Is this shirt correct for anything or is the description a bunch of hooey?

[Dalton Masterson]

I have it and it's a nice shirt either way, but want opinions on correctness. http://www.atlantacutlery.com/p-758-cotton-cavalry-shirt.aspx

[Delmonico]

Not correct for issue, but a lot of what was worn on campaign wasn't issued anyway.  Custer was fond of bib shirts.

[Grenadier]

Depending on what level of correct you want. I would steer clear if this if you are wanting a replica of a 19th century shirt.

[Delmonico]

Other than perhaps the buttons which are easy to replace, what are you seeing in that shirt that I am not?

[Drydock]

Well, as has been said, bib front shirts were popular back then, but never were military issue.  The buttons do appear wrong, and if its a modern shiny polished cotton, well, throw it in the dryer with a bunch of jeans for a while.

[Grenadier]

The term "correct" can mean many different things to people who like to play dress up. 

Correct can mean proper fabric, proper pattern, proper construction methods etc. To others it can mean "Looks like the one John Wayne wore in Rio Bravo." 

We need to determine where "correct" falls on the sliding scale of correct. If I were seeking a shirt to represent the last half of the 19th century, then I would shy away from this one because of the fabric, construction method and because of the pattern. Again, it all depends on what a person is looking for in their impression.

[Delmonico]

So other than the buttons what do you see in the shirt that is incorrect? 

[Grenadier]

So other than the buttons what do you see in the shirt that is incorrect? 

"I would shy away from this one because of the fabric, construction method and because of the pattern"

[Delmonico]

"I would shy away from this one because of the fabric, construction method and because of the pattern"

So explain what is wrong with them, fabric is right, pattern is right and other than being sewn on a electric machine instead of a treadle I see nothing wrong with it from the picture and description.  And few can tell a treadle sewn from a modern electric, pretty generalization.  I could send it to a certain person I know and get his opinion on it but I doubt he'd see any problem with it other than maybe the buttons and he is the best 19th century tailor I know and will do one on a treadle if you want, in fact he can give you a choice of machines.

[Dalton Masterson]

Thanks guys. For the price it will be a nice CAS shoot, but didn't think it was at all military, although Atlanta Cutlery seems to think so.
It has nice Cavalry buttons on it, that I might rob for another project and replace at some point. Its nice and lightweight, which will be good for summer shoots.

DM

[Grenadier]

So explain what is wrong with them, fabric is right, pattern is right and other than being sewn on a electric machine instead of a treadle I see nothing wrong with it from the picture and description.  And few can tell a treadle sewn from a modern electric, pretty generalization.  I could send it to a certain person I know and get his opinion on it but I doubt he'd see any problem with it other than maybe the buttons and he is the best 19th century tailor I know and will do one on a treadle if you want, in fact he can give you a choice of machines.

Delmonico if it meets your standards then purchase one and wear it. It does not meet my standards for a 19th century shirt. I have already spelled it out for you. I am skeptical of the fabric, the construction methods and the pattern. I never mentioned the buttons, but I gurantee the button holes are machine sewn and I would also shy away from that. edited to add: Most of the stuff from Atlanta Cutlery/Museum Replicas is imported from India/Pakistan and it is well known to be of inferior quality. The replica Civil War stuff I have seen falls way short in the quality and in the historical quality.

Again, if it meets your standard and mental picture of what a 19th century shirt is supposed to look like than I congratulate you, but it does not meet my standards.

[Delmonico]

All I asked was why you say it's wrong, I build a lot of my stuff.  No need to get hostile when someone asks for a better definition of what you mean. 

If you can't explain the specifics of what is wrong with it than perhaps there is none.   From what I saw, the only thing I would question is the buttons, now if I had one in my grubby little paws I could tell you more, but I see nothing wrong with it from the picture and description, so enlighten me on what you actually see instead of a vague generalization that means nothing.

If you can't, then admit it, but I asked an honest question, I would expect an honest answer from someone that was knowledgeable.   My first request was because maybe you were seeing something I didn't because I just glanced at it.  I'm now just plain curious why you won't be specific, I can guess why, but for now I will give you the benefit of the doubt,.

[Grenadier]

Not hostile, sorry if I came off as being hostile....too much caffiene?


Specifically I am not certain about the fabric, as you said, without it being in hand there is no way to be 100%.  I am going on experience with imported historical clothing.

As I mentioned previously, most of the Pakistani and Indian made stuff is made with modern techniques and subpar materials.

The seams are more than likely sewn with a serger as on modern clothing and the button holes are machine sewn.

[Delmonico]

OK, no problem, I do put a big difference between clothes for shooting and for Living History.  I know I sometimes PO some, but I can't see becoming a stitch counter for a game played against steel targets against an electronic timer.  Nothing wrong with it if you want, but I've seen others try to hold folks to their standards for that, yet a lot of these same type won't come out and do living history demos. 

[Dalton Masterson]

Well I am going to withdraw my comment about correctness and just leave it as do you think this is a nice shirt?
It has been determined it is not of military style, and as for the modern construction, it is fine for me in the 21st century for when I go play cowboy. For the price, it will be fine.

It will not pass muster at all in a reenactor's encampment, that is true.
Thanks again.
DM

[Grenadier]

Everyone has their own view of where they want to be in any given activity. Myself, I strive for the closet I can get when it comes to replicating history. You have a very valid point, Delmonico about the shooting competition aspect.

[Books OToole]

I have a pre-1900 treadle sewing machine with a button-hole device/attachment.

I have no idea how to use it , but I have one.

Books

[Delmonico]

1890's I believe, not hard to use. 

[Delmonico]

You have a very valid point, Delmonico about the shooting competition aspect.

And I knew that's what Dalton had in mind, when it's 100 + at the GAF muster there are some things come out not PC like the yellow big jug on the range with sport drink in it.  Now I could make a period correct one, I know how, will do everything the new ones do, but it takes more work, I'd need to get a wooden cask to use and it leaves a bit to be desired as to taste.   Like shooting glasses and ear plugs, safety is a good idea, even at the expense of a little period correct. 

[Stu Kettle]

Hey Dalton,  are you really going to make it to the muster in June?  You talked me into it several years ago & haven't shown up since, except that one day to take some pictures.

Now about that shirt; are you trying to win a costume I mean uniform contest or are you coming to shoot?

Well I am going to withdraw my comment about correctness and just leave it as do you think this is a nice shirt?

That's not fair, you would throw a bone in the backyard & then take it back if the dogs scrapped over it