Rare 1850s – 1860s Man’s Heavy Wool Cloak

Rare 1850s – 1860s Man’s Heavy Wool Cloak – Although there are numerous images, paintings and lithographs of 1850s – 1860s era men attired in this type of semi-greatcoat or caped cloak, this is the only one we have ever seen available in today’s textile collecting market. The garment is constructed of a heavy, dark gray wool and assembled using a combination of treadle machine and hand work. The cape extends to the elbow area, while the body or cloak extends to just below the waist of the wearer. There are no buttons on the cape and the only mode of closure is a japanned hook and eye at the neck region of the collar, comparable to Civil War officers’ frock coats. Affixed to the cape is a heavy, wide, pointed collar that can be raised to add additional warmth or a shield from the wind, for the wearer. The interior of the body of the garment is unlined. Civil War greatcoats may have derived their design from these antebellum garments. This cloak and cape remain in superior condition with some slight fading, but no detectable insect damage whatsoever. This is truly a rare example of an antebellum and war period gentleman’s attire.