Military suit 1862

This U.S. naval officer’s uniform was made by Ware, Pratt & Company, a tailoring firm that operated in New York. The suit stands as a potent symbol, reflecting the historical and cultural contexts of power, duty, and national identity. Consider the suit's design, which projects authority through its structured silhouette and ornamentation. The gold buttons and stripes signify rank and achievement, reinforcing the suit’s function as a marker of social status. Clothing, particularly uniforms, encode the cultural values of a time. The suit represents an individual’s role within a larger system. As such, it evokes questions about obedience, hierarchy, and the complexities of military service. Who wore this uniform and what was their story? The suit embodies the weight of both personal experience and national history.