Great Coat
Date1780-1820
OriginAmerica or England
MediumWool tabby; wool twill; wool or mohair shagg; linen sleeve lining, linen and cotton sewing threads.
DimensionsOL: 62"; Cape center front 24 1/2"; blue wool selvage width: 25 1/2"; red twill selvage width: 36".
Credit LineAcquired by Bargain/Sale from Mr. Thomas B. Wilson.
Object number2001-835
DescriptionMan's greatcoat of dark blue worsted wool with red shagg collar, red wool twill lining, and natural linen sleeve linings. Rounded turn-down collar has quilted stand. Deep shoulder cape buttoned down front with hidden placket. Front button opening with covered buttons. Three extra buttons sewn to proper right front, positioned on an angle to the center front opening (possibly for buttoning over while seated?). Long cuffed sleeves. Center back vent 10 1/2" up from hem.Label TextGreatcoat
Possibly Pennsylvania or Britain, 1780-1800
Wool trimmed with wool or mohair shag, body lined with wool, sleeves lined with linen
2001-835, from the collections of Don Newcomer and James Johnston, partial gift of Tom B. Wilson
This rare man's overcoat was discovered at Hanbury Hall, Britain. Found in storage along with a Pennsylvania rifle from about 1760, the coat may have been used by a Revolutionary War soldier and taken back to Britain following the war's end. Certain stylistic features, however, especially the quilted stand of the collar, resemble construction techniques on coats from around 1800 (see photograph). If the later date is correct, the coat may have belonged to a coachman. Few eighteenth-century greatcoats survive for comparison, and research continues into the date of this example. Additional buttons sewn at an angle down the front are for fastening the coat more closely around the body.
ProvenanceThe coat was found at Hanbury Hall, Vernon Family Seat, near Kidderminster, Worcestershire, UK, in association with an American rifle. Coat purchased by Peter Finer (England) around 1990. Ex. Coll. Don Newcomer and Jim Johnston.
