Civilian Coats in Military Impressions

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Civilian Coats in Military Impressions

Mr. Wickett,
I read the thread you suggested and I found nothing that invalidated my post. There was much talk about depot jackets but I did not think that was the subject. It seemed to me to just confirm that when it comes to civilian jackets/coats the field is pretty much wide open. As long as period patterns, material and construction are adhered to, I don't see a problem.
Tom Dodson

Keep reading until you get to Jeff Dugdale's posts. There was a great deal of debate about whether or not civilian coats are appropriate.

[mslaird]

Re: Civilian Coats in Military Impressions

I would add that I would like to see more of the civilian frock coats on officers at the early war events. The officers in the Arkadelphia photograph of a company of the 3rd Arkansas Battalion (State troops that fought at Oak Hills, not the ANV regiment.) are wearing civilian clothing, it appeared to me that they were mostly wearing frocks and paletots. However, it should be noted that I am absolutely not a civilian clothing expert by any stretch. I am doing more research into that area, though.:)

[Secesh]

Re: Civilian Coats in Military Impressions

Yes, I am aware that many suitable garments exist, but we are speaking specifically about Marchbank's coat. Of course there are other civilian garments - the photographic eveidence bears this out.

[Tom Dodson]

Re: Civilian Coats in Military Impressions

John,
I did read the thread in it's entirety. There was certainly plenty of debate as to the propriety of civilian clothing. I had thought you were in the anti civilian clothing camp but I read in one of your posts "I think a good second garment would be either a homemade/commutation sb frock or civilian coat".
I do not claim to be a great student or scholar of the War. As a matter of fact, the older I get I realize the less I know. I have done considerable reading on many various facets of the War including diaries, memoirs and histories.
I shy away from terms such as never, always and other absolutes. I am not arguing, merely discussing and saying that almost anything is and would have been possible. I know many want to go with the "norm" and what was/is probable. I believe any subject could be debated indefinitely with no resolution. I do find debates, discussions and the exchange of ideas helpful.
It may be off subject but I also shy away from labels such as "mainstream", "hardcore" or "progressive". I would have to say, however, that I believe at least 90% of the people in this hobby would fall into "progressive" meaning that from your first event until your last you are progressing to some point.
Sorry to be so long winded. Thanks for the discussion.
Tom Dodson
47th Ga

[Secesh]

Re: Civilian Coats in Military Impressions

Tom,
I like your "progressive" comment....good point. Best regards.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Civilian Coats in Military Impressions

Tom,

I agree... For me, the hobby is more about the journey than the destination.

I think civilian coats have their place in the hobby on military gents. However, I think it is good to keep context in mind, which is what I've been trying to "nudge" in this thread a li'l bit by linking back to that previous thread.

I thought that Jeff D. had some good points in that thread when it came to the ANV mid-war. However, there are no absolutes when it comes to Confederate uniforms, arms, and gear. At the end of the day, for the CS side of events, I think there are those where civilian garments might be "Accepted" or even "Preferred", but others where they might be "Discouraged". Compare this to the US side, where civilian garments are almost always in the "Prohibited" category! ;)

[csuniforms]

Re: Civilian Coats in Military Impressions

Hello, The last word on civilian clothing in the ranks has yet to be written. They issued a lot of civilian homespun clothing during the winter of 1861-1862 and 62' and 63'. Some of it in military cut uniforms and much of it civilian cut. It was not until late 63' that we see more of the CS Depot uniforms.

CSuniforms
Tom Arliskas

[Moose]

Re: Civilian Coats in Military Impressions

Mr. Arliskas,
Could post some references and documentation for your last post? It would be interesting to see the orginal references and sources.

Cheers,
Joseph Caridi

[Charles Heath]

Re: Civilian Coats in Military Impressions

Joe,

Tom penned a right nice book on the subject.