US NAVAL ACADEMY Navy Blue Midshipman's Tunic 1903

US Naval Academy US Navy Midshipman's Dress Tunic-  It is a blue wool double breasted coat with 2 rows of 9 Gold Plated Buttons (18 total).  The buttons measure approximately 3/4" in diameter and have "Jacob Reed's Sons, Phila." stamped on the backside of each one.  There are also 3 smaller buttons (5/8" in diameter) lining the outside, bottom of each sleeve.

A gold colored bullion lines the cuffs (just below the second buttons).  There is also a gold bullion lining the collar of the tunic.  Above the bullions on the cuffs are two silver embroidered stars.  There are also two more stars on either side of the collar, above a silver embroidered foul anchor.  All of these embroideries and bullions signify the midshipman or ensign rank in the US Navy at the time.  We are aren't experts and have been unable to find an explanation as to why there is a star above the foul anchor on the collar - as far as we can tell, the star was usually reserved for higher ranks.   The outside has a few very tiny holes, possibly from moths (see close-up picture for an example)

This tunic is in excellent condition.  It is amazing how nice condition is in, after all of these years.  The blue lining on the inside of the tunic is 100% intact.  There is, however, a hole in the white sleeve lining at the armpit.  In that same sleeve the name "F.E. Gross" is written in red.  On the inside of the tunic there is also a pocket and in the pocket is a tag that reads: "Jacob Reed's Sons, Philadelphia, P.A."  It has a place for a name, the first name (which looks like the F.E. Gross found in the sleeve) has been scribbled out and "Hill R." is written above it.  Below the name is a place for address and register.  These read: "116" (15 1/2 written in pencil beside it) and "42114" respectively. 

The Tunic Measurements:

• Shoulder-to-Shoulder (Seams): 17" inches
• Armpit-to-Armpit (Seams): 17 1/8" inches
• Sleeve Tip to Sleeve Tip: 51 3/4" inches
• Bottom of Collar to the Bottom of the Tunic: 19" inches