Are these picture taking duds ?

[OldKingCrow]

Re: Are these picture taking duds ?

My research has shown that black garments were the trend and not intended for simply formal war only.

My point exactly on the frequency of every use across the mid-19th century socio-economic spectrum, save in my case for trying to determine if dark colors, in particular black evolved in popularity from, as the Madam Moderators description of the fancy and colorful 40' 50's, based on "trend" versus purely environment driven, garment life longevity concerns and utilitarian motivations

Many ACW era veterans and citizens in their antebellum lives demonstrated a propensity to use this very rationale / material methodology which is supported by a significant historical record.

Cj Rideout
Tampa, Florida

[lukegilly13]

Re: Are these picture taking duds ?

My research has shown that black garments were the trend and not intended for simply formal war only. I have a fairly recent post running on material culture and there is some good information posted on there discussing the nature of the black wool. It was much lighter and much more breathable than what we have even in the best repop's currently. I have several pictures on a database at home showing dark and light mixtures as well as shirt sleeves among folks in seemgly black frocks. If I get time when I finally get home i'll post them.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Are these picture taking duds ?

Notice I didn't delete the whole thread. ;)

No need to get in a huff, dude ... just keep it on-point.

[OldKingCrow]

Re: Are these picture taking duds ?

Madam Citizen Moderator,

I appreciate and value your input...I'll defer to your word on matters of 19th century fashion, as gospel, ere' time.

If I might…

- What influence, if any, has your research revealed regarding the ability of black or dark colored outwear to hide staining from the more "organic" materials and societal norms / practices of the time ?

In terms of additional knowledge I glean from this image is support of my reading somewhere that the roundabout was primarily a teen aged garment, notwithstanding the use by mounted forces for the utility purposes of its high waisted high cut and the CS by reason of thriftiness in material consumption.

Postwar commentary removed- Nothing to do with this picture, Chris. Keep the discussion germane to the era or before the era we discuss on here. Thanks- Johnny

CJ Rideout
Tampa, Florida

[ElizabethClark]

Re: Are these picture taking duds ?

I can't subscribe to assigning colors by relative grey-scale... rather, I'd suggest the coats may be black, due to the preponderance of black coats as a manly fashion color in the 60s. The 50s are a *lot* more colorful, and the 40s even more so.

This particular picture is quite unposed and casual. I'd chalk it up as "looking decent out in public", rather than "everyone wear your best and we'll do a portrait."

[OldKingCrow]

or every day "go to city" wear ? I am inclined to say the preponderance of men in this image, based on reasonable application in assigning probability to contrasting tones, are clad in black ? (Looks like a national troop or two as well.)

Modern civilian events represent a rainbow of mens garment colors. Are the men in period images more likely dressed for the image and in their Sunday best, traditional black mens suits..to then return home and put on their multi-colored garments ?



Thanks to Yeoman for the image....any image of civilians at this level of detail posted here will be appreciated by more than I for certain sure.

Cj Rideout
Tampa, Florida