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TENT
& CAMP ACCESSORIES
18th CENTURY OILSKIN
WATCHCOATS
Finally, there is a
truly authentic way to keep dry at events. No longer is it necessary to
parade around under a modern styled poncho built from treated  canvas. We are combining the use of oilskin
material with a description from the mid 1750s.
William Smith took the time to write a letter to his commander, Henry
Bouquet, describing the need for, and the construction of a
"Watchcoat". Basically, he took an 18th shirt and modified it by
taking the cuffs off, opening the shirt collar and slitting the front open.
From that point, the shirt was treated with oil, heat and time to make it
waterproof. This all sounded like a great idea. We (and others) tried it
with not much success.
Six years ago, we took a different approach. We researched and found
"oilskin" cloth. This is the same cloth used in the Australian
drover's dusters and the famous British "thornproofs" prized by
so many sportsmen. The cloth is a 6oz., super high thread count Egyptian
cotton treated with an oil/wax finish. This material is extremely durable
for it's weight and very effective at keeping you dry. We use a dark brown
color to blend and hide in the woods and build the coat as Mr. Smith
described.
We offer the "coat" in two styles, Open Front for ease of entry
and venting possibilities and Closed Front for more effective weather
sealing. The sleeves are large enough to shove a musket butt up to the lock
and protect it's workings while allowing quick access. The bodies are cut
large enough to go over everything and are available in three sizes.
Watchcoats roll or fold up small enough to fit in your haversack and
weighing only 1 1/2 pounds, there is no reason to leave it behind!
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medium
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large
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ex-large
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CLOSED FRONT WATCHCOAT
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$80
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$80
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$95
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OPEN FRONT WATCHCOAT
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$80
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$80
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$95
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OILSKIN FABRIC is available by the yard for your own projects.
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DARK BROWN
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6oz. fabric
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60" width
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$17/yard
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