The St. Louis Depot Mounted Services Jacket: A Relic from the Trans-Mississippi Era
A Hub for Uniform Supply
The St. Louis Depot played a crucial role as a major supplier of jackets for Trans-Mississippi Federal cavalry and artillery soldiers during the Civil War.
Distinctive Design
This jacket maintains the classic 6-piece body and 2-piece sleeve of the traditional mounted shell jacket while also boasting some unique features.
Crafted from sturdy 20 oz Federal (Navy) blue wool, it ensures durability on the battlefield.
A muslin lining and a practical inside pocket enhance its functionality.
The jacket showcases an 11-button front (in lieu of the usual 12), adorned with US Eagle buttons measuring 3/4″ each.
Its 2-button functional cuffs and 2 buttons on each side of the standing collar add to its authenticity.
Notably, it features saber belt bolsters (pillows) on the back.
The collar is trimmed with single rows of tape.
To denote branch of service, the jacket’s collar, sleeve, front edge, bottom, back seams, and bolsters are meticulously trimmed with 3/8″ tape in red for artillery and yellow for cavalry.
A Functional Design
The strategically placed bolsters at the bottom of the rear/side seams were designed to support the weight of a saber belt, which carried a mounted soldier’s pistol and saber.
Mounted services jackets like this one typically have a longer length compared to most other Civil War shell jackets.
Explore history through the lens of the St. Louis Depot Mounted Services Jacket—a testament to craftsmanship, functionality, and the unique challenges faced by soldiers in the Trans-Mississippi region during the Civil War.
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