US 1890's New York Paymaster Brigadier General Dress Coat & Belt**ON HOLD

Original period manufacture. Spanish American War era grouping of uniform & dress sword belt, for a NYNG Brigadier General of the Pay Department. While not the most exciting department in the NYNG, nonetheless a very important one, we all like to be paid. The coat represents a pattern introduced in 1872, with subsequent modifications through 1899. In the collar is the maker/retailer label, W.D.STRYKER & CO. of New York City. Dark blue wool coat, double breasted, with the buttons grouped in twos in two vertical rows, correct for a Brigadier General. Black velvet trimmed cuffs and collar, also a 'tell' for general officer rank. On each shoulder is a unique shoulder knot in gold wire, with buff color pads, each displaying an embroidered silver stat for a Brigadier, and silver wire letters PD. Knots are maker marked J.H.McKenny. Red moroccan leather general officer dress sword belt with thick gold wire embroidery trim. The belt and straps are quite pliable and in very nice condition. New York (NY) officers gilded brass belt plate. Neither the belt or coat are named, however a previous owner, doing an excellent job of sleuthing regarding the dates of business for the firms of Stryker, McKenny and others, believes that the original owner of the coat and belt, was Walter C. Stokes, 1852-1924,who served as the New York National Guard Paymaster General from 1888 to 1891. President of Manhattan Savings Association and member of the New York Stock Exchange.