West Point Cadet Coatee 1840-1860 Dress Uniform

A historically accurate reproduction of the West Point Cadet Full-Dress Coatee, tailored in regulation cadet-grey wool kersey and trimmed with black velvet facings. The coatee features double-breasted hussar-style button placement, black worsted piping, and swallowtail skirts. Sleeves are decorated with black Austrian knots and rank chevrons in gilt lace, consistent with senior cadet NCO ranks of the era.

Materials & Construction

• Cadet grey wool kersey (14–18 oz military grade)

• Black velvet collar and cuff facings

• Two rows of small gilt USMA or eagle uniform buttons (18–20 total depending on pattern)

• Fully lined interior in black cotton

• Quilted chest padding for correct period silhouette

• Hand-sewn or machine-sewn buttonholes (customer’s choice)

• Swallowtail back with interior pocket

Sleeve & Rank Details

• Black Austrian knot braid on lower sleeves

• Gold lace chevrons on upper sleeves

  • These denote a Cadet Sergeant or Cadet First Sergeant, depending on stripe count

• Velvet backing under chevrons for period accuracy

• Decorative buttons on sleeve vents

Back & Tail Features

• Long swallowtail rear with velvet-trimmed false pocket flaps

• Two large gilt dress buttons at tail junction

• Reinforced vent stitching for durability

Historical Notes

This uniform style was worn during a period that included:

• The Mexican-American War era

• The Pre-Civil War period

• Early Civil War years (some early-war cadets wore this pattern)

It is one of the most visually striking dress uniforms ever used at the U.S. Military Academy.

Use Cases

• Museum displays

• Reenactments (Mexican-American War / Civil War West Point impressions)

• Film & theatre productions

• Collectors

• Ceremonial and academic displays

COMES WITH TROUSERS.