Dark brown Confederate shell jackets

[RetiredCanuck]

I've seen plenty of photos with dark brown trousers i.e. civilian origin.
Any anecdotal evidence or photographs indicating confederates used darker brown materials for commutation or issue shell jackets.
I'm not talking darker shade of butternut, I mean actual chocolate brown.

Any insight?

 

[52ndFandS]

I've seen plenty of photos with dark brown trousers i.e. civilian origin.
Any anecdotal evidence or photographs indicating confederates used darker brown materials for commutation or issue shell jackets.
I'm not talking darker shade of butternut, I mean actual chocolate brown.

Any insight?

From what I've read when Florida troops headed north their commutation jackets were brown. Not butternut or an off shade. Dark brown, very coarse jean. That might have just been one regiment but it's in the history.

 

[RedRover]

Arthur P. Ford of Mannigault's SC Artillery noted receiving at one time dark brown coats:

In late 1861 the 3rd Louisiana's company K received dark brown uniform clothing:

From Confederate Veteran, 1928:

 

[RetiredCanuck]

Hmmm. I have some dark brown wool fabric left over and am churning my brain about what to make from it as a winter project. I have only enough to make a pair of trousers or a shell jacket. Based on above, either would be at least historically correct.
I'll have a think and make a final decision later in the year.

 

[52ndFandS]

Hmmm. I have some dark brown wool fabric left over and am churning my brain about what to make from it as a winter project. I have only enough to make a pair of trousers or a shell jacket. Based on above, either would be at least historically correct.
I'll have a think and make a final decision later in the year.

Is it excessively coarse, stiff, and terribly uncomfortable jean? I mean, historical accuracy and all.

 

[RetiredCanuck]

Is it excessively coarse, stiff, and terribly uncomfortable jean? I mean, historical accuracy and all.

Sadly no. It's 100% standard wool fabric. Actually recycling the material from a monk's robe I used for a Halloween costume back in the day.
I haven't re-enacted for years because I'm 70, so no idea what I will do with the finished product either trousers or jacket. I'm still leaning towards a jacket, because I could wear it in public and 99% of people in my neck of the woods would have no idea what it was. No controversy....
Plus something to do over the winter months. It would be my first 100% hand sewn item, because we no longer have a sewing machine.

 

[captaindrew]

A more accurate choice for brown broadcloth might be a period civilian sack coat. That would be a pretty practical and comfortable garment and something that shows up in Confederate photos. Do some searching around for some ideas. I highly doubt there was ever a CS shell jacket, at least a depot issue, made of brown broadcloth.