Source for English army cloth

[Seandahl]

I was wondering if there is anyone who currently sells English army cloth for a RD III. Tart textiles appears to be out at the moment. Is William booth draper's 17 oz mixed blue wool acceptable. Is the weave correct

[rmilstead]

Sean,
I usually refrain from making specific recommendations regarding any vendor's products but in checking around, the only really good EAC which is currently available is the Kochan and Philips Historic Textiles "Tait Blue/Gray Kersey." It is relatively expensive but if you are putting all the effort into making a reproduction Richmond Depot Jacket correctly then your time alone will make investment in the most authentic fabric available a reasonable choice. Since Charlie Childs no longer is having his version produced, this is the only fabric I have seen that really reproduces the look and feel of the original in many RD examples. I am attaching three pictures of a recreation of the Fifth Maine Regiment Museum RD type II which I recently completed for them to use in a display there. It is made of K&P "Tait Blue/Gray kersey." I found the textile very nice to work with, with a good, firm 'hand,' and the proper weight (20 oz to 24 oz.)

Just my $0.02 worth.

Good luck in your search.

Dick Milstead
Liberty Rifles
The Company of Military Historians.

[Seandahl]

K&p kersey arrived a couple days ago as well as patterns from country cloth. I am more than pleased. The cloth is beautiful. I almost don't want to cut it up.