Feldgrau Mantel

[Tom Y]

Whew, that's it for the pix. The lining is coarse, thin sacking-like material. The sleeve linings and pocket center strips are heavier and tighter weave, more like ticking. The bottom of the skirt is a raw edge. The coat material is a medium rough wool and the collar facing wool doeskin. There are no markings, but from the wear I'm pretty sure it's original. If there are any questions I'll answer as best I can, but my ignorance on the subject is extensive

[PaulChep]

Tom, Very nice mantel. I have been looking for one like that. It looks good to me.

[Chip M]

Tom,

It looks like a nice coat. I certainly would not worry about it not being marked, given all the good qualities that it has. My only suggestion is that it might possibly be a private purchase coat. That would account for the lack of markings, the unusual sleeve lining material and the non-regulation metal buttons. Just a thought.

Chip

[GWA]

Nice coat but judging by the background, I would say your friend is over dressed.

[Slobo]

Picking up this very old thread but.....

--Does the mantel have any evidence of ever having shoulder straps applied?

--Do all buttons look original to the coat since regs would have had them as "M1915" painted rimless dome crown buttons?

I have seen late war photos of apparent M1915 greatcoats without shoulder straps and, given the manufacturing issues mid-late war, older spare replacement tunic buttons were no doubt to be seen on other items including greatcoats.

[Chip M]

On an issue overcoat, the shoulder straps would just have been tacked on. So, unless there are some threads remaining, there is no way to tell if it ever had straps. Given the condition of the coat and the lack of markings, it's possible this coat was never issued.

Chip