Offered here is our exclusive Peytonsburg Rifle Frock. Rifle frocks were a loose fitting outer garment that was somewhat waterproof and used for outdoor activities, such as hunting and fighting for Independence. Virtually all of Washington's men started the war in rifle frocks, whether they had a rifle or not. In fact, Patriots were initially called "Shirtmen" becaue of the prevalence of these garments. Katcher's "Uniforms of the Continental Army" lists yellow, white, green, purple, black, light gray, brown, and blue among others. They came in all colors of the rainbow except red-Washington put out an order while in New Jersey forbidding the use of red rifle frocks, as the Americans would fire on anyone in a red garment, and Washington was losing badly needed men to friendly fire. The rifle frock was fringed to allow rainwater to run into the fringe and then evaporate more quickly, a primitive form (and not wholly succussful) of waterproofing.
Virginia specified that its locally raised militia troops would wear a blue rifle frock with red fringe, and so we have created our Peytonsburg Minute Men Rifle Frock. This garment later became standard issue for Virginia troops in the War of 1812. Pictured is a private of the Peytonsburg Minute Men in the Virginia Milita regulation blue/red hunting/rifle frock, with Peytonsburg cross belts and waist belt.
Our Peytonsburg Rifle Frock is made of navy blue cotton with red fringe, and features our exclusive auto-fluff feature! The frock comes with what appear to be strips of fabric where the fringe is. Just toss it into the washer on COLD water, and the action of the machine will auto-fluff your fringe!
Sizes available are MEN'S chest size 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52. Chest measurement is measured at the armpits and all the way around the chest at the level of the nipples. FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS! DO NOT MEASURE ANOTHER GARMENT! If your frock does not fit and we have to remake it, then we ask that you pay shipping for the remake. Normal delivery time is 4-6 weeks. If you need a coat by a date certain, tell us you need it two weeks before your date when you order, and we'll try our best.
Part of the proceeds of these sales will go to support the Crossing of the Dan event in February 2012. For more information, go here: http://www.prizery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=96&Itemid=190
