Confederate Greatcoat info

[Petersburg Grey-back 12]

I was wondering if anyone had some info on Confederate greatcoats. Winter is here, and I am not looking forward to another year of freezing my rear off, and decided to try and get a great coat that is somewhat period correct, (and isn't farby!)

The info i got on coat usage was that:
1, Confederate soldiers were issued a small number of domestically produced overcoats.
2, most overcoats were re-dyed Yankee coats to change them from the vibrant and conspicous Sky Blue, to the subdued blacks, browns, and greys, to prevent friendly fire and false representation on the battlefield.
3, later in the war, (1863-65), English army cloth coats were becoming commonplace.
4, jeanscloth, satinettes, etc, were the most common materials for homespun and southern manufactured overcoats during the war, leaving info for broadcloths and all-wool fabrics wanting...

I look to be making my coat. Any input for colors of materials, patterns, lining options, etc, are greatly appreciated.
If anyone has any help with this, i'd greatly appreciate it!

Pvt. Henry S. H. Bouscher
Co. B, 12th Virginia Infantry Regiment
Petersburg Greys
MAHONE!!

[mike44thva]

Re: Confederate Greatcoat info

I own a Civilian Overcoat from Ben Tart that is based on "elements pulled from several original garments". I don't know what originals garmets, but when I asked him about it, he said there were 3 overcoats he used in his pattern. It compares favorably to the 3 overcoats pictured in the MOC's book "A Catalogue of Uniforms". It is caped with a standing collar, and is made from either Brown or Bark jean with 4 flat coin buttons.

[marktaylor]

Re: Confederate Greatcoat info

Basing research on a reproduction is generally a bad idea. Since you are going to be reproducing one, there are a few original coats with CS usage that have been documented and patterns made from them:
1) The 'Weller' hooded overcoat. Made of jeans, and worn at Ft. Donelson in 1862. Search on this forum for info and theories of the source. Charlie Childs sells patterns and kits.
2) An 'English import' overcoat offered by Charlie Childs. I do not know the history on this one. Charlie Childs sells kits- possibly the pattern as well.
3) The Archibald Smith overcoat. A made at home garment of a wool/cotton material (jeans? I can't remember). Also information posted on this forum. The pattern is available through Peachtree Patterns and the Atlanta History Center.

I have had good luck in ordering the 'object worksheets' from the Museum of the Confederacy. These generally come with notes, measurements and sketches and provide enough info to make an accurate reproduction. However, I'm not sure if they offer any worksheets on overcoats- but it is a good starting point.

[Silas]

Re: Confederate Greatcoat info

Hadn't noticed the Archibald Smith overcoat before : http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/...terns/319.html

As much as I like the practicality of the Weller coat and the hoodie, there may not have been very many of them produced. It is highly likely that there are more repops of this coat than there were original coats.

[mike44thva]

Re: Confederate Greatcoat info

I agree Silas about the Weller Overcoat. Also don't forget about the Marr Overcoat at the MOC: http://richmonddepot.com/overcoat.htm

[WpnsMan]

Re: Confederate Greatcoat info

2) An 'English import' overcoat offered by Charlie Childs. I do not know the history on this one. Charlie Childs sells kits- possibly the pattern as well.

Mark,

Glad I’m not the only one to recall that Mr. Childs used to advertise an “imported” overcoat pattern.

After returning from my latest deployment last spring, I contacted County Cloth to inquire as to the availability of the imported English overcoat pattern, knowing he had previously advertised one and thinking I was to inept to find it on his website. The only overcoat he currently advertises is the "Weller" pattern.

What I received was a rather terse response that he did not and had not offered such a pattern. Really, I recall in addition to the pattern being listed he at one time had a picture of said overcoat on his site. Pity it is no longer offered as well as his attitude on the subject. Not the first time I have received a less than cordial response to a benign question from Mr. Childs.

YMMV,

[brown]

Re: Confederate Greatcoat info

There is a good chance, based on comments made in family correspondence, that Archie Smith's greatcoat never had its cape. His mother wanted his brother, already in the service nearly three years, to send his early used overcoat cape for use on Archie's as she used the same pattern for both and fabric was harder to come by.

Additionally, while Archie's overcoat was made of what his mother called "ugly brown jeans" in 1864, his older brother's overcoat had been made earlier in the war when his mother was able to purchase nicer cloth (sadly she doesn't say what she used exactly in any if the letters I read, but please know that she repeatedly laments using jean to clothe either of her boys as the war progresses).

[roundshot]

Re: Confederate Greatcoat info

I don't know about Charlie but way back when Chris Daley used to make the English overcoat. See this old newsletter: http://www.cjdaley.com/newsletter/Apr04.htm

He also made the Atlanta History Center version too: http://www.cwreenactors.com/forum/sh...rcoat-in-Stock

[BrandonEnglish]

Re: Confederate Greatcoat info

I don't know about Charlie but way back when Chris Daley used to make the English overcoat. See this old newsletter: http://www.cjdaley.com/newsletter/Apr04.htm

He also made the Atlanta History Center version too: http://www.cwreenactors.com/forum/sh...rcoat-in-Stock

I wore one of his while working at Pamplin and I will tell you it is extremely warm! Much warmer than the Weller coat I have. I doubt you'd be able to get one from him now however.

[GreencoatCross]

Re: Confederate Greatcoat info

I believe this one is an actual overcoat rather than a frock. The two Golden Age buttons on the neckline may have been used to hold a detachable cape in place. http://americanhistory.si.edu/collec...ct/nmah_446358

[ScottCross]

Re: Confederate Greatcoat info

When I was working on a small exhibit at the New Madrid Historical Museum, I believe they had a Confederate overcoat on exhibit, with provenance. You may want to contact them: http://www.newmadridmuseum.com/

[Michael McComas]

Re: Confederate Greatcoat info

Mark,

Glad I’m not the only one to recall that Mr. Childs used to advertise an “imported” overcoat pattern.

What I received was a rather terse response that he did not and had not offered such a pattern

I finally got around to assembling my County Cloth English overcoat kit that I bought almost 10 years ago. They do exist. But apparently, the instructions do not, since I had lost the sheet and got nowhere when I wrote for a replacement.

There is an original English overcoat at a museum in Texas. If you search this forum, you'll find a link posted a few years ago, and there are some very good photos.

[WpnsMan]

Re: Confederate Greatcoat info

I knew I wasn’t crazy, at least not totally.

I can understand them not offering the kit or pattern anymore but, to deny they ever did?