Figure 1.--Sears in 1902 offered this classic reefer for boys 9-15 years of age. We do not know what Bauendahl's meant nor do we think that the coat was made out of true chinchilla. Note the cap the boy here is shown as wearing.
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Figure 1.--Sears in 1902 offered this classic reefer for boys 9-15 years of age. We do not know what Bauendahl's meant nor do we think that the coat was made out of true chinchilla. Note the cap the boy here is shown as wearing. |
We notice a range of coats for boys. There were still cape coats for boys. Reefer coats were available for both younger and older boys. There were a range of
different overcoat styles. There were some stuyles clearly for younger boiys and others for older boys, but some styles overlapped the basic age groups. The age divisions were not as stanf=dardized as they have becone today.
One popular style of coats for younger boys were cape coats. This style was more worn in the 19th century, by adults as well as boys. Cape coats were still worn in the early 20th century, but mostly by boys and girls.
Sears offered two styles of cape overcoats done in dark mixed cassimere and blue beaver cloth. We are not sure just what was meant by beaver cloth. We are Only one is illustrated. We are not sure the styling is identical. both were done fof boys' age 4 to 12 years. The cape was detachable, presumably on boy styles. We are not sure just how popular these cape overcoats were. We had thouht they were primarilly an upper-class style, but Sears marketed to the mass market and was very important in rural areas.
Sears offered a Bauendahl's chinchilla reefer for boys 9-15 years of age. We do not know at this time what Bauendahl's meant. We suspect that it is the manufacturer. A chinchilla is a small South American rodent which was domesticated for its silver gray fur. The term is also used for a coat fabric with a curly nap. We believe that the coat here is not true chinchilla which would have been relatively expensive, but we are not sure. A reefer is a classic naval double breasted style coat. Note the ulster pockets. This reefer has a particularly large collar which Sears refers to as a storm collar. The Sears ad copy reads, "We can recommend this navy blue chinchilla reefer as a strictly all wool warm and dressy garment. We invite you to compare with the cheap grades of this material which are usually offered at about our price and you will appreciate its exceptional value. The coat is lined with dark plaid wool lining, wg=hich makes it a very warm garment. It is made double breasted with large storm collar, two ulster and two lower pockets, and has extra buttons on inside facings to replace any which may become lost or broken. You will find the coat a perfect garment in every respect. No. 40T918 Price for boys' reefer coat, ages, 9 to 15 years (no smaller or larger sizes) .. $3.50."
This coat might be called a jacket in modern terms. Note the stylish velvet collar. The material is described as beaver. We are not at all sure that the coat was real made out of beaver pelts and are not sure just what is meant here. The coat is made for boys 10-16 years of age. Note the slight difference in the age grouping compared to the reefer coat. Also note the cash pockets.
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