Canada, Cef. A Rare Sergeant Great Coat, Combat Altered

A khaki green wool coat, unlined, with a rounded stand and fall lay-down collar, the collar has a single metal hook and loop (for additional closure), the centre right bears five brass circular shank buttons consisting of a central maple leaf encompassed by a border inscribed with “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE” (MAY HE BE SHAMED WHO THINKS BADLY OF IT), topped with “CANADA”, the reverse of the buttons are unmarked (these are called general service buttons), the centre left bears five corresponding stitched reinforced buttoning holes, the left and right panels bear no outer breast pockets, the waist pockets are flapped and non-pleated, measuring 225 mm x 175 mm, an upper sleeve bore a sergeant chevron but the chevron has been removed, the back bears a central pleat and a half belt of the same khaki green wool with two general standard service buttons and two corresponding stitched reinforced buttoning holes, the interior bears a partial cream coloured liner and a left breast pocket with no flap measuring 160 mm x 200 mm, this particular coat had been altered in the field and cut just below the waist, measuring 510 mm (across shoulders), 655 mm (shulder to cuff), 865 mm (total length), apparent mothing throughout garment due to wear and age, but otherwise fine.

Footnote: Different from the trench coat, great coats were permitted for wear by sergeants, master corporals, corporals and privates during the first world war. Unlike their trench coat counterparts, great coats were not practical for trench warfare. Made of wool or other inexpensive materials, great coats were not waterproof and often ill-fitting. Soldiers would alter their great coats to shorter lengths to prevent the bottoms from dragging through the mud and collecting water.