Leather Shell Jacket

[jaxenro]

Hi
I realize this is a bit of a generic question but I came across a picture of a leather confederate shell jacket reproduction that was supposed to be based on an original from Texas. Two questions:

1. Is this more of a fantasy item or did documented leather shell jackets exist during the war?
2. If some documented examples exist can anyone tell me anythign about them? I have been doing some internet searching but I don't remember ever seeing a reputable example

Thank you

Joel Axenroth

[Silas]

Re: Leather Shell Jacket

Sounds like true fiction to me. Want to provide a link to the photo?

[jaxenro]

Re: Leather Shell Jacket

Hi Silas

I would if I could but I can't remember where I saw it. I'm thinking it was fantasy but they cited Texas and early war. Given the leather shortages the South had it seemed a bit farfetched to me.

Sorry for wasting everyone's time but I figured if it was legitimate you would know here

Joel Axenroth

[TexCavly]

Re: Leather Shell Jacket

I'm sure that buckskin might have been used still in more hostile parts of Texas it only seems practical. The Spanish seemed to be up on the practical side of things and that influenced Texas greatly. I'm kinda takin the bit in my mouth and runnin with it here.

[Coatsy]

Re: Leather Shell Jacket

Moderator Note: Folks, lets actually cite some REAL sources for this please. I think this is an interesting topic, and I'd personally like to see some information on this. But if we keep getting specuations and "I heard this and that" then this thread gets shut down.

Thanks, Herb Coats, Moderator

[jaxenro]

Re: Leather Shell Jacket

Hi
I don't have documentation and was wondering if any exists. I am not speculating that it did exist just questioning if anyone knew anything factual.

Seem's like there is far too much could have may have should have speculation in the repro business. I didn't mean to start a problem and apologize if I stepped out of line.

Joel Axenroth

[61' reb]

Re: Leather Shell Jacket

This is an interesting topic and I myself have wanted to know if anything like this exists. If anyone has any actual documentation I would like to read it as well. What sparked my mind is that I had visited a well known fabric store in my home area just to visit and see what type of thread and fabrics were available. I told the lady I was looking for some Civil War era fabrics and she said, "Well, most of those uniforms were made out leather weren't they?" (After explaining to her they were various cloth materials)I realize this being a stretch more than likely, I told her I would see what I could find for the "Leather" uniforms. If anyone has any documentation please share it as I haven't had much luck so far in finding anything on this. The jacket in question being a reproduction kind of makes you wonder if the garment was made for something like the fake leather kepis that alot of gift shops sell. Any documentation would be nice.