New York State Coats

[Prodical Reb]

Re: New York State Coats

..... P.S. Jason- boy do I have a treat for you. I looked at the USAMHI's (United States Army Military Heritage Institute) digital image collection and found a photo of Col. W. Dwight of the 70th NYSV. In the background stands a private in, of all things an SNY jacket. So now you know, at least some of the men, for part of the war had SNY jackets.

Nice pic! What I really like is the flooring in the officers tents. Also note that the col's pants seem way to long for his boots! His boots are very clean and shiny! Look like new! It may be just my opinion but that private doesn't seem to be wearing a cartridge box belt. His waist belt appears to be the only thing holding it up. I say this because of the position of the C-box on his back and the belt at the top of the belt loops on the C-box.

[Guy Gane III]

Re: New York State Coats

Herr Schmidt,

I think that what others are explaining is actually quite helpful. The handful of units that the other posters have mentioned sounds, to me, like research. Hell, I wouldnt have known some of those units would have worn them.

I had an Excelsior jacket... then one day it disappeared. Talking to Marc Hermann, now I want to make one for myself. (I attack Marc every chance I get!)I've been working on too many other projects to find the time, currently, to make one. It won't be a faded wish!

I used to portray the 49th NY, Company B and the 49th was issued the jacket. (I'll have to post a pic of Myron Turner, from Company A.) I would love to wear it at every event, because I feel as comfy in the SNY jacket as an unlined sack coat.

....but that would be incorrect. As is most of reenacting.

Warning!!!! You may not like my opinions, below!!!

Like I've said before... the distinction between doing a Living History/EFUBU and your run of the mill event has become very blurry. It's too much of the "home unit's impression" and not contributing to the whole of the event.

Example: If we are portraying the XYZ Pennsylvania, why is there always someone getting away with wearing an SNY or Ohio jacket... if the XYZ only was issued sack coats or frocks? (Also, the unit being portrayed wasn't brigaded with a NY unit... so you can't get away with... "Oh I traded my sack for this nifty jacket" - it doesn't cut it.)

I call it irresponsibility on behalf of the Company Commander/President of the unit that houses those people. Some people won't listen or learn... thanks for ruining it for someone who cares. :wink_smil

[Son of Eire]

Re: New York State Coats

" It may be just my opinion but that private doesn't seem to be wearing a cartridge box belt. His waist belt appears to be the only thing holding it up. I say this because of the position of the C-box on his back and the belt at the top of the belt loops on the C-box."

Michael, I thought this is well. Certainly some nice elements there to put into an impression. USAMHI has a large collection of largely unpublished and unknown images. Included are many photos of unidentified NY troops, or possibly troops from other Northern States outfitted in SNY jackets. This remains the best source I have found for photos of NY state coats in the field.

[Guy Gane III]

Re: New York State Coats

Here is the picture of Myron Turner... Company A, 49th Regiment New York Infantry. (aka: The Second Buffalo)

From the History of the 49th New York Volunteers Compiled by Frederick David Bidwell (1916):

"Turner, Myron - Age, 21 years. Enlisted August 22, 1861, at Fredonia, to serve three years; mustered in private, Company A, August 24, 1861; re-enlisted and promoted to corporal, December 16, 1863; wounded in action, May 6, 1864, at the Wilderness, Virginia; transferred to Twenty-second Company, Second Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps, March 21, 1865, from which mustered out, November 21, 1865, at Washington, D.C."

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: New York State Coats

Hallo!

Moderator hat on...

As long as this thread stays on the history-heavy side of Life with a discussion of the "NY jacket" and (historical) NY units wearing it, and does not cross the line into Farbery such as 'I'm in a recreated NY unit, and like wearing the NY jacket while posing for photographs or walking on Sutlers' Row..." it can stay.

Thanks.

Curt

[Prodical Reb]

Re: New York State Coats

Here is another private in a roundabout from A Co, 161st NY. His name is Anson Retan and the image is currently for sale on E-Gay. This jacket seems differnt in cut than the ones seen in this thread. Is it a NYS jacket. What are the differences between a NYS jacket and other roundabouts? Trim, construction, lining, collar, etc....

[FranklinGuardsNYSM]

Re: New York State Coats

That's one of 'em.

The rounded bottom, the shape and orientation of the pockets, and the epaulets are very commonly encountered. The trim on the collar and epaulets varies in type, size, and color, and sometimes is not easily discernible in period images.

The 1863 NYS regulations for its National Guard troops specifies a jacket similar, but with the immediately identifiable (for photo research purposes) addition of the inverted-V trim on the cuffs.

Lining on NYS jackets is typically in the breast and sleeves only, with the center-back and princess seams pressed open and covered with lengths of wool tape. Interlining is burlap material.