What a coat!?

[pfeiffer3964]

Clipped from the LOC image entitled White House Landing, Va. Headquarters of the U.S. Christian Commission, which was reportedly taken in '62 during the Peninsular Campaign, I found this gentleman's coat to be quite interesting and, well... kinda gaudy too.

[Matthew Semple]

Re: What a coat!?

James,

When looking through images about a year ago that coat also caught my eye. It reminded me of the January/February 2007 cover image of the Civil War Historian magazine. The LOC image has been in the back of my mind since. Thanks for posting it.

I am also very interested in what other AC members have as input on the coat in the LOC image. What type of material, printed or woven, homemade or special request of a tailor, common place as a camp coat or unique in nature regardless of time and place...?

Matt

[minieball]

Re: What a coat!?

LOL...I just had that up on my computer this morning trying to crop that image to post here. That is one gaudy coat for sure!!

Good one.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: What a coat!?

Looks like it was made from a quilt.

[GreencoatCross]

Re: What a coat!?

It could be a banyan. I've seen other LoC images showing convalescent soldiers wearing similar long, loosely fitted garments over both Army issue and hospital shirts.

The two original banyans I've seen have been made from roller-printed lightweight plainwoven wool or cotton. One had quilted cuffs and collar.