Hmmm. I would definitely not want it in velvet, as I would like to make it as close a reproduction to the original as possible. And I doubt the original was velvet. Most likely, it was just plain Barathea wool (or the equivalent for that time period). Perhaps tweed, although I see various conflicting references on when tweed really began to be used. However, I think it's possible that when this portrait was done, circa 1850, tweed might have been a possibility.

At any rate, I'm not interested in having this made as purely a formal coatee to be worn only at black tie and white tie events. I would want to be able to wear it in the same context it's being worn in the portrait. It has a bold, rugged style that doesn't say "formal" to me.

So with that said, I'd want to make it in the same colour as seen in the image. A nice green colour. If using Barathea wool would make it look too formal, then I might go with a solid tweed (no overchecks, windowpanes, or the like). If I understand the responses correctly, this would put it firmly in the "very smart daywear" category, even with shiny square metal buttons and other trimmings.

I think, perhaps, I would do a matching 5- or 6-button waistcoat with it (with lapels), rather than attempt to replicate the waistcoat he's wearing with the gold trim. A matching tweed waistcoat would probably reduce the 'formal' leanings of the open front.

I think this jacket style deserves a name. Any suggestions? The Angus MacDonell? Or something more witty?