Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

[BrianHicks]

I tried a a search for 'Civilian Rain Coats' and had no luck... so, I'm bringing this question here.

What types of outer garments where men wearing, to protect them from wet weather. I know that the Federal Army started using the Talma (rubberized rain coat) in 1858 or so). What was being used by civilians? A similar garment? A Rubberized coat similar to the Talma?

Are there any existing samples of originals?

Thanks

[Andy Ackeret]

Re: Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

Brian,

"Stonewall" Jackson was wearing a raincoat when he was shot at Chancellorsville. I believe it's pictured in Echoes of Glory (can't check, I'm at work, and my copy is at home). Oops, Make that The Commanders of the Civil War, by William C. Davis, page 15.

[Utley]

Re: Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

Brian,

There is a nice image of an easterner going west in the book Silver and Gold: Cased Images of the Gold Rush that has a completely outfitted future miner wearing what appears to be a rubberized rain coat. I tried to find the picture online but was unsuccessful. I'll show you next time I see you if you can't find it.

[FDTaylor]

Re: Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

Jackson's raincoat was being exhibited at the VMI museum. I believe I heard it was being preserved a year or so ago, but I think it is back on display now. There is a picture of the coat at the VMI website, but it's not a great one:

http://www4.vmi.edu/museum/jackson.html

--------
Fred D. Taylor
Co. G, Portsmouth Rifles
9th Virginia Infantry

[FDTaylor]

Re: Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

Just found a better view of the rain coat from a private website:

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1052629142027581078LpLeRb

Hope this helps.
--------
Fred D. Taylor
Co. G, Portsmouth Rifles
9th Virginia Infantry

[VA-Patriot'61]

Re: Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

Brian,
If you went to the VMI museum website and contacted them I am positive they will be more than willing to send you pictures and details about Jacksons raincoat.

I saw the coat probably once a month for the last four years and it never crossed my drained mind to take pictures of it and write down the information. They are still in the process of setting everything up in the new museum but I know the staff would be happy to send you the info on the coat.

Its a dandy little coat that I haven't seen copied anywhere yet.

Cheers,

[Matthew Semple]

Re: Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

Brian,

"Stonewall" Jackson was wearing a raincoat when he was shot at Chancellorsville. I believe it's pictured in Echoes of Glory (can't check, I'm at work, and my copy is at home).

The one exhibited in Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equiment of the Union Army is the Private George Stinchfield Coat. He served in the 12th Maine and it is believe that he purchased the coat with his own funds.

It was on sale at The Horse Soldier in Gettysburg a few years ago. Attached is a copy of what ran on their website when it was up for sale. Pictures are included also.

[Annette Bethke]

Re: Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

Here is a photo from the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania. http://www.tiny.cc/9Sy8D

Atlanta History Center also offers a civilian men's coat through their Peachtree Mercantile line.

http://www.atlhist.org/template.cfm?cid=555

[Matthew Semple]

Re: Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

India Rubber clothing was available from the mid-1850s in the civilian market. Mike Woshner's book India-Rubber and Gutta-Percha in the Civil War Era: an Illustrated History of Rubber and Pre-Plastic Antiques and Militaria shows some civilian advertisements for single and double-breasted raincoats and rubber capes. He also describes and shows a few pictures of these garments.

Also, I have been wanting to make myself a double-breasted raincoat for several years now. I finally have 6 yards of India Rubber and 10 original gutta percha buttons on hand and have yet to draft myself a pattern. Would anyone be willing to take on this project as commission work?

[Matthew Semple]

Re: Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

Oil cloth garments were also available during the period. Attached is a description and picture of an oil cloth talma that belonged to Brevet LT Colonel Elbert H. Fordham of the 6th Massachusetts Cavalry.

[FranklinGuardsNYSM]

Re: Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

Far left guy in this Sanitary Commission image.

[BrianHicks]

Re: Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

Outstanding responses!

I greatly appreciate all of the information provided.

[Andy Ackeret]

Re: Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

Oops, I had remembered the wrong book. A clear, large picture of Jackson's raincoat is in The Commanders of the Civil War, by William C. Davis, page 15.

[Smokey Toes]

Re: Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

Hey Brian....

When did Marines start wearing snivel gear?

Your not letting this retirement thing make you soft are you?

Now go do some flutter kicks.....

Best,

[tmdreb]

Re: Civilian Rain Coats or outer Garments

Rubber coats were also seen in Texas during the Revolution of 1835-36, and I believe they were rather new at the time.