Description

Here is an item that is well documented and was relatively common during the period, and yet extremely under represented in Living History circles. This is a full bodied cape cut at a standard length falling to about the top of the knee on a man measuring average height. (a bit longer in the back as is typically seen on period examples, the material of the skirt measures 35-36″ from base of  the collar in front and 39-40″ from collar base in back. (photo of back view of gray cape on mannequin is 6′) The collar is made large to accommodate coat collars underneath so the overall skirt length is longer as it does not start at the mid neck, like a tunic, but lower at the clavicle. A cape such as this actually takes more material to make than a coat of the same size and length and is priced accordingly)  The sizing on capes really only pertains critically to the collar. We have made ours to accommodate most everyone with a 21+” collar, as measured from center of top button to the center of button hole (buttons can be moved in if desired, narrowing the front collar opening) The blue capes are labeled for documented New York maker Jno. Hanford and the gray capes for D.B. Camp of Savannah. (We acknowledge both gray and blue were popular colors for civilian clothing in the North, and on both sides of the lines especially in the pre-war period. We have applied these labels based on the far majority of our customer’s ordering preferences. The label should not preclude purchases from the northern side of the line wishing to portray a citizen’s impression with these longer gray capes) A cape was a less expensive and very practical alternative for the officer, especially the lower grades who could not afford the cloak coat or did not want to carry it, and was also very versatile and could be wrapped about the soldier or even laid out as blanket. It also does not encumber the officer from wearing his accoutrement underneath while attending to duties. Made in fine navy blue wool or mottled gray wool, the same as our cloak coat, and lined in black cotton/muslin with a standard style falling collar which can be turned up against wind and weather. For this run the blue version closes with five medium coat size Infantry eagle “I” buttons down the front and the gray with matching fabric covered buttons, with all buttonholes hand sewn. These capes were most often made plain so we have done so for you, however, handsome examples are also extant with braid applied to the edge in black and even the color of branch of service. We leave that to you to make the statement you prefer. We have elected to make this run without arm slits as there is simply too much variation in where customers prefer them to be. Capes of the period were commonly made both with and without them and if desired they are relatively simple to add. This item is also quite appropriate for any civilian, even the ladies, with a simple change of buttons. In my mind there are few images that strike a more classic figure than the officer in a cape. We are happy yet again to offer an important addition to the winter kit without breaking the bank. VERY LIMITED RUN.