Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is an excellent offering! This is a fantastic condition Model 1851 Greatcoat dating to Indian Wars era. All New York State buttons are present. This is honestly one of the best we have seen from this era and it would be very difficult to upgrade from.
The overcoats used by both sides during the Civil War appear to have been based on the sky blue Army overcoat adopted in 1851. The 1851 overcoat is in general similar to the first US Army overcoat of 1817. The 1851 model had a longer cape and some other improvements, but used the model 1817 overcoat as an inspiration.
Regardless of where the original design came from it appears to be of a useful design with similar overcoats being worn for almost 100 years, the 1817 overcoat was gray and in 1885 the Army switched from sky blue to Saxony blue, but the basic design remained much the same.
This model greatcoat appears to have been also based off of the British Napoleonic Wars era examples. The US Army overcoat of 1817 does look similar to the style of greatcoats the British used during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812
The five-pound weighing greatcoat issued to the other ranks had a stand-up collar, and a cape reaching nearly to the elbow; though contemporary illustrations show it much higher. A board of officers reported in 1811: "that the cape should be fastened at the corners and behind, so as to prevent the men from drawing it over their ears when on sentry, or the wind from blowing it in their eyes in tempestuous weather." There is no evidence that this recommendation was ever implemented. In fact into the 1830s the cape was seen being used by "the lazy or chilly sentry to fasten round his ears." Underneath the cape were two shoulder straps which served to keep the soldier's crossbelts in place. To hold the cape from flapping about, it appears the straps of the knapsack were worn over the cape. The length of the greatcoat was noted as being well past the knee to the point of impeding the soldier's marching and it was suggested in 1811 that the length be reduced to one inch below the knee. In 1809 functional pockets were added.
This example is in wonderful condition and comes more than ready for further research and display.
Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 26”
Shoulder to shoulder: 15”
Chest width: 18.5"
Waist width: 22"
Hip width: 27.5”
Front length: 46"
