Description

A fine example of a common men’s coat of the period with application to both civilians and military officers alike. Virtually the same pattern as a well-documented private purchase officers sack coat, the form for which was basically copied from the civilian coat. Notched civilian collar on this commercial pattern sturdy tight weave white cotton drill sack coat with one exterior breast pocket and two lower exterior pockets. Cotton drill was a popular and common fabric of the period – also often used to make vulcanized raincoats, capes, and “water proof” coverings. (trousers and vests also available) Interior is lined in unbleached muslin cotton and has one inseam breast pocket. Sleeves are also lined in unbleached muslin. Four button front with plain non-functional cuff. I have worn one of these for years as my stable/riding frock – in addition to their many civilian applications, white canvas and drill coats were worn by surgeons, naval officers, and army officers at their leisure, on post and in camp. In the post war period even authorized by Army directives. As a bonus, this run has our original white metal shank white porcelain buttons. (stock photos for garment illustration purposes may also show cloth covered, Staff Eagle, or bone buttons. Close-up shows the original buttons as also seen on our cottons drill “Common Coat) All buttonholes are hand sewn. This run is marked for Noah Walker, documented wartime and pre-war maker of Baltimore, as is the matching trousers also listed. A fine smart looking coat! (entrepeneurs, shopkeepers and the like were also keen on the white cotton coat)  NOTE: These coats are not sized according to modern standardized models which include “vanity inches” in the process. The actual measurement of the chest of these coats at the armpit is only 1 to 1-1/2″ greater than the chest size. This coat has straight side seams with no fitted waist taper – it is a true “sack” coat. The sack coat was generally designed to fit more loosely than the common coat, thus the straight side seam, but many period photos do show them being worn quite tightly. Although our clothing items have found widespread approval – uniforming and outer clothing is not our primary business and until now we have restricted sale of such items to over the counter sales at events and at the shop, where the purchaser has the opportunity to try on the item before purchase. We take no orders for clothing to be made. PLEASE disregard modern sizing models when considering a purchase and instead utilize the actual garment measurements provided in the item description, against the actual measurements of your torso with the clothing on you wish the coat to fit over, prior to purchase. If you are unsure please email us with questions.