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This example is particularly interesting because it was actually issued to and used by an identified U.S. Army soldier rather than remaining an unused handbook.
The handwritten clothing account identifies the soldier as:
George W. Lain
Company D
16th Regiment, U.S. Infantry
The military service section contains additional period handwriting that appears to record his enlistment at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 18, 1890.
Several clothing-account entries are filled in by hand and record Army-issued items and their prices, including boots, drawers, suspenders, flannel shirt, overalls and other articles. These original entries provide excellent period character and provenance.
The handbook retains its distinctive black leather wallet-style cover with folding flap and gold lettering: “SOLDIER’S HAND BOOK U.S.A. REVISED.”
Condition: Antique condition with significant binding damage. The book/text block is detached/separated from the outer binding/cover. There is wear, edge wear, age toning, staining, pencil writing/calculations and other signs of use and age. The interior cover/pastedown areas show wear and losses. No attempt has been made to repair or restore the binding. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition and completeness. Sold as found and as pictured.
An interesting Indian Wars-era Regular U.S. Army artifact with identified soldier provenance, dating more than 130 years ago.
