Bidspirit auction | Great Union Colored Troop Officer

Great Union Colored Troop Officer Group-28th Ind. - This is a historic 28th Indiana Colored Troop Regiment officer's uniform group. This grouping includes the commission document to 2nd Lt Benjamin Ratcheler in 1964, Union officer frock coat with shoulder boards, officer grade vest, burgundy red sash and trousers. At one time, it was known as one of the best condition named colored troop groupings ever known. It set auction record and was very well known the last time it came up for auction and sold for well over $20,000. Unfortunately moths got to parts of this uniform in the last 10 years and caused a great deal of damage while it was on a mannequin. However, some parts were saved and group still very complete. The grouping is itemized as follows 1) old glass framed promotion document for Benjamin Ratcheler dated August 1964. assigning him to the 28th ”Colored Troops”. The document is faded, stained and creased and the frame may be from the mid-late 19th Century. 2) Officer's Kepi with bullion Infantry cap badge with small 2 piece faux silver bullion metal ”28” numbers. It has matching chinstrap eagle buttons and leather chinstrap with center brass buckle. Strap has crazing. The visor has crazing and has curled up the front. The lining is shows wear and age with a quilted black silk lining and burgundy red leather sweatband. The moths caused so holes and tracks but it is rather minor. 3) Dark ”Union” blue vest with 9 matching eagle buttons. The moths cause serious damage mostly to the the lower waist area and in other areas. 4) Officer belt, buckle and cross-strap. The belt is the folded leather over fiber foundation with nice late war buckle and double straps for sword. It was in good worn and aged condition and the moths damaged the belt and upper area of sword straps. It still is serviceable for display. 5) Burgundy red officer sash was in very good condition with major fading to tassels but the moths damaged minor and bigger holes, It is still intact and wearable. 6) 9 button frock coat with 1st lt. bullion shoulder boards. The moths did major damage to this coat. It eat through the mounting thread for the shoulder boards with one coming off completely and the other literally holding on be one thread. The waist area of the coat have major holes and moth tracks and large sections with mothing from the the collar to the cuff and 7) The trousers have a pale blue leg strips and the mothing also did major damage to the waist area and from belt line to pant cuff, there is moth holes and track all over. In conclusion, this uniform group needs a full professional cleaning first and full restoration. Our pictures show the residue of moth droppings, shed skins and webbing. Right now, it is in an uncleaned state with black droppings continuing to drop away and much of the wool material having a very granular feel to the touch. We will respond to additional photo request. Also included is 2010 letter from conservationist for full treatment to document at a cost of $300. We know this grouping is worthy as it is now. We also know it can be brought back with some care, effort and funds and is will worth it.