Stand In Line Officer's Sack

[106th PVI]

Friends,
I have one of the Nathan Gale contract sack coats with the add on pockets.
My question is could I place shoulder boards on it and use it as a stand in officer's sack? I had used it for my NCO impression. I have been offered command of a new company and just cannot afford a proper one at this time. I would replace the buttons with the "Infantry Eagle" ones....
Thanks for your input!

[Guy Gane III]

Re: Stand In Line Officer's Sack

Simple answer... yes. :)

[106th PVI]

Re: Stand In Line Officer's Sack

Thank you, sir. I wasn't sure.

[Tom Craig]

Re: Stand In Line Officer's Sack

An even better answer is to answer your own question via research of photo's and original artifacts. There are zillions of officer pictures available, many online. Take a look at the photos and you will see for yourself what is common and documented.

Take care,
Tom Craig

[Rmhisteach]

Re: Stand In Line Officer's Sack

I have a Gale contract and I use it for Officer impression . The maker told me that this type of coat is apporpriate for enlisted or officer.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Stand In Line Officer's Sack

There are numerous pics on the LoC site showing groups of officers, some of whom are wearing enlisted sack coats. Here is a thread from a while back showing just such a picture:

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17636

Also, somewhere in my dusty computer archives, I have a pic of what appears to be a newly-minted officer wearing an enlisted frock with shoulder boards. I'm not sure, but the leiutentant-in-question may have also had the "ghost" image of orderly sergeant stripes (where they used to be) on his sleeve.

[ScottCross]

Re: Stand In Line Officer's Sack

Here's a real good example from the museum that I work for:

http://www.oshkoshmuseum.org/Virtual/exhibit3/e30013b.htm

[Rmhisteach]

Re: Stand In Line Officer's Sack

Scott,

In the pic I do not believe that Lt. Arnold is wearing a tie either. Is he??

RM

[106th PVI]

Re: Stand In Line Officer's Sack

Thank you, gentlemen, for your input. I had seen pics of jr officers in 4 button sacks that seemed to be enlisted coats. I was just making sure. My "modus operandi" here is that of me being promoted from the ranks to take command of a company and I just took my enlisted sack with me for comfort. Using my jr officer frock for formal duties.

Much obliged for your answers...

[106th PVI]

Re: Stand In Line Officer's Sack

I have one last question: I cannot tell whether the buttons are the Infantry Eagles or the plain Eagles supplied with the coat... Should I change the buttons to the "I" Eagles or leave them alone?

Thanks!

[ScottCross]

Re: Stand In Line Officer's Sack

It is difficult to tell on the scanned image from the web site, but I pulled the original and under magnification you can see he is wearing a very light colored bow tie.
Also under magnification, you can see that the buttons are standard infantry buttons, not officer's 'I' buttons.

[Rmhisteach]

Re: Stand In Line Officer's Sack

Scott,

Thanks for the info. I was curious . We always think that officer should have a tie.
RM

[106th PVI]

Re: Stand In Line Officer's Sack

Yep,
Got my black cravat....:D
And, I believe I will leave the plain eagle buttons on. I will have that "Ghost" shadow of my NCO stripes on the sleeves as well.

[DocReynolds]

Re: Stand In Line Officer's Sack

The sack coat is your choice..you're an officer...Another picture that appears in "They Fought form the Union" shows a young juniro officer in a sack coat that ahs pocklets...just an enlisted one with pockets, and I'm not even sure he has the welt in his trousers! As for buttons...you're gettin' a lot more $$$ than a private or Sergeant...splurge and get the Infantry (I) buttons! Its also a way to talk about differernces, however subtle between officers and enlisted ranks during living history presentations.

Pete Bedrossian
150th NY

[106th PVI]

Re: Stand In Line Officer's Sack

Thank you for all your thoughts, gents! They are most helpful. I just might " splurge" and replace the buttons. I already have them from another project.... I changed the "I" / eagles to Pennsylvania State buttons on my jr officer's frock.