Description

This was a very popular style during the period which was designed to fall a bit below the military waist – on the arm just above the wrist joint. Giving full access to waist accoutrements but covering the tops of a sword or revolver carried at the proper height on a waist belt – these capes are functional and practical. The approximate length of the skirt on the front is 25″, the back is 30″, both from collar seam to hem edge. (a bit longer in the back than the front due to collar configuration, etc.) Made of vulcanized cotton drill, just as period advertisements offered, with a fold over collar which can be turned up against the weather. Made of a tighter weave and lighter weight vulcanized cotton drill, not as heavy as some and more comfortable, just as period advertisements offered. Actually, more difficult to make as fine as this when compared to some heavier fabrics.  This is a very comfortable weight material with a finish comparable and almost identical to a piece of original vulcanized material in our collection. We are very excited to offer it with these capes. (based upon period advertisement there should be much more rubberized drill seen in reproduction products and clothing to be properly proportioned in period industry representation) Sewn construction with hand sewn button holes and vulcanize rubber covered buttons with tin back. Five button front which closes the cape securely but also allows for wearing mounted. Skirt is hemmed. No sleeve or arm holes in pattern – as seen in period advertisement. Vulcanized rubber capes were made by many different manufacturers during the pre-war and wartime period as evidenced by the many advertisements for such goods extant. Worn extensively by civilian and military alike – a cottage industry for them was built on political and fraternal organizations themselves. Of course, these capes could be worn by the ladies as well. (as an excellent single source on the subject we are happy to recommend Mike Woshner’s “India-Rubber and Gutta-Percha in the Civil War Era) Of the many makers advertising the product, the Rubber Clothing Company had possibly the widest spread distribution with stores and factories from Chicago to Boston, predating the war so still appropriate for either side. Interior can be stamped with their Cincinnati mark, or for our Southern patrons, D.B. Camp of Savannah, one of the very few documented Southern manufacturers of rubber goods and clothing items with both pre-war and wartime production. (please let us know your stamping preference in comments with order or we will choose based on the shipping address if possible. No returns based on stamp if no preference is indicated by customer) Our vulcanized rubber cotton drill material is made with a process much closer to the period method than most modern rubberized material. It involves some manual labor resulting in occasional minor variations in finished surface. It is vulcanized, not merely painted and the result is the closest thing we have seen when compared to original examples, period photos, and descriptions from military and civilian trial reports. CAPE SIZING INFORMATION: These are full capes and could accommodate nearly any size chest although patterned for the man of average proportion. (understanding of course, a larger torso does effect the length the cape falls to) The neck is oversized to accommodate being worn over the coat and some accoutrements. Actual neck measurement is appr. 22″. Making these capes correctly, as we do, takes quite a lot vulcanized material. We have competitively priced them despite the increasing cost of this expensive product. I have personally used one in the field and have had many positive reports from others who have also done so.