New York Polka Jacket

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One of the odder names for jackets of the Civil War was the Polka Jacket a.k.a. Polka-skirted jacket. In 1863 New York provided her regiments with semi-dress jackets. Each regiment could select the Chasseur Style Jacket or the Polka Jacket. The term Polka Jacket came from a style of women's jackets being wore in that era. In general the New York Polka Jacket look a bit like a short Chasseur jacket. The trousers issued with the Polka Jackets were somewhat tighter than the very full pleated and trimmed trousers issued with the New York Chasseur Jacket.

 

[major bill]

Anyone have any information on Polka Jackets?

 

[Pvt. Daniel Mallett]

New York State 9 Button Roundabout Shell jacket 1861

 

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In 1863 new York issued two new styles of jackets to their state troops. One was a long chasseur coat and one was similar to the Veteran Reserve jacket. I have seen both the New York jacket and the Veteran Reserve jackets referred to as Polka Jackets.

 

[major bill]

In 1863 New York came out with two types of coats/jackets for their infantry units. One was a long chasseur coat the other a "Polka Jacket'. these Polka jackets were similar to that jackets worn by the Veteran Reserve jackets and I have seen both referred to a "Polka Jackets". I was wondering if there were other examples and perhaps why the were called polka jackets.

 

[Pvt. Daniel Mallett]

In this photo I am wearing a 1861/62 2nd NYSM/82nd New York State 9 Button Roundabout Shell Jacket

 

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View attachment 133036New York State 9 Button Roundabout Shell jacket 1861

Thinking that this is an 1861 jacket, but later dated picture; the bayonet scabbard is a seven rivet piece and they are '63-64 vintage.