Info on ANV Jacket wanted.

[Tennessee Boy]

I would appreciate some help concerning the outer thread/stitching on the EF Barnes jacket (1st Co Richmond Howitzers).
Just a few simple questions!

1) What color would the thread have been originally?
2) What color is the thread now?
3) What type (size) of thread was used on the jacket?
4) Is this or a similar thread type commercially available today and where from?

Any other background information on the jacket would be greatly appreciated. I was hoping to find a lot more information than I have on the internet.

Hope this is the correct forum/place for this item.

Thanks
Ian Smith

[jurgitemvaletem]

sir,

I think this stuff would be good. I can not give a personal tesimony, it is just what I saw with a quick yahoo search.

http://www.accomplishments-shop.com/access/cotton.html

thanks,
Jurgitem Valetem

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Ian,

Not to be a stickler, but I have not idea what the heck Mr. Valetem posted above. I see you're new here so as a pointer, only post information that is documented, PAH-LEESE! ;) The Mods and users will get on your case if you do not.

Recently got A Catalogue of Uniforms: In the Collection of the Museum of the Confederacy. You should look into getting it if you ever come down here to Richmond. Or I'm sure many other bookstores will have it as well.

"Jacket: single breasted. 9 button front, cadet gray wool kersey with no facings or piping, no shoulder straps or belt loops, unbleached cotton osnaburg lining in body and sleeves; no insignia or sleeve braid, Virginia state buttons with backmarks: SCOVILL MFG CO./ WATERBURY and SUPERIOR/QUALITY, New York state buttons with backmarks: GODDARD & BRO./ EXTRA and SCHUYLER H&C/ NEW YORK. 0985.13.71
This is one of at least 14 known Richmond Depot Type III jackets" (12).

But as far as the thread goes, I could take some pictures for you when I get the chance and email them to you if you'd like. I will try and post a picture of the jacket on this thread, but my scanner isn't functioning. Drat!

Regards,

Jason

[Tennessee Boy]

Thanks Jason, that would be great.

Ian Smith

[Richmond Depot]

Maybe you should ask, is the thread an S, F or Z ?

Personally, I would not advise posting a pic of this jacket on the thread without permission of the MOC.

The Barnes Jacket is a very nice example of a late war RD III. It features two inside pockets, one from the factory and one patch pocket added as a field modification. The jacket lacks alot of topstitching and this follows a trend normally seen in late war garments. The thread is logwood that has not faded alot.

Regarding the diameter of the thread, as I discussed this with the curator this morning, How could you tell by looking at it ? Maybe take some samples of threads of different thicknesses and try comparing them to find the one closest to the original.

[reb290]

Hope I do not hijack the thread but does any one know the Time of issue of this Jacket? The Howitzer diary's I have read do not mention theses uniforms (unless I missed something:eek:).

[Richmond Depot]

I would suggest that you contact either the State or National Archives and order copies of Barnes service records. There may be a mention of uniform issue there.

[vamick]

The thread is logwood that has not faded alot..

Scott, what is yer take on "logwood thread"? now Ive heard two storys, that it was orginally the same color as the garment/off white, OR that it is/was as it appears now when ya order a spool of logwood.. that is a dark brown/to blackish..the unifortms we view now have to some extent er other oxidized , so, what makes a 'good' logwood thread color?

[Richmond Depot]

That is a hard question to answer. It would obviously depend on what type of mordant ( if any ) was used in the pre dyeing process.

When I make my own Logwood thread I use an Iron mordant. Mixing in the Iron mordant gives the thread a grey color. If you use a different mordant, you could easily end up with a groovy shade of purple, silver, violet, gray or even black.

It's also plausible to see off white that has patinaed to a khaki color or a Logwood that has patinaed to a shade of brown.

The color shades can be adjusted during the dye bath from lighter to darker.

As far as actually matching the color of the fabric being sewn, it would be ideal, but not practical given the variety of greys used in the south.