was completely seamless and designed to be entirely waterproof. These were issued very early on during the sharpshooters initial start up. They did however see very limited use. They would become very stiff once they got wet and Berdan didn’t care for the grey color as it looked to similar to Confederate uniforms and so they went by the way side. Underneath the coat is worn a four button sack coat. He does appear to be wearing the traditional green trousers the sharpshooters were noted for. A US waist belt is worn along with a cap box. A Smith & Wesson is tucked into his belt and he has a small knife sticking out between the buttons on his sack coat. Very seldom do you see these coats. This is only the second one I have ever owned. It does come housed in a full leatherette case with a split spine.
