Sleeved waistcoat?

[Oatmeal Savage]

I am a historical reenactor interested in the French and Indian War, 1754-1763. I would like to find a sleeved waistcoat in the pattern of the one worn by the Highlanders in the following Robert Griffing images.


Story to the Painting
As this Highlander plays the melancholy music of his fiddle, he can't help but be reminded that he's a Long Way From Home.






Story to the Painting
When the Highlander was summoned to the American frontier to fight on behalf of The Crown, he formed an instant kinship with his Native American counterpart. Tribe and clan were remarkably similar in temperament and philosophy and both cultures produced highly skillful and courageous fighters. In this scene, a Cherokee warrior and Highlander scout in advance of Grant's disastrous expedition against Fort Duquesne. Sadly, both cultures eventually crumbled beneath the oppressive weight of British expansion.

The jacket reminds me of Highland doublet, anyone have suggestions on were I could find one?


Thanks
Kevin

[Ialtog]

Sorry I have nothing to help you in your search, but thanks for those wonderful paintings! I am going to have to search for more like those. This is my favorite thing about XMarks...I'm always coming across some gems from you all.

[Tattoo Bradley]

I too bring nothing to the table in the way of information. But THANK YOU for the lovely images.

[Southern Breeze]

Here's one that's close.

http://www.barkertownsutlers.com/
Look in the Highland Clothes section.
I have the following book and highly reccomend it-
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/185...Fencoding=UTF8

[Ialtog]

I felt guilty admiring the paintings you posted, while not contributing anything to your search. Have you checked these folks out?

http://jas-townsend.com/

Now, they do not have the exact sleeved waistcoat you want, but it looks to me that they make the one they have to order. Perhaps you could give them measurements more in line with kilt wearing? I know this is a popular company with a lot of re-enactors, although I've never dealt with them myself.

[Woodsheal]

The Highland soldiers depicted in those paintings are wearing their regimental coats OVER their waistcoats, which may or may not have sleeves (army waistcoats usually were sleeved during that period, but soldiers often cut the sleeves off).

Missy Clark at Barkertown is your best bet. She has lots of experience making both Highland garb and regimentals. Figure $300+ for the coat, probably around $175 for the waistcoat. The "lace" patterns and facing colors on these garments depend upon which regiment you're portraying....

[Woodsheal]

This guy does excellent work, too:

http://baldwinclothing.com/index.html

[MacWage]

Woodsheal nailed it. I second his advice.


As for the pics. Those look pretty accurate. In general, art as a basis for costume (especially reinactment) is only as good as the artist's research. Robert Griffing seems to have done good research. Other modern "historic artists" are not nearly as good. The best pics are comtemporary (with the time depicted) depictions, as MANY little details can be extremely informative.

(Oatmeal Savage, I assume you know this already. I posted for other "observers"-> posters and lurkers)

[switchblade5984]

very nice images!
as for the coats i have no idea

[MacWage]

I forgot, 96 District Storehouse in Abbeville, South Carolina (US) might be of assistance. The owners Dennis & Peggy Earp are active reenactors, with a primary focus on the French-Indian War. They are my primary source for wool and other supplies.


http://www.96districtstorehouse.com/

96 District Storehouse
111 Trinity St.
Abbeville, SC 29620
864-366-9600
sales@96districtstorehouse.com

They might even have a usable pattern in stock, or can direct you to one.