Sheepskin coat

[caps]

After shivering through the NTR October shoot I come to the realization I need a periiod correct winter coat! For an 1870 persona would a sheepskin coat be approprate?

[St. George]

At that time, a Buffalo Coat or a heavy Blanket Wool coat would've been far more common, since those would have been the easiest to procure from available materials, and a Canvas Duck coat could also be bought.

That big sheepskin coat worn by the 'Marlboro Man' would come along much later in time.

In Winter, the Cowboy'd also be wearing a pair of cotton/wool blend longhandles, a flannel or wool shirt - quite possibly a sweater over the shirt and gloves/mittens/handwarmers - along with a good, long wool scarf.

If not in the Bunkhouse, he'd be working, so the clothing would fit the activity - with the Buffalo Coat being used for something more 'sedentary' - like riding or standing.

Should you opt for a Blanket Wool coat - you can make one yourself from available patterns.

Just make sure you use 100% wool (often available as some army's surplus) and probably a hard-finished cotton lining - use horn or hard rubber buttons or thongs and you're set.

Good Luck!

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Fox Creek Kid]

Caps, FWIW check your local thrift shops this time of year as usually someone has turned in an old style wool coat, e.g., Mackinaw.

[River City John]

River Junction Trade has a couple of nice winter-type coats.
http://www.riverjunction.com/catalog/ccoats/coldcoats.html

[Delmonico]

Caps, FWIW check your local thrift shops this time of year as usually someone has turned in an old style wool coat, e.g., Mackinaw.

Good idea, problem is it seems like the only ones who give them away are little guys.

[Texas Lawdog]

That is so true Del.

[caps]

I never have much luck with thrifts stores in these parts.  Lots of polyester from the 1970's Not much that would work for the 1870's!

[St. George]

While the town of York may not have much, it's between Grand Island and Lincoln and with a little more gas, even Omaha is within reach - and all have all sorts of thrift stores and flea markets and estate sales, so you could make a day of it.

The secret to finding anything at one is to go regularly and be aware of how an item can be modified, once you've located it.

The best time to find a coat of this type is in late Summer, when they bring them out of the back in preparation for early Winter's sales.

As previously mentioned, the 'problem' is finding anything in a large enough size, since larger sizes are valued highly by more folks who can also layer underneath, or can tailor to fit.

Good Luck!

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[caps]

Thanks Gentlemen. Would this fit the bill? Looks old to me.

[River City John]

Perfect!

[caps]

Thanks Gentlemen, I will post a picture when it comes in.