Confederate cap and jacket

[JS Sanders]

Patterns for shell jackets are not difficult to come by on the internet. Some are more authentic than others, but that doesn't appear to be a priority for the purposes described here.

Advantages of sewing one's own shell jacket are personal selection of fabric, accoutrements, and DIY. Same applies to sewing one's own kepi or bummer head covers.

They are not particularly difficult to sew - much less complicated than a modern sports coat.

Also - I recall seeing illustrations in visitor centers at battlefields in Scotland that depicted government Highland soldiers wearing cartridge boxes where sporrans were normally situated.

Slainte yall,
steve

[Derek Conley]

Very interesting thread. Good links, too... thanks for posting them.

[PiobBear]

Just wanted to share this...

After reading this thread the other day, I was standing out in a cemetery awaiting the cortege, when I looked down and saw the following inscription:


"Let us cross the river, and rest in the shade of the trees."
T.J.J.

[Riverkilt]

Ah yes, great last words from a great man.

Also like Lee's last words, "Strike the tent."

Have a brown (transwestern) and a grey (Richmond) shell jacket that I've worn with kilts. Were from the now retired folks at Grand Illusions.

Ron

[davidlpope]

Is your goal to get involved in reenacting or to have a jacket to wear with your kilt? I think that wearing a reproduction jacket with a modern kilt would send mixed messages and make it seem like you were wearing a costume, Halloween outfit, etc.

My suggestion is this: stop and ask yourself, would I wear this reproduction jacket and cap out with a pair of modern trousers? If the answer is no, then I'd think hard about wearing it out with a modern kilt.

IMHO a dark gray argyll and dark grey hose would likely present a more dapper appearance and still provide the reference (it's the Confederate Memorial tartan, so I'm wearing gray, like the Confederates did..., get it???).

Cordially,

David

[Riverkilt]

Respectfully disagree.

I think reproduction shell jackets, Ike jackets, battle jackets go well with either modern or tartan kilts, have a sharp - even jaunty - look to them with no hint of costume of fashion clash.

Ron

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Ron,

I have to respectfully disagree-- to my eyes, and probably in the eyes of the general public as well, re-enactor costuming looks exactly like what it is-- a costume and, when worn with the kilt, makes the kilt look like it too is part of a costume.

I'm with David on this one-- a dark grey jacket and waistcoat (and a UCV tie) with your Confederate Memorial tartan kilt would look every bit as jaunty, without looking like a costume.

[macwilkin]

Ron,

I have to respectfully disagree-- to my eyes, and probably in the eyes of the general public as well, re-enactor costuming looks exactly like what it is-- a costume and, when worn with the kilt, makes the kilt look like it too is part of a costume.

I'm with David on this one-- a dark grey jacket and waistcoat (and a UCV tie) with your Confederate Memorial tartan kilt would look every bit as jaunty, without looking like a costume.

As a former reenactor and living historian, I agree with Scott and David. Reenacting and living history clothing are for a specific purpose, to recreate the past at a specific event. To me, as a living historian that was trained under NPS guidelines regarding living history, wearing period clothing "out-of-period" just doesn't look right.

Regards,

Todd

[ccga3359]

I believe a main point for wearing this jacket is the length, just right for a kilt. Remember the modern suit jacket is derived from a uniform tunic with the collar folded down until lapels are formed. One is also considered "out of uniform" if it is not buttoned up properly. I think that these jackets could be a start of a kilt complimentary jacket. However I feel that they should be shorn of military regalia and identifiers.

[Riverkilt]

Maybe I'm too hung up on the old hippie look of military stuff with jeans. Lost my olde pics in the last hard drive crash...maybe will shoot some more when I get a chance.

No one ever laid the reenactor thing on my for the Union cavalry greatcoat with a kilt.

Works for me, not for you...okay.

Ron