Civil War Uniform of Dr. John M. McCalla, Jr. Assistant Acting Surgeon in the Union Army

Civil War frock coat and pants belonging to Dr. John Moore McCalla, Jr., United States Army. Frock coat presents nine button front with staff buttons back marked "THOMAS N. DALE & CO./ New York". Uniform presents metal backed shoulder straps of a first lieutenant with collar presenting insignia of the medical service (MS in wreath) on both sides. Interior label at collar of "G.F. Schafer, Washington, D.C.". Frock coat accompanied by pants with single strip of gilt trim measuring .25" in width. Interior of pants ink manuscript marked "Dr. J. M. McCalla, 32 7/8". Coat exhibits one detached button and left shoulder strap detached from metal backing. Insignia at collar exhibits some verdigris. Dr. John Moore McCalla, Jr. (1832-1897) received his medical education from Columbian College/ National Medical College (later becoming George Washington University School of Medicine). In 1860 McCalla served as a special agent for the United States on a ship employed by the American Colonization Society transporting a group of Africans rescued from a slave ship from Florida to Liberia, Africa. In 1863 he was contracted by the Medical Department of the United States Army to serve as an acting assistant surgeon a position he served as until November of 1865. During his service Dr. McCalla served in many hospitals in the Washington DC area including Seminary Hospital in Georgetown, DC, and Stanton Hospital. Many of his papers as well as his fathers are held by Duke University. A known document/receipt (in a private collection) states that McCalla purchased this uniform from merchant & tailor, G.F. Shafer on October 8, 1865 for the then exorbitant price of $58.00. Provenance: Offered by a direct line descendent of Dr. McCalla. **Please Note: In-house shipping is NOT available for the U.S. Civil War Materials auction. Please refer to the terms and conditions of this auction for local shippers.