Original British Frock Coat and Bicorn Hat of George Vaughan Hart Circa 1782 Original Items

Original Item: One-of-a-kind. George Vaughan Hart, son of Edward Hart of Lynsford, Donegal, Ireland, born in 1752, joined the 46th Regiment of Foot as an Ensign on August 23rd, 1775 and

immediately went to North America and was present at the British attack on Sullivan’s Island outside Charleston South Carolina.

As the A.D.C. to Major General John Vaughan he took part in the Battles of Flatbush, Brooklyn,

and Fort Washington. He achieved his Lieutenancy on June 7th 1777 and then took part in the Battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth under General William Howe.

He then transferred to the West Indies as A.D.C. to General James Grant, C-in-C the West Indies Station. He was appointed Captain on March 31st, 1779 left for the Cape of Good Hope in 1781 and went onto India in 1782 where he joined the expedition against Hyder Ali, Sultan of Mysore. He later became the Deputy Pay Master General in 1790.

He took part in the Battle of Mullavelly as Colonel of the 75th Regiment of Foot took part in the Battle of Seringpatam, the ultimate defeat of Tippoo Sultan. In1801 he retired from Military Service in India and was promoted Brigadier General in 1805, then Lieutentant General in 1811. Being of Irish Nobility he returned to the emerald isle and represented his district in parliament for many years, 1812-1831, was appointed Governor Londonderry in 1820 and died in 1832 in Kilderry, Ireland, aged 80 years.

Our Frock coat came directly to auction (Bonhams) from the family together with other items, dates, we think from the 1790s, but it may very well be earlier, and is marked on each of the epaulette GARRISON STAFF as many other senior officers. It is complete with all lining and silvered plain buttons. Very slight damage from long ago moth, it is remarkable to have survived in such a condition for well for 225+ years. The frock coat is accompanied by his period military bicorn hat bearing gilt officer’s brocade and embroidered cockade ribbon of the era.

An original George III Officer’s frock coat and bicorn hat from an known senior officer who saw serious service in the American War for Independence for four years and then throughout the Empire.