Hooded (Weller) Overcoat

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Hooded (Weller) Overcoat

Hi,

Luke, do you have a link to Ben Tarts page? Thanks. I am not sure if I am going to use a blank or if I am going to get a kit from CC.

[PVT.THIB]

Re: Hooded (Weller) Overcoat

Some day I would love to see all the folks with their hooded overcoats portray the 2nd at an event, there's nothing like a couple of hundred little Yodas in a line!

I have always thought they make people look like Hobbits.

[jschw90]

Re: Hooded (Weller) Overcoat

Hi,

Luke, do you have a link to Ben Tarts page? Thanks. I am not sure if I am going to use a blank or if I am going to get a kit from CC.

http://www.bentart.com

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Hooded (Weller) Overcoat

Hi,

Thanks for the link.

[Enfield]

Re: Hooded (Weller) Overcoat

I've had my hands on the original Weller overcoat and researched it in depth, so here goes.

When I first saw it back in early 80s, there was only one button with it. Honestly, I can't recall now whether it was sewn on, or in one of the pockets. As I recall, the story is that this button was originally loose, in one of the pockets, and was sewn on later. This button is not rubber or wooden. It's not really a traditional coin button. It's kind of hard to describe. It's sort of like a japanned metal cover, pressed around/over some sort of compressed paper backing. I've never seen another button like it ... although I have seen Nazi-era badges made this way.

FWIW, I put large coin buttons on my repro by Charlie Childs. They look closest to that odd original with the coat.

The original had a lot of cotton (?) batting between the body and the lining. This batting has now all fallen down to the bottom seam. When I had mine made, I asked Charlie to leave ths batting out, because I knew someone who made one from a kit and put the batting in, and he looked kinda like a South Park kid with it on.

While I really love this thing myself (it's a great practical design), there is no evidence whatsoever that any unit other than the 2nd Ky. Inf. at Bowling Green in early 1862 and at Fort Donelson, ever wore these. These were a special purchase for the regiment by their Major, out of his own pocket - not any sort of military issue.

BTW, I would suggest a line of Jawas instead of Yodas or Hobbits. :D

Geoff Walden

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Hooded (Weller) Overcoat

Hi,

Thank you for the information.

[-Jesse-]

Re: Hooded (Weller) Overcoat

does anyone know where to get a pattern??

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Hooded (Weller) Overcoat

Hi,

County cloth makes a pattern and kit for this coat. But their website is down right now. I hope this helps.

Andrew

[coffey]

Re: Hooded (Weller) Overcoat

I have look for the overcoat but I have found nothing yet but if I do I will post it.

[-Jesse-]

Re: Hooded (Weller) Overcoat

Thanks Andrew,i will check when it gets back up..

[lukegilly13]

Re: Hooded (Weller) Overcoat

Jesse,
Call Ben Tart. His website is bentart.com He carries a nice blank for not much more than you will pay for a kit. They require you to close up the lining in one spot...put in your pockets, top stick, button hole and you're done.

[-Jesse-]

Re: Hooded (Weller) Overcoat

Thanks Luke,i'll check it out.