Questions on British coats, French & Indian War era

[Russ]

Hey, all -

I'm about to start my second figure (haven't finished the first yet!), a native American from the French and Indian war. He wears a British coat, so red (or scarlet?) with broad lapels and gold lacing. But the boxtop, while in color, is a bit fuzzy, so a few questions come to mind. And of course, they beget other questions. Any help will be appreciated!

1. The first question I have is about nomenclature. Those long, broad lapels: are those called "facing"? If not, then what's the correct word?
2. Next, the color of those lapels. The boxtop shows them as either black or navy blue; can't quite tell. I found a site (https://www.militaryheritage.com/charts/7warchtb.htm) that seems to indicate the color reflects different regiments; is that the case?
3. Finally, I seem to recall that there was (is?) a different shade for the main coat - red vs. scarlet - depending on rank. True?

TIA for any guidance!

 

[valiant]

Hi Russ, yes, the colour of the turnbacks, or facings depend on the regiment, as does the colour of the lace (white or yellow for ORs, silver or gold for officers). Suffice to say that the quality of the dye used and the material would likely be superior for officer's garments, although on campaign, this may not be so noticable!!

 

[Nap]

Hi Russ

Are you able to post a picture of the box art ?

Valiant is of course right regarding facings , all depends on what Regt you wish to show being worn , this is a excellent book

There is also the Osprey series of books to look at

Nap

 

[Russ]

It's the Historex/Nemrod set N54C034:

 

[Chrisr]

From my understanding the Other Ranks coat was brick red and the Officers scarlet. Sunlight fades red so you could go with a light shade of either of them.

Attached is a link to the facing colours and lace of the British regiments in North America during the French and Indian War - it also shows the colour of the coat (Other Ranks) https://www.militaryheritage.com/charts/7warchtb.htm

Regards
Chris

 

[JonH]

I have heard these called "victory coats" and assumed they were British jackets captured and worn by French-allied native Americans.
Were they also worn or issued to by our own allies?
Jon.

 

[theBaron]

I have heard these called "victory coats" and assumed they were British jackets captured and worn by French-allied native Americans.
Were they also worn or issued to by our own allies?
Jon.

Hi, Jon, some were definitely trophies taken in combat, especially if we're looking at an Indian from a tribe allied with the French. If we're looking at the tribes allied with us (we were still British), then we have examples in which the coat, or hat, or other item, may have been a present, as a gesture of good will, as it were.

Prost!
Brad

 

[theBaron]

Also, I have Franklin's book-waited a year-and-a-half for it to get released-and I second Nap's endorsement, it is excellent. I can't speak to the Funckens' book, though their work generally is of good quality and though dated, still useful.

I also second Nap's endorsement of Osprey, and in particular, the titles "Wolfe's Army" and "British Light Infantryman of the Seven Years War". You'll get more specific details about those regiments that served here in North America, including the Royal American Regiment.

It's also worth noting that the American provincial regiments are fair game to depict. Those aren't militia, they were proper regiments, raised by the colonial governments for their defense. They were organized as closely as possible like line regiments, but weren't part of the establishment. Cut of the uniforms was as close to the existing warrant as possible, though colors other than red were adopted for uniform colors. Even the colors-the flags-conformed more or less to Royal requirements.

Often they were raised on an annual basis, depending on the legislatures to pass bills to renew them.

Here in PA, for example, we started the war with several companies or battalions, including one manning Fort Augusta, at the confluence of the North and West Branches of the Susquehanna. They were authorized our Assembly or at least, paid for by the Assembly.

Later, these were combined into a single regiment, the Pennsylvania Regiment. Their coats were green, with red lapels and cuffs. Breeches were generally buff, made of doeskin, and many of the men wore Indian leggings.

This area is a focus of mine, one of my favorites, so I've done some research-and have a lot more to go, too. But I find it fascinating.

Anyway, there's a lot to choose from, if you want to put a red coat on an Indian!

Prost!
Brad