Why do Authentic Sack Coats cost less these Days?

[RJSamp]

Bought a linned JT Martin fatigue blouse about 7 years ago from John Wedeward. I'm a tall overweight guy and he put more material in it for the longer arms and bigger neck/girth. Let's say with the buttons and all it was $180 or even $200.

Now reputable makers are selling linned sack coats for $125.....and even less on 'sale'...

Why the price drop? Supply? Economy? Economies of Scale?

[LibertyHallVols]

I can't provide a definitive answer to your question, but I have a hunch...

Take a look at the details of the $125 coat and compare to your $200 coat. My hunch is you'll find more machine work in the less-expensive example. I saw a coat recently with a machine-set sleave lining that I'll be cost less than a hand-done repro SA blouse.

BTW.... I'm having trouble finding the $125 coat you're talking about. A quick review at "The Frying Pan" and another well-known site show coats from $175 to $200. ???

[JerseySkilletLicker]

John,
I believe he is speaking of WW&CO's "standard grade" blouse at $125. Their higher "bells and whistles" sells at the normal $175 or so.
Sekela sometimes sells an unlined blouse with rear inner seam unfelled and machine done keyhole buttonholes to a couple of sutlers which retail for $110, I believe.
The premise of both these coats is to get a better quality coat into the hands of "streamers" wanting to take a "half jump" into authenticity.

[John Legg]

Dan wambaughs Contract Blouse - http://www.wwandcompany.com/contractblouse.html

[Hog-Eye Man]

I paid $225.00 for my blouse....

[reb64]

My opinion is that the vendor is willing to take less mark up and profit for the sake of getting good name brand quality out there at reasonable prices. hopefully others will follow and get back to the more enjoyable aspects of reenacting instead of being gluttons over the latest fashion designers new lines

[Hog-Eye Man]

hopefully others will follow and get back to the more enjoyable aspects of reenacting instead of being gluttons over the latest fashion designers new lines

I would say one of the most enjoyable aspects of the hobby for me, is the fashion. I spend lots of time and money into each impression, because I feel it's important. Not only for me, but for the groups I fall in with as well.

[terry sorchy]

Robert,
This whole "name brand" thing really bugs me. Its not Tommy Hilfigur, V.S Levis, or the like. I wish people would stop being upset for NO reason at vendors out there that have researched originals, make quality items and are known for it. By the way the "name brand" vendors are not by anyway getting rich over the prices they charge. For the time and money these guys put into it they are making very little per hour. Most have second jobs to support their families. I guarantee you the mainstream sutler is making more off you with the Pakistani imported **** than the top Vendors.
Terry Sorchy

[RJSamp]

I may have to take my 'trend' analysis back..... Bought mine a few years ago (5+) and it was $180.....lately have seen 'authentic' coats in the $125 range....

Now their's a sack coat listed here in the OZ over on the Vendor Board.....$180.

And Justin (who posted on the OTB that Jurgiatem's pricing analysis was skewed to the high side for the CPH stuff) is himself selling a used sack coat here for $140.

There were a lot of people of the opine that the AOP looked particularly sharp at P2006.....

Amazing how filtered observations can hide the brown hued faded Hardee Hats of a raw recruit impression fresh out of Louisville and not having seen the elephant yet (there was a reason they were called Black Hats)..... these same observers can see the differences between $150 cartridge boxes and $45 at 100 feet or on a GBurg RDay video mpeg..... and the differences between a Fall Creek $80 linned sack coat and a $180 sack coat when viewed at 50 feet is what?

[JEBeedle]

I second that Terry.

Although I do know one individual that has a few things that are made over seas but he turns around and sells them at a discount price.