Page:The Cutter's Practical Guide Part 13.djvu/78

 The New Universal Service Overcoat

Whilst the last page of this work were in the press we recived notice that a new style of Military Overcoat had been approved by the War Office, an we have therefore availed ourselves of the first opportunity to inspect and photograph the same, with the object of preparing an illustration and a diagram, which we have now done, and issue as an appendix

When the Raglan shape Service Overcoat was first adopted, it was a well known fact that many prominent army officials entertained objections to it's style, though of course it had many patrons

Viewing the coat from the taliors standpoint, we were not greatly impressed with its styls; but although it was not perfection as regards appearance, yet one and all had to admit that it's design was a wonderful im-provement on the old greatcoats as regards ease and freedom.

In the new overcoat as sealed pattern of which has only recently been exhibited in the War Office, we have what we consider an ideal garment for the officer on active service. The good features as regards ease are retained, yet the coat is smartened and simplified beyond doubt.

We have availed ourselves of the privilige offered by the War office to tailors, if necessary to inspect the sealed patterns, and have taken full particulars of the sample coat and prepared a series of diagrams in order that others who are interested may be kept up to date in these matters.

The cut is the same for both cavalry and infantry, the skirts being made wider than the old style.

The material is similar to that of the old pattern, except for those who are privliged to wear Athol grey, such, for instance as generals and colonels of the Guards, etc.

The buttons are placed 6½ inches apart, and grade from 9½ apart at breast to 4 inches at bottom. Two ivory four hole buttons and corresponding tabs hold the lower part of skirt in position.

The pockets are of the curved flap shape, and are placed at 13 inches below scye.

The back has the usual expanding pleat at the top, seamed at waist, with a box fly opening below the waist-belt.

The shoulder-seam is not arranged high on the shoulder.

Shoulder-straps, with cloth piping of different colours for the different branches, as follows: