Description

A popular form of outerwear dating from the 18th through the 19th century, sometimes also referred to as a Capote. A cloak coat made from wool blankets was a common item amongst the middle to lower classes on both sides of the line, and seen here in a pattern also observed in period advertisements for outer wear. Warm and efficient but at less cost than tailor made overcoats, they found use with men and women alike, civilians of all trades, and soldiers when making do was what was called for. This was a very popular style with frontiersmen in the pre-war period from the early part of the century to the post war period, as they had blankets to trade and both native Americans and plainsman utilized the resource. We used to carry this item regularly but quite candidly the pricing points on them increased beyond what we felt was reasonable so we simply stopped.  We recently discovered a small quantity we had put back in storage. This lot is made from our very popular 75% wool 25% shoddy dark brown blanket with the muted red strip. Average weight is a cozy 4 lbs.  A higher quality version which has a warm comfy quilted lining done in dark brown “manufactured silk”. This material was made to look like the cost prohibitive silk lining of the period – not overly shiny or synthetic looking – it looks just like, and actually feels like, the original silk items we have examined with a muted sheen similar to polished cotton. The coats come complete with a hood topstitched inside the large cape type collar which provides extra warmth on the shoulder. The machine sewn in hood can be removed without too much trouble, if preferred, but there is no need from an historic accuracy standpoint. (we have sold them in both configurations with excellent customer feedback) Two roomy inseam slash pockets – one on each side. The hood and the waist both close with a matching blanket belt and tie with sewn on belt loops. (this tie is bound on the edge with a machine applied blanket stitch – nice muted matching thread though and not too obtrusive – easily replaced if desired – tradesman often simply used a typical width leather belt) The coat was designed that it could be simply wrapped shut which should give plenty of room for any alternative closure you may desire. Buttons  or toggle frogs can easily be applied if preferred – we left this lot as is to keep cost to you at a minimum and leave personalization to you. All three styles are period correct and we have sold them in the past with these features as well. They are made in a Standard version and Long version as pictured, however this lot is available in Standard only in the larger sizes and Long only in the smaller sizes. (Standard is appr 36 ” from back center of collar seam to edge, and long is appr. 44″, pictured on our mannequin is the long version) Each coat is labeled for Thomas B. Campbell of Saint Paul, Minn. Campbell was listed up until 1861 as a maker of cloth and clothing including blankets, cold weather coats and mittens, and military goods. He also made shirts, socks and hats and had contracts during the war to outfit the 3rd and 4th Regiments of Minnesota Cavalry and Artillery.  The width indicated in the choices available is an actual measurement side seam to seam at the armpit with the coat closed to the designed 3″ minimum overlap – not associated with any modern chest sizing models. The side seam is straight and the measurement is derived from doubling the measurement from side seam to side seam with the coat closed. The coat can of course be closed with a significantly greater overlap. Remember what you wish to wear the coat over – measure yourself and choose appropriately please – all sales final on these coats unless received damaged or otherwise not as described.  NOTE: Very limited quantities – not likely they will ever be inventoried again at these prices.