Looking for a period sack coat

Roscoe Coles · August 12, 2009, 06:10:39 PM

Well, by the looks of it no one knows whats happening with Walton and Taylor and I can't seem to get hold of them so I'm a bit stuck. I am looking for an authentic 1870s civilian sack coat but what I can find is either military or just does not look right. While I sew many of my own clothes I know that a sack coat is beyond my skills. So, can anyone point me to someone who is doing authentic work based off of original pieces and/or original patterns?

James Hunt · August 12, 2009, 07:17:31 PM

You may wish to try:

www.ushist.com/wardrobe.htm

Several years ago I purchased a vest from them that I am very satisfied with, constructed well, PC, but like other custom makers probably about a three or four month wait.

River City John · August 12, 2009, 09:05:31 PM

Many of us have had a great experience with Jean at James Country Mercantile. She is reasonable and knowledgeable about fabrics and styles.

www.jamescountry.com

RCJ

Will Ketchum · August 12, 2009, 09:10:31 PM

I would suggest River Junction Trade Co. You can check them out on line at ww.riverjunction.com

Will Ketchum

River City John · August 12, 2009, 09:42:14 PM

Quote from: Will Ketchum on August 12, 2009, 09:10:31 PM
I would suggest River Junction Trade Co. You can check them out on line at ww.riverjunction.com

Will Ketchum

www.riverjunction.com should fix your link, I Will. Yes, Jim is very knowledgeable and good people to work with also.

Both merchants run specials and offer deals on three piece Civilian suits from time to time. Very easy to talk to on the phone.

Roscoe Coles · August 12, 2009, 10:09:57 PM

The coasts at USHIST look Ok but I'd prefer a 4 button to a three and its hard to tell when its not on a body. The others just don't look right. The ones at River Junction (who I have been dealing with for almost 20 years) have patch pockets, which were done but were a mark of a relatively low quality coat, and the one James country just look nothing like a period sac coat, though again, its hard to tell when its just laid out flat. Its hard to pick things from a tiny, bad, picture. Anyone have a photo of themselves modeling their sack coats (along with a note of where it came from)?

Its hard to say why but a lot of stuff I see just does not look correct. The fabrics are wrong (wrong material, wrong patters, to thick etc.), the cut is wrong (more like a modern sport coat etc), or they just don't hang right. In part I think its because we are far too hung up on cleanliness (my old runnin partner used to refer to modern people as "the great washed") and as a result when we wear period clothing we just look wrong. The clothes are too clean and they simply don't appear lived in, they don't fit us like we have been wearing them everyday for weeks. During the period most people didn't own a lot of clothes and they did not wash them much (just the undershirts, cuffs and collars in most cases). As a result, clothing was lived in more and it looked different. As I say, its a hard thing to quantify but its real. Something that is properly made looks real, something that is not looks like a costume.

I'm not criticizing anyone or their stuff, I'm just on a quest for the best sack coat I can find, something that looks right.

Will Ketchum · August 12, 2009, 10:25:34 PM

Roscoe, what you say is true. We also don't sell right, but then again if we did we wouldn't be welcome in very many places. We also live way too long. Few people lived to be my age (65) in the 19th century. I do now what you mean though. We just don't have that rumpled, lived in look.

Will Ketchum

Dr. Bob · August 12, 2009, 11:27:15 PM

I would endorse James Country Mercantile. They are my primary tailor and I am extremely satisfied with the clothing that they produce!!

Roscoe Coles · August 13, 2009, 02:35:27 AM

Well Doc, if you have picture of you in a James county sac coat, post it so I can give them another look.

Lone Gunman · August 13, 2009, 10:04:59 AM

Quote from: Roscoe Coles on August 12, 2009, 06:10:39 PM
While I sew many of my own clothes I know that a sack coat is beyond my skills.

I case you change your mind CLICK HERE for a reprint of an article from The Shootist about converting a modern sport coat into a sack coat.

Dr. Bob · August 13, 2009, 02:11:35 PM

Hey Lone Gunman,

Would you PLEASE post the picture of me in my plaid sack suit from the May/June Shootist? Please oh please!

Lone Gunman · August 13, 2009, 08:00:27 PM

Against the advice of my Samoan attorney, who insisted that I first collect 'eye damage' waivers from anyone who may feel victimized by this travesty of the visible light spectrum, I present to you, in living color, Doctor Bob:

I'd considered shopping this photo to the Obama administration as a poster for their 'healthcare reform' but was afraid that would get my name on the terrorist watch list.

Dr. Bob · August 13, 2009, 08:08:14 PM

LG,

Thanks!!

Roscoe,

They will be happy to make them in solid colors. They also have an 1878 pattern that is somewhat different in cut. More of a notch lapel and more pockets. It is also nice and I have a couple in that style. Check with Jean about fabrics currently available or she will use your fabric if you can find what you want. I have both wool and corduroy coats from them and am very satisfied with both!! As you can see from the picture, I am some what of a cut up!

River City John · August 13, 2009, 08:31:02 PM

OH MY GOD!! IT'S IN 3-D!!!

Dr. Bob · August 13, 2009, 08:47:30 PM

Yep, real purty, if I do say so myself!!

Ottawa Creek Bill · August 13, 2009, 09:27:24 PM

GAWD!

Bill

Tascosa Joe · August 14, 2009, 11:58:59 AM

I always thought Dr Bob and Spec Rhoades from the Porter Wagoner show were kin. They have the same taste in fabric.

James Hunt · August 14, 2009, 03:00:28 PM

I feel violated!

Dr. Bob · August 14, 2009, 07:02:52 PM

Mr. Hunt,

Pretty weak kneed for a tough old buffalo hunter!!

Delmonico · August 14, 2009, 07:10:58 PM

Well I for one like it, besides I'm safe, BO says I can keep the Dr. I already have.