Gear and Greatcoats Capes?

[Beanbomb]

Just a bunch of greatcoat-related questions that I would appreciate answers to.

Is there a different way to wear gear on a greatcoat?
How would a knapsack be worn with a greatcoat?
When firing a rifle, would you place the butt of the gun over or under the cape?
Would soldiers typically button the cape or leave it unbuttoned?
How would soldiers wear greatcoats in battle VS in camp/on the march?
Lastly, would confederates use sky blue/federal greatcoats?

Thanks for any help,
Ben Beckman

[Michael Comer]

Re: Gear and Greatcoats Capes?

The simplest answer is that is just another coat. It's heavier and thicker than what you're used to today but it's a coat. Wear your gear over it the way you normally wear it. Bring your musket to the shoulder the same way you would if you weren't wearing it. The cape doesn't change anything.

Did Confederates wear Federal greatcoats? I'm sure they did at times. However, they wore a lot of other things too or didn't wear a winter coat. It will depend on the impression.

[Tyler Gibson]

Re: Gear and Greatcoats Capes?

Short answer is "Yes".

Do what is comfortable and makes sense at the time, and you'll likely not be too far from the mark.

As Marse Comer stated, impression will be the dictating factor, but if one has ever done any fatigue detail wearing a greatcoat, one will become mighty warm mighty quickly doing any sort of labor. Uncomfortably so, in most cases- at least in my experience.

As for wearing the US Greatcoat.... Check around for primary sources relating to your intended impression. It'll take some digging in most cases, but generally, one can get a good idea of what was probable to have been worn and carried. I'd recommend google searching, and digging through their "books" feature first, to see if there's any kernel of information relating to what you're trying to achieve.

[Beanbomb]

Re: Gear and Greatcoats Capes?

This is one question I forgot to add, and it has been floating around in my head for a while.
Collar up or down?
I have seen photos of both, and I assume either would work, but is one more normal than the other?




Also thanks for the answers already given

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: Gear and Greatcoats Capes?

That is correct Ben, either would work. However the collar was ment to be turned up to keep your neck warm.
I guess it would depend if it bothered you or not.

[PogueMahone]

Re: Gear and Greatcoats Capes?


Example from the war department