Hampton Roads Naval Museum

3. Seaman's Jacket & ECD uniform

Norfolk, VA

Book Now

This is a U.S. Navy enlisted sailor's uniform that is currently on display in the museum's Age of Sail gallery. The coat is called a shell jacket, which was a common military uniform for land and sea forces. This particular coat dates to 1852. U.S. Navy uniforms like this are quite rare and it is thought that this jacket is one of only about five that have survived. The buttons on the jacket have an eagle holding a fouled anchor, which was the common emblem of American sea service uniforms. U.S. Navy enlisted uniforms in the early 19th century lacked formal standards, so there were some minor differences from ship to ship. However, sailors generally wore a shell jacket or equivalent-type coat, a white shirt, and either blue or white trousers. The second uniform shown in these images is a sailor's uniform worn by BM2 Leonard K. Rutter, a member of the North Carolina Naval Militia, Elizabeth City Detachment. The uniform is quite elaboratefor an enlisted sailor's outfit. It is a shell jacket with a high, "choker"-type collar that was typically only worn by chief petty officers and commissioned officers.