A faithful reproduction of the United States Marine Corps coat as worn during the War of 1812, modeled after the service dress prescribed in Marine Corps orders of 1810. This distinctive garment combines dark blue wool broadcloth with white facings and turnbacks, and features the characteristic single-breasted cutaway front with high-standing collar and long tails.
The coat reflects the transitional styling between late 18th-century Continental military fashion and early 19th-century American uniforms, retaining decorative cuffs and lapels while adopting a more structured silhouette. The buttons are arranged in a straight line on each side, traditionally 14 large pewter buttons (plain) or plain domed versions for enlisted ranks. You can choose in the product selection menu.
This coat represents the uniform worn by Marines stationed aboard U.S. Navy vessels and at shore posts during the War of 1812, including those serving at Bladensburg, New Orleans, and aboard the USS Constitution.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
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Material: Fine dark blue wool (100% natural, 75% wool, 16-18 oz. wt., mill dyed) broadcloth.
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Facings: White wool ocotton lapels, collar, and cuffs, sometimes wool is available only in off-white color, hence we use cotton lapels (which too is as per original specs.)
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Lining: Natural cotton / linen lining (body and sleeves).
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Buttons: 16 pewter / silver-plated domed buttons. Depending on rank.
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Collar: Stand-up military style, white faced.
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Cuffs: White turn-back cuffs with pointed ends.
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Tails: Long rear skirts with white turnbacks.
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Closure: Button front with period-accurate placement.
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Weight: Approx. 1.3 – 1.6 kg (depending on size and lining).
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The U.S. Marine Corps of the War of 1812 was a small but elite force attached to the U.S. Navy, serving aboard frigates and at coastal forts. Their uniforms were adapted from earlier Revolutionary War styles, distinguished by dark blue coats with white facings, contrasting sharply with the red facings of the British Marines.
This reproduction replicates the pattern described in the Marine Corps Uniform Instructions of 1810, worn until the adoption of new dress standards in the 1820s.
