4214 SPECTACULAR CONFEDERATE NAVAL UNIFORM OF

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 Nov 02 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 30,000.00 USD
Estimated at 60,000.00 - 100,000.00 USD
LIEUTENANT JOHN LOW OF THE C.S.S. ALABAMA. This ultra rare Confederate uniform is arguably the finest know Confederate Navy uniform in public or private hands. The exceptional officer that wore it during the epic struggle that was the American Civil War, Lieutenant John Low, served with great distinction on the famous CSS Alabama and in various other capacities for the Confederate Navy.

John Low was born in Scotland in 1836 and was raised by relatives in Liverpool, England where he eventually joined the British Merchant Service. In 1856 he emigrated to Savannah, Georgia where he opened a maritime supply business. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Low was quick to enlist in the Georgia Hussars but soon transferred to the fledgling Confederate Navy as a Master. Shortly thereafter, he left for his native Liverpool with James Bulloch to assist purchasing agents supplying the Confederacy. Low was key in purchasing huge stores of arms and supplies destined for Confederate forces. Now Lieutenant Low, was tasked with delivering the newly captured SS Oreto to Nassau, Bahamas where it would become the CSS Florida. On August 6th of 1862 Low sailed with Bulloch to the Azores where he would become the 4th Lieutenant of the CSS Alabama under Captain Raphael Semmes. In June of 1863, after nearly a year of pillaging Yankee shipping, Low was given command of the newly captured SS Conrad which was commissioned the CSS Tuscaloosa. After the CSS Tuscaloosa was seized by British authorities, Lt. Low returned to England to oversee the construction of 4 new Confederate naval vessels. The new ships never saw action and the Confederate surrender was signed with Low in Liverpool where he settled after the war.

The uniform is a high grade medium gray wool of significant quality and weight. The double breasted coat has 2 rows of 9 coat size Confederate Navy buttons (CS-53A) down the front, all with the backmark "S. ISSACS CAMPBELL & CO LONDON 71 JERMYN ST.". There are 4 more coat size buttons of this exact type on the tails of the coat. The cuffs have vest size plain anchor buttons bearing the backmark "C. & J. WELDONS NAVAL QUALITY WARRANTED". Each cuff has a 1/2" bullion tape loop starting at 3" above the end of the cuff which is absolutely regulation for a Confederate Navy Lieutenant. The shoulder straps have bullion borders on light blue with a centrally located single gold star which again is absolutely regulation for a Confederate Navy Lieutenant. The bottom edge of the coat is raw as normally seen in the period. Button holes are machine sewn and evenly spaced with the top three being angled to facilitate turning back the lapels. The interior is lined with a gray/green cotton fabric on each side with a tapered 4" to 11" gap in the center. There is a slightly angled slash pocket on the inside of each breast lined with dark gray/green cotton. The sleeves are lined with a tan patterned cotton cloth and there is a short hanging strap at the back of the 3 1/8" collar. Additionally, the is a single gold star in the pocket of the uniform that was most likely on his regulation Confederate Navy hat.

Finally, this important uniform is accompanied by John Low's original framed "Certificate of Competency as MASTER" issued by the British Privy Council for Trade on July 17th, 1865, just over 3 months after the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Paperwork relating to Lieutenant John Low, his life, and Confederate service. CONDITION: the uniform is in remarkable condition for its age. There is the slightest wear visible with nearly no moth damage. The buttons are original to the coat, complete, and undamaged. There is a tiny bit of rubbing on the sleeve bullion and the shoulder straps. The lining has a few "wear through" spots but remains very solid. The sleeve lining shows sweat stains particularly at the armpit areas. This is a fantastic opportunity for the serious Confederate or Navy collector. An exceptional condition uniform with equally exceptional history accompanying it. (02-25068/BF). $60,000-100,000.