2-832-841 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

A navy blue wool U.S. Army M-1879 junior officer's dress uniform frock coat (a) worn by John Hanks Alexander of the 9th US Cavalry with two shoulder knots (b, c). Alexander was the first African-American officer in the United States armed forces to hold a regular command position. The coat is made from a very dark navy blue wool broadcloth and features a double-breasted reverse-front that closes with seven (7) metal buttons on each front side featuring an embossed design of an eagle holding an olive branch in one talon and three arrows in the other with a shield in front of its chest having a "C" in the middle of it. The coat has a short standing collar that fastens at the center front neck with one (1) metal hook-and-eye.