Question About Federal Jackets/Caps

[LioZac0261]

I'm researching Federal shell/roundabout/militia jackets for my impression.

http://www.lazyjackmess.com/shelljk1.htm

As stated in the above article, there was a lot of variation, but it seems the only consistencies are: two cuff buttons, and good quality woolen broadcloth.

My question is: are there any standard measurements for the placement of the cuff buttons? Obviously, it won't be exact, considering some were state-issue and private purchase. Also, which way do the eagle cuff buttons face?

Were most cuffs functioning (versus having decorative buttons)?

Were there any commercially made "Type I" forage caps? I can't find any original Type I's that specifically say "commercially produced", it seems most had squared bills.

Thank you!

[PMB1861]

Zachary, too many variables. Jackets (except for the mounted service) were not standard issue items and there is limited information available on them. There were tens of thousands of state and infantry jackets made, but their details were not committed to Army Regulations so the only way to get details is to examine an original.

With that said, I am familiar with Federal Enlisted Frocks Coats and New York State Jackets. Frock Coats had functional cuffs with the first button spaced 2 inches from the cuff and the second at 4 inches above the cuff. NY Jackets did not have functional cuffs and the first button was placed 2 inches from the cuff on the sleeve seam and the second 3 inches from the cuff. All of these measurements are approximated based off of measurements of surviving originals.

Those are two examples to answer your question. I would caution you to research the subject for yourself before you decide on a particular jacket.

[Dbackfed]

SA infantry jackets also had functional cuffs as well.

[LioZac0261]

Zachary, too many variables. Jackets (except for the mounted service) were not standard issue items and there is limited information available on them. There were tens of thousands of state and infantry jackets made, but their details were not committed to Army Regulations so the only way to get details is to examine an original.

With that said, I am familiar with Federal Enlisted Frocks Coats and New York State Jackets. Frock Coats had functional cuffs with the first button spaced 2 inches from the cuff and the second at 4 inches above the cuff. NY Jackets did not have functional cuffs and the first button was placed 2 inches from the cuff on the sleeve seam and the second 3 inches from the cuff. All of these measurements are approximated based off of measurements of surviving originals.

Those are two examples to answer your question. I would caution you to research the subject for yourself before you decide on a particular jacket.

Galla Rock has photos of a modified frock-turned-shell jacket on their website. They also have a trimmed one, if anyone is interested.

That's true, it seems there's a dizzying array Federal jackets. I wish I could take a closer look at more originals, looking at photos is one thing...