CS DB enlisted frocks?

[Doughboy]

Trying to get info on DB enlisted frocks. Obviously not much photo evidence of them being used but was wondering if anyone had any other info. I am aware of the Hightower uniform at Chancellorsville.
Thanks

[rbruno]

Re: CS DB enlisted frocks?

Chris
In the back of Driver's 1st VA Cavalry book in the regimental series, there are several troopers in DB frocks.

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: CS DB enlisted frocks?

Are you looking for original images or surviving garments? Thanks

All the best,

[Busterbuttonboy]

Re: CS DB enlisted frocks?

Go through private tailoring firms. Plenty of examples coming out of Virginia firms of enlisted men in double breasted frocks, double breasted "blouses" and different items outside of the Jenson typology and imported goods.

[Doughboy]

Re: CS DB enlisted frocks?

Thanks. Just looking for info as to how common it would have been.
Rob, sent you FB message.

[Prodical Reb]

Re: CS DB enlisted frocks?

here is an image of a enlisted DB frock. I don't have any info on who or what unit or where he hails from. Maybe someone here knows the pertinent info!

[Doughboy]

Re: CS DB enlisted frocks?

Thanks to all who posted. I am assuming this was mostly early war? It would be nteresting to see a few
DB enlisted frocks in the ranks..

[rbruno]

Re: CS DB enlisted frocks?

Chris,
The good thing about Driver's books is you can see when a trooper enlisted. It might not tell you when he was issued clothing, but if there is a picture of a trooper in a DB frock and he didn't enlist till 1863 lets say, you would have at least a ball park for when he was wearing the DB frock. It might show that they were being worn later then we realize.

[floridawar]

Re: CS DB enlisted frocks?

Jim Hensley just shared with me a photo of a 7th Florida enlisted man wearing a double breasted frock coat, (Asa Bishop, Co.K).

Here is John S. Pickle, 18th TX Cav:
[URL="http://www.texansinthecivilwar.com/biographies/john_pickle.html"]

Ive seen several good photos of reb enlisted men in db frocks in the books by Mr. Field, Jensen, and Arliskas, and a couple in Echoes of Glory, Confederate volume.
THe public newspapers of the south published the CS Army uniform regs. in 1861. Even in Florida the people were aware of the regulation branch trim, etc. according to Ellen Call Long. Since tailors generally made double breasted frock coats in the early 60s for the general market, they should have easily adapted the style to the miliary collar, etc. However, from the books by Jensen, Arliskas, and Field, etc. I get the impression that the expense of such coats compared to simple military round jackets made them instantly unpopular during the commutation system. Second, when the CS Govt. did enact laws to issue clothing allowances to all troops, the law noted that it could be any color, etc. the existing uniform regulations notwithstanding. So, the government early on adopted the cheaper jacket for issue. However, since many CS soldiers continued to wear homespun, or rely on the supply of clothing from home, why not a regulation double breasted coat if the cloth, pattern, buttons, etc. were available? Or, if the fellow had the money, why not buy one from the same tailors etc. the officers got theirs...

cheers,

Archie.

[floridawar]

Re: CS DB enlisted frocks?

Here's another one, from the 2nd Alabama Infantry, in Troianis' Regiments and Uniforms book:

http://books.google.com/books?id=F_r...easted&f=false

[toptimlrd]

Re: CS DB enlisted frocks?

There is a DB frock in the Museum of the Confederacy with provenance to a 1st Sgt. I unfortunately failed to note to whom it belonged.

[GenuineInformation]

Re: CS DB enlisted frocks?

Robert,

That looks like the coat that was made for 1st Sgt. John W. Lester of the 10th Georgia Infantry. According to EoG, he died of Typhoid Fever before the clothing arrived. EoG depicts a matching pair of pants and military-style stand-up collar vest that went with the coat.

[toptimlrd]

Re: CS DB enlisted frocks?

I knew I had seen it somewhere before, I will break out my copy of EoG when I get home this weekend and see it is indeed the same one. That would also explain its near pristine condition. Unfortunately I only had time to make a quick visit to the museum and Confederate White House before having to catch a plane last week. Thanks!