Description

This a fine example of the commercially available officer’s winter greatcoat commonly referred to as the cloak coat. As opposed to the frog and toggle closure on the front it has the proper sized large “I” buttons in the double breasted pattern, twelve in all. (seen on may documented original examples) The cape has 12 small sized “I” buttons as well. The coat is made of fine officer’s quality navy blue wool, lined in black cotton/muslin. The cape is full and also lined. One interior beast pocket. Marked inside for NY Maker Jno. Hanford. Around the collar, the complete edge of the coat and the cape, is applied herringbone weave black cotton braid. On each sleeve is also applied a double row of fine black silk braid. These adornments were applied by makers on many officer’s clothing items as a decorative element in a much less regimented fashion than the regulations might have desired, and so not so definitive of rank as they might have been with the Regulars. Most officer’s who privately purchased these coats would have been unlikely to make it a high priority to have the braid changed as promoted, let alone purchase a new coat – even as they may have advanced to field grade positions during the course of the war. (some General officers a possible exception) All of the button holes on this coat and cape are hand sewn – that is 24 separate pieces of hand work on each coat! Just above the length of the sleeve are two slanted slash pockets on the front of the coat to tuck the hands into and keep them warm as well. This is a feature seen on many original examples, placed in almost as many positions and configurations as coats we have examined. This placement is the most convenient we have examined and so we chose it for this production run. This is not an item we have offered every year and when we do is offered in winter season only. They are a lot of work to make, take a lot of material and time, but the result is very satisfying. Such an item is usually the last in priority for officers then and now, especially the young and company grade fellows. Often very expensive to boot, we are proud to offer this fine quality at half of what we have seen them priced at elsewhere, when available. Remember when sizing these coats are made to wear over the standard sack coat or frock. We recommend at least one full size above your coat size and two if you plan to cover any accoutrement such as sword. The actual measurement of the coat at the chest is about 2″ bigger than the coat size. (ie. a size 50 has a chest measurement of 52″ at the armpit)