~~~ REGIMENTAL COAT ~~~
The Regimental Coat was one of the two clothing items on a soldier that told everyone what unit the soldier was with. These coats varied throughout the war in both style and colors. Differences included coat length, facings width and colors, pocket and cuff variations. Most coats were constructed of wool and were either locally produced, captured and dyed or purchased from France. This unit wears reproductions of the Regimental Coats that were either locally produced in the Williamsburg area in late 1776 or acquired from the Morristown NJ stores during mid 1777. The coat as described by Theodorick Bland in a 1777 orderly book is to be a short coat with an interrupted lapel and angular collars and sleeves. The coat was ordered to be brown with green facings however the 5th troop was documented throughout 1777 as wearing dark blue coats with red facing and we wear the same. Buttons are described as being “gilt” or “yellow” metal. We wear brass buttons on our coats. Construction and design of our regimental coat is highly specific to this unit and a pattern reflecting research results has been compiled and will need to be followed for authenticity. Coats can be obtained by making them yourself using our pattern and approved wool or having them made by the unit seamstresses. 18th century vendors do not carry Unit specific items such as this.