Civilian Mens coat, vest etc.

[jppard]

Hello:

I looked at myself in the mirror the other day and did not know this older person looking back at me. I said to my self " It's time to change your impression if you want to stay in this hobby". I know little about the civilian impression for the 1840's to the 1860's and I need to start to put together an impression. My qustion is were is the best source of that information (ie) books etc. and who are the quailty makers of jackets, vest etc.


Jppard
7th VA USA
10 VA/14tN CSA
1st NYL (Stevenson Regiment) Co D/I&C
Guarding the California Coast 1846-1852

[Ian McWherter]

Re: Civilian Mens coat, vest etc.

Hello:

I looked at myself in the mirror the other day and did not know this older person looking back at me. I said to my self " It's time to change your impression if you want to stay in this hobby". I know little about the civilian impression for the 1840's to the 1860's and I need to start to put together an impression. My qustion is were is the best source of that information (ie) books etc. and who are the quailty makers of jackets, vest etc.


Jppard
7th VA USA
10 VA/14tN CSA
1st NYL (Stevenson Regiment) Co D/I&C
Guarding the California Coast 1846-1852

Hello Mr. Perry,

At the recent California Volunteer Program at Fort Tejon State Historic Park I brought my entire collection of original civilian clothing down and gave and short talk on original men's clothing. The volunteers were welcome to fondle the garments as much as they pleased and ask any questions they liked. My collection spans from 1840-1870, the bulk of the collection dates to before the Civil War. Starting last year I've been bringing down parts of my collection (or the whole thing) to the events I attend here in California, so that members of the living history community who are interested in learning more about civilian clothing can have the first hand opportunity to examine original clothing, something that I feel is critically important to developing an accurate impression. When you know what original clothing looks like, you'll be better prepared to make an informed decision as to who does the best job reproducing various citizen clothing items.

Let me know what events you're planning on attending and if I'm going to be at the same one I'll make sure to bring some examples with me, or you can swing by my place, I live in downtown Sacramento, and look at my entire collection. I also have an extensive library of research material on early to mid-19th century civilian clothing.

For starters though, I recommend every man interested in putting together a citizens impression purchase a copy of Michael Zakim's Ready-Made Democracy: A History of Men's Dress in the American Republic. 1760-1860. It is one of the most comprehensive works ever done on the subject and is an enlightening and fascinating read.

[Drygoods]

Re: Civilian Mens coat, vest etc.

[QUOTE=jppard;173491]I looked at myself in the mirror the other day and did not know this older person looking back at me. I said to my self " It's time to change your impression if you want to stay in this hobby".

Greetings Mr. Perry,
It's good to hear from you again!:D Well, I can certainly relate to what you're saying, David and I both are changing our impressions quite a bit. If you're not going with the 1st NY at Tent Town, a simple overshirt would suffice there, because as you know you're always welcome at our door/table.
However, my hope is that you'll be able to attend Placerville, Gibson Ranch, and best of all, Tres Pinos. I'd be happy to get you introduced into the civy group (NCWA), but most important to me would be the thrill of having you, Pat, and Nelson, as boarders at TP!
Another note about Tres Pinos which I haven't shared yet, is that I hear a new venue being moved there will be a firehouse which should be in place before our September event. If you like the idea of being a fireman, then you could try that impression. I would be happy to draft something, but there is a great thread of period firemen on this forum.
Also, if you join the Brotherhood of Aeolus, you'll need the smoking robe, Nelson has the pattern, as well as Jay Johnson. I can draft another if you want to join the group (bascially guys your age who have a good deal of fun Saturday evenings)

Adding a bit more from the other posts.......I think that I have the same book that Ian mentioned, and would be happy to give you my copy, so send a PM with your address. All my original pieces are gone, sold my whole collection in December, but Jen and Chris have much of it at their antique shop. As to where to buy from online, they have a nice group of vendors here, but must say that I don't know them all. I've seen some nice things made by Kara Bartels? so Corner Clothiers might be a good start???

Delighted to hear that you'll have some new impressions and look forward to seeing you soon.

[jppard]

Re: Civilian Mens coat, vest etc.

Thanks, Mrs Peoples and Ian. I'll be at almost all the events this year. For sure the Diggings in June. Some, I'll be doing drum major with the fife and drum. Ian I'll contact you directly for a nice dandy outfit. Pat McKenna my sell a pair of the NYL gray trousers. Hope you all had a great winter.

Jppard
7thVA USA
10 VA and 14TN CSA
Drum Major California Fife and Drum
1st New York Volunteers (Stevenson Regiment) Co D/ Iand C
Guarding the California Coast 1846-1852