Trivia 4-25-18 Coats

[Wallyfish]

I could find no winter coat flap documentation (web or the CW uniform book I have).

I am going with a Greatcoat. An untrained eye could consider the cape as two front flaps. The cape was used to provide weather protection to the head and neck. I read a lot on this Greatcoat and no source called the cape flaps. While there are many variations of civil war uniforms, the Greatcoat was the "standard" issue for the winter season.

Can't wait to see what the question source is referring to.

 

[roberts]

This was called a great coat or a watchcoat. The shoulder flap formed an elbow length cape that was split in front and could be buttoned. It gave protection from precipitation and the cape could be wrapped around the head. The coat also had long cuffs that could be used as mittens. The cape and cuffs consisted of three flaps.

 

[Stony]

Revised. Part 3. If you mean how many capes then my answer is 1.

 

[ErnieMac]

The winter coat was called a greatcoat. The shoulder flap was to prevent rain from penetrating through the button holes. I am aware of two flaps, the shoulder flap and a hidden flap to button the slit in the back of the coat.

 

[Schwallanscher]

that question keeps me wondering. the first part is easy. they are called great coats. shoulderflaps are usually for affixing epaulettes or normal rang insignia. i've yet to see an us army greatcoat (19th century) that has any. so the answer would be none. they are also not mentioned here or here (or any other flaps for that matter).

as flap is used in sigular and in a way that gives the impression there is one it could mean the cape (but i never heard it referred to as shoulder flap ever) in this case the answers would be one of course and additional weather protection.

found on pinterest

 

[SWMODave]

In a followup to this question, I have located a photo of an overcoat with two shoulder straps but this was early 1861 and all coats I have located afterwards show no straps, and according to the regs, the color difference between officers and enlisted was removed. Also, these straps do appear in later 19th century officer overcoats.

 

[hoosier]

I have a feeling this isn't going to be right, but here goes.

It was called a greatcoat. The shoulder flaps were part of a cape attached to the coat. Each coat had two flaps, one with buttons and the other with buttonholes, so that the cape could be pulled together in front if the weather called for it.

 

[lelliott19]

Greatcoat. The infantry version was single breasted with a standing collar and has a single-layer cape which reached to the elbows when the arms were extended. (I assume this is what is referenced as shoulder flaps?) The cape was part of the design to add warmth and to shed rain/snow. https://www.regtqm.com/Great-Coat-Infantry-Pattern-p/feu-002.htm

 

[connecticut yankee]

GREATCOAT

Federal Enlisted Infantry Overcoat/Greatcoat

...Worn over his uniform during the cold months, Union soldiers were issued a greatcoat from the Quartermaster whereas Confederates usually recovered discarded coats along the road (from marching federals during the warmer months) or from captured depots. As per the U.S. Army regulations, "1568. All other Enlisted Men [not Mounted]--of sky-blue cloth; stand-up collar; single-breasted; cape to reach down to the elbows when the arm is extended, and to button all the way up; buttons "


As to "Flaps" on a greatcoat, what is a Flap?!? I'll guess three--- two sleeve/ cuff "flaps" and the shoulder "flap" known as the cape to keep out rainwater and for extra warmth.

 

[ami]

Answer: Great Coat. "Union Cavalry and Mounted Artillery soldiers were issued double-breasted great coats to be worn over their uniforms during the winter. All other soldiers were issued single-breasted great coats." And, you would have used it like a scarf/shawl.

Edit - It's quite apparent that numerous players were confused by the parts of the question referring to "flaps." For that reason, I am going to discard those parts of the question.

As for the answer to the first part of the question, sources refer to it variously as a greatcoat, an overcoat, or a cloak coat. I will accept any of those as a correct answer.

hoosier