Frock coat's rear pockets?

[major bill]

Union Civil War enlisted frock coats were to have two pockets in the rear skirts. Throughout the War were these always functional pockets or did the Union contractors cut corners and switch to non functional rear skirt pockets?

Also many enlisted frock coats were made with non functional sleeves that did not really unbutton and open. I know the hooks to turn the skirts into tails to aid marching and help keep the legs cooler were often eliminated. It would make sense that the rear skirt pockets would be deleted as well.

 

[Package4]

Union Civil War enlisted frock coats were to have two pockets in the rear skirts. Throughout the War were these always functional pockets or did the Union contractors cut corners and switch to non functional rear skirt pockets?

Also many enlisted frock coats were made with non functional sleeves that did not really unbutton and open. I know the hooks to turn the skirts into tails to aid marching and help keep the legs cooler were often eliminated. It would make sense that the rear skirt pockets would be deleted as well.

I may be wrong and often am, but I think you will find that the Federal contract coats were made and inspected to spec. State and private purchase would be most likely with relaxed specs. Tail pockets were dual purpose, it allowed for the placement of weights to eliminate creases and wrinkles while on dress parade. The pockets were also utilized for storage of items that did not need to be readily accessible.

Hook and eyes for the rear skirt may have been eliminated from the spec, prior to the war. I'll look in my research and see if I can find the frock specification.

 

[Cpl. Smith]

its a pocket for a flask full of you know what. That is walhat a sutler friend told me.

 

[Package4]

its a pocket for a flask full of you know what. That is walhat a sutler friend told me.

No that was what the breast pocket is for, the tail pockets were positioned so that if you were on horseback the pockets were easily accessible, they also have been found with tail pocket weights to keep the coat wrinkle free.

 

[Cpl. Smith]

No that was what the breast pocket is for, the tail pockets were positioned so that if you were on horseback the pockets were easily accessible, they also have been found with tail pocket weights to keep the coat wrinkle free.

Ok. I was told that but she probably never heard of the weights. I know I haven't.

 

[Package4]

Ok. I was told that but she probably never heard of the weights. I know I haven't.

Sutlers are not always the best for informational purposes.

 

[Package4]

Ok. I was told that but she probably never heard of the weights. I know I haven't.

http://www.horsesoldier.com/products/gettysburg-items/13173

 

[Cpl. Smith]

http://www.horsesoldier.com/products/gettysburg-items/13173

Intereting

 

[Michael W.]

http://www.horsesoldier.com/products/gettysburg-items/13173

I have NEVER heard of the tail pockets holding weights for dress parade. That is interesting, I learned something brand new today. Thanks for sharing.