An outstanding original Civil War Union enlisted infantry frock coat manufactured under U.S. Government contract by the Philadelphia firm of Rockhill & Wilson. The contractor's R. & W. inspection stamp remains visible in the left sleeve lining, identifying one of the principal military clothing manufacturers supplying uniforms to the Federal Quartermaster Department during the American Civil War. Constructed of dark indigo blue wool kersey, the coat retains its original nine-button front with matching Federal eagle general service buttons, all with plain backmarks as encountered on a number of original government contract garments. The standing collar and functional cuffs are trimmed with the correct light blue infantry branch-of-service piping. The interior retains its original green polished cotton lining with quilted reinforcement around the arm openings, exhibiting untouched construction throughout. The coat remains in fine overall condition, displaying honest service wear with scattered moth tracking and a few minor areas of insect damage that do not detract from its outstanding display appearance. The contractor's sleeve stamp, original lining, untouched construction, and matching period buttons make this a highly desirable example of a Federal enlisted frock coat produced by one of Philadelphia's premier wartime contractors.

Rockhill & Wilson was established in Philadelphia in 1857 by Daniel H. Rockhill and Franklin S. Wilson. Located in one of the nation's foremost centers of textile manufacturing, the firm quickly developed into one of the largest wholesale clothing manufacturers in the United States. With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Rockhill & Wilson secured substantial contracts from the United States Quartermaster Department to manufacture military clothing for the rapidly expanding Union Army.

Operating in close association with Philadelphia's Schuylkill Arsenal, the Army's principal clothing depot, the firm produced thousands of enlisted uniforms, including infantry frock coats, cavalry shell jackets, trousers, fatigue blouses, and other clothing issued to Federal soldiers throughout the war. Like many government contractors, Rockhill & Wilson marked their garments with distinctive sleeve stamps, usually abbreviated "R. & W.", often accompanied by a contract date. The company's reputation rested on the quality and consistency of its workmanship, and garments bearing the Rockhill & Wilson stamp are recognized by collectors as authentic examples of Federal contract manufacture. Although contractor-marked cavalry jackets are encountered more frequently, surviving infantry frock coats retaining the firm's sleeve stamp are considerably less common.

Following the Civil War, Rockhill & Wilson continued to prosper, eventually becoming one of Philadelphia's best-known clothing manufacturers. Their wartime production, however, remains their most enduring legacy, as their uniforms equipped thousands of Union soldiers who served in every major theater of the American Civil War.

Another quality Civil War collectible proudly offered by Richard Ferry Military Antiques—Florida's largest dealer in authentic Civil War artifacts.

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