Jeancloth Federal Overcoat

[GreencoatCross]

All,

There are some nice Federal items for sale on eBay this week, including this lot of an issue blanket and jeancloth Federal overcoat:

http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/1484-INFANTRY-GREAT-COAT-AND-REGULATION-BLANKET-OF_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ28221QQihZ004QQitemZ140162868328QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

The quality of jeancloth appears to be better than that of most currently available jeancloth, looking almost like a whipcord or worsted gabardine. I'm aware of only one other jeancloth Federal greatcoat (pictured in EoG) and several others made from black satinet, black kersey, black broadcloth, one of sky blue wool felt, and one of gray wool felt.

I posted this here with the intention of getting some discussion started regarding Federal greatcoats made from materials such as these, specifically sky blue jean and satinet.

[woodsda]

Re: Jeancloth Federal Overcoat

I think it is quite interesting that the amount that was manufactured was so high. I would think that if that many were made, more would have survived being jean cloth seems more durable. Regardless, the coat looks amazing after sitting around for the past 145 years. Be nice if it was in a museum for all to enjoy!

[Moonshine]

Re: Jeancloth Federal Overcoat

Thanks for sharing!

Wonder if there is material available to get something like this reproduced? Anything on the market look like this?

Intersting how the "US is sewn in the blanket too with blue stripes instead of the black or shades of brown or tan.

[GreencoatCross]

Re: Jeancloth Federal Overcoat

James,

There are still some selections of Pat Kline's old sky blue jean and satinet floating around out there, in quantity, just waiting for a purpose. It would be interesting to see something like that reproduced and used in the field!

If you think the US blanket from the auction is neat, there is one in Don Troiani's collection that is a blue-gray color (with slight greenish cast) with a stenciled "US" in the center. Definitely something out of the norm.

[Moonshine]

Re: Jeancloth Federal Overcoat

Mr. White,

Any kits available in this greatcoat pattern and this material?

Hmmm! Add this to the list of desired kits?

Best,

[clconboy]

Re: Jeancloth Federal Overcoat

Correct me if I am wrong, but one of the guys I knew in a previous unit had a similar greatcoat made by Ray Hock (he told me he got it at S&S so i figure its Mr. Hock). he mentioned something about kentucky jean?

[1st Maine Trooper]

Re: Jeancloth Federal Overcoat

Brian,
I do k now that 1st Maine Cavalry left Maine with sky blue jean overcoats, when the went south to DC to begin their Federal Service. I do not know which pattern they were.

Dave Myrick

[Slouch]

Re: Jeancloth Federal Overcoat

I have a Federal overcoat made of Charlie Childs sky blue satinet. I got this kit from Charlies 6 or more years ago. Im not sure if he still has this cloth in stock but you can check his site.

[cwilson]

Re: Jeancloth Federal Overcoat

I would love to have a coat similar to this in my kit. Think W&W may be able to come up with something?

[GreencoatCross]

Re: Jeancloth Federal Overcoat

Friends,

Yes, it's definitely within the realm of possibilities for Dan and I to develop a Federal overcoat. There is an excellent example on display at the State Library & Museum in Lansing which has some very interesting features I've been wanting to incorperate into a reproduction.

I took inventory of my fabric and do have some sky blue on tan satinet, and could also possibly gain access to some sky blue on natural jeancloth. Beyond that I've got a bolt of an off-dyed medium sky blue fabric that's a cross between kersey and flannel....definitely strange stuff but I've seen at least one Fed. overcoat made from similar material. This overcoat was sewn with dark brown thread and somewhat poorly made, so a "contract fraud" sort of overcoat could also be reproduced.

I don't want this to turn into a sales pitch. I've been excited about doing a project like this for a while but if it comes to fuition I'll make an announcement in the appropriate forum.

[minieball]

Re: Jeancloth Federal Overcoat

Chris Daley made me one out of Charlie's SB satinet back in the late 90's. It was sure a lot lighter than the kersey one