POTSDAM -- A uniform from the War of 1812 has come to light during an inventory at the Potsdam Public Museum.

It had been donated to the museum in 1956. Information given to the museum by the donor says, “The uniform belonged to Shubel Clark of Canton, NY, drafted on June 8, 1812 and served as a private in a company of Detached Militia at Ogdensburg.”

The jacket is dark blue wool with red collar and cuffs and plain brass buttons with markings on the buttons.

This week, Potsdam Public Museum Director and Curator Mimi Van Deusen and intern Courtney Doyle drove with the coat to Albany to have it authenticated by Joe Thatcher, the founding director of the New York State Conservation Lab on Peebles Island, Albany.

Thatcher said that the coat is a very fine example from an officer’s uniform, evidenced by twists of gold thread found on the false button holes.

He said he suspects the fabric came from England, as the blue color and fine weave were rare at the time here in the Americas.

The uniform will be on display at the museum for the public to view. Visitors may call for an appointment -- 265-6910 -- or stop by Tuesdays through Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.