Overcoat Question

[unclefrank]

Has anyone ever seen an example of a civilian or military period overcoat with a split back?

Thanx

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Do you mean a vent, or a split opening at the bottom of the center seam? If so, yes, that was a common trait of both military and civilian overcoats, to include the Federal greatcoats , and one civilian overcoat that I have personally viewed attributed to Confederate use by Cadet Hazelhurst of the Georgia Military Institute (the original is at the Atlanta History Center which sells an excellent commercial pattern of it).

[unclefrank]

What I mean would be a split in the rear of the coat from the neck to the waist of the overcoat so it can expand and give the wearer more room. What I am doing is taking a very old Russian Navy overcoat and replacing the liner and any modern sewing. Also adding period buttons. The wool is fantastic!

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

I have never personally seen or heard of such a practice, but it wouldn't be completely out of place for someone of less means trying to stretch out whatever they had. When you're cold, you're cold, and out of desparation, I'm sure nobody would care about aesthetics. I have seen that measure being taken on a period shirt to widen it, so that method of tailoring does have some sort of historical provenance.