Description

This is a sewn edge ground cloth measuring 46″ x 72″. It is made of sturdy canvas and coated on one side with a painted on rubberized coating. (thus the difference between “vulcanized” and “painted” material of the period. Research suggests that the terms were sometimes used interchangeably but painted also applies to many different methods including finished oil cloth) Although the Goodyear and similar patent vulcanized materials of the period were considered superior to some painted goods, painted goods also received favorable reviews in some military tests and were the standard in some items adopted by the Army such as haversacks, etc. Many were effective, even if maybe not as durable. (many vulcanized items also received poor reviews) These are marked for The Gutta Percha Manufacturing Company of NY, a documented period maker who utilized Murphy’s 1850s patents. Mass quantities of painted cloth items were sold in the North over a significant period, proving their worthiness and appropriateness for portrayal of any region. This is a well coated material and in field tests found suitable for it’s intended purpose to resist dampness as a ground cloth and shed water as a covering. It must also be stated that care and maintenance of your ground cloth is an important element of it’s life of effectiveness. Abuse of the item will result in the compromise of it’s effectiveness. If you are laying it out on sharp objects, such as pine cones, rocks, sharp sticks, etc, you will likely do some damage to it. If you use it for other than it’s intended purpose you may damage it. Proper drying is also essential to avoid weakening to it’s effectiveness. The condition and strength of the cotton material is directly related to the strength and durability of the painted coating.