Confederate uniform regulations adopted in 1861 specified "cadet gray" for the officer's frock coat, but in practice dye lots varied wildly — what came out of regimental tailors and Richmond contractors often shaded toward sky blue, French blue, or pale slate, like the coat on this figure. The rank system on the sleeve was borrowed straight from European practice: the looping gold braid pattern, called an Austrian knot, ran from the cuff up the lower sleeve. One looped strand marked a second lieutenant, two a first lieutenant, three braided strands a field officer. Bars or stars on the collar carried the same information twice, in case smoke or distance hid the sleeve.

The officer steps forward with his sword scabbard angled at his hip, gauntleted hand near the hilt, gold-banded kepi square on his head, cadet blue frock coat with gold-knotted sleeves matching the gold stripe on his trousers. Place him at the head of a marching column with the Confederate Infantry Fifer Marching and Confederate Infantry Drummer Marching falling in behind to build a regimental field music diorama, or pair him with the Confederate Infantry Company Officer for a staff conversation in camp.

W. Britain 31448 Confederate Infantry Officer Marching. 1/30 scale (approximately 60mm), matte-painted metal, single figure on a sculpted groundwork base. Boxed.