Odd Sack Coat

[btfire]

Hello,
I was in a small museum near my home today and saw an interesting sack coat with no description. This museum is attached to a gun shop and the person could not answer anything about the coat in question. It appeared to be a fairly regular union sack coat with a few exceptions. First, the buttons did not appear to actually close the front. Second, there was some form of black trim down the front on the button side. Third, there were (going to insert something since I don't know the correct term) clips that held the coat closed. Fourth, (something I have seen before) the collar had a clip to hold it closed, possibly standing up. This coat was in every other appearance similar to most sack coats. The mannequin it was on was setup as infantry with knapsack and accouterments worn. I looked through EOC and found nothing similar. Any possibles? Private purchase? Field or tailor mod?

Thanks

[MarkTK36thIL]

Re: Odd Sack Coat

See if they'll let you take some pictures and post them on the AC...

[btfire]

Re: Odd Sack Coat

Problem solved. The coat in question was postwar and he did not want to hang the accouterments on an original. Thanks...

[theknapsack]

Re: Odd Sack Coat

I think you are speaking of an officers jacket of the 1880s and 90s period, if I am not mistaken.

[Frenchie]

Re: Odd Sack Coat

Agreed, it sounds like an officer's undress sack coat from the later part of the century, without the insignia.

From the 1872 Army Regulations:

For fatigues, marches, squad and company drills, and other drills when authorized by the commanding officer, and for ordinary wear: A sack coat of dark blue cloth or serge; falling collar; single breasted, with five buttons in front, same as those worn on the dress coat; with black braid, one-fourth of an inch wide, extending from each button and button hole back six inches and terminating in “herring-bone” loops.
The skirt to extend from one-third to two-thirds the distance from the hip joint to the bend of the knee, and to be slashed at the hip on each side; a knot of black braid, one-fourth of an inch wide, on the upper part of the cuff, according to pattern.
The shoulder-straps will always be worn with it. Black braid binding, one-half of an inch wide, around edge of coat.

From the 1898 Army Regulations:

2. FOR MARCHES, FATIGUE DUTY, AND ORDINARY WEAR - A single-breasted sack coat of dark-blue cloth or serge, with standing collar fastened with hook and eye; coat to close with a flap containing suitable concealed fastenings, the skirt to extend from one-third to two-thirds the distance from the hip joint to the bend of the knee, according to height of wearer; cut to fit the figure easily; a vertical opening at each side of hip according to pattern; shoulder straps and collar insignia to be worn. The coat to be trimmed with lustrous black mohair flat braid as follows: Edged all around the bottom, the front edges, the collar, and for six inches upward from the bottom along both side openings to the skirt, with braid 1/4 inches wide. This coat will be worn when full dress is not required. During the warm season post commanders may authorize this coat made of white duck or flannel, to be worn with white braid, but without shoulder straps or collar insignia.