The European Buff coat (so-called because of its yellowish color) was an item of leather clothing worn by both the infantry and cavalry during the 17th century, usually worn under armour.[1] It was derived from the simple leather jerkins worn by soldiers during the Tudor period[2] eventually becoming a 3/4 length, close-fitting garment[3] with long sleeves and a high collar to protect the neck and arms.[4]
Typically, a buff coat was crafted from 3mm-thick suede cowhide and provided protection against swords,[5] blunt trauma and possibly long range pistol balls,[6] however as with all armour of the time it was ineffective against musket fire.[7]
Together with the lobster pot helmet and cuirass it formed the basis of the equipment of the New Model Army's Ironside cavalry during the English Civil War. Cavaliers wore similar buff-coats, either privately purchased and decorated with gold lace, or captured from fallen enemies.[8] Both sides issued a sleeveless version to the musketeers in the pike and shot formations to give them some protection during hand-to-hand combat.
The buff coat was also worn by civilians, including some of the Pilgrim Fathers due to its plain and simple appearance suggesting equality. It was lined with cotton for warmth and fastened with hooks and eyes as the Puritans viewed buttons as extravagant and vain.[9] Due to its durability it was worn by men of all classes and religious leanings, including the Catholic James II of England.[10]
As well as protecting the wearer from bad weather the buff coat became a highly desirable status symbol in the mid 17th century, making it the ancestor of the modern leather jacket.[11]
See also
External links
- ^ http://www.vanessatreasure.co.uk/boutique/17th_century_costume/leather_buff.htm
- ^ http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/BUA_BUI.htm
- ^ http://onlinedictionary.datasegment.com/word/buff+coat
- ^ http://www.bowstock.co.uk/fullbuff.html
- ^ A Complete Dictionary of Dry Goods by George S. Cole, 1892
- ^ http://chestofbooks.com/reference/Dictionary-of-Dry-Goods/Buff-Coat.html
- ^ Buff coat
- ^ http://www.englishcivilwar.com/About/Uniform/About_Uni_Officer.html
- ^ https://safe.britannica.com/registration/freeTrial.do?partnerCode=EBO_DWFLOATINGDIV
- ^ http://collections.royalarmouries.org/index.php?a=forward&s=item&key=FYTozOntpOjA7aToxNDAzODE7aToxO2k6MjtpOjI7czoyNjoiSGFzIG90aGVyIGFzc29jaWF0ZWQgaXRlbXMiO30=&pg=2
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=tPV5HVVHB-0C&pg=PA84&lpg=PA84&dq=buff+coat&source=web&ots=whJ36B7Mfe&sig=ZlrQsia6N0h3l-Rs1KT59XzZ8kU&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=10&ct=result
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
