Greatcoat, or Watchcoat

T he greatcoat is a large overcoat designed to protect the wearer from the worst of the elements. The coat has a collar that can be turned up around the owner's face, and sleeve cuffs that can be turned down to protect the hands. Deep pockets also offer a refuge from the cold, or for a corncake or biscuit. A cape adds warmth around the shoulders, and helps to shed rain. The greatcoat was a prized possesion. Sometimes, more well-to-do men were known to have two of these garments, which were valued so much that they were passed down in the will of the owner upon his death.

The cut of the coat is large, designed to fit over more tailored garments such as the waistcoat and frock, or jacket. We use 20-30 ounce wool to make your greatcoat. The wool seen in the few originals available is often remarkably light in weight as compared to, say, a capote or a modern peacoat. Considering that the records show the winters of the 18th Century were much more harsh than we've seen in our lifetimes, you get another picture of how hard life was then and how tough the people had to be just to get on.

All of our greatcoats are fully lined with fustian, or linen, making the coat much easier to put on and take off, more comfortable to wear, and longer lasting than an unlined coat. We can line with wool upon request. Our standard greatcoat comes with one cape, deep, working outside pockets, turndown cuffs, and pewter or horn buttons (based on availability). For later styling, particularly Revolutionary War military use, we can reduce the length of the cuff if you desire. The construction of the greatcoat has some "room" for personalization, and we will be glad to help you have just precisely the coat you want.