(11-13-2017, 02:47 PM)RJNorton Wrote: What was the length (in inches) of the sleeves of the greatcoat that Abraham Lincoln wore to Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865?

Which side of the sleeve - the upper side (beginning at the shoulder) or the side "down under" (beginning in the arm pit)? The upper side is longer.
I'd guess 70cm upper side...(27,5 inches).

(11-13-2017, 02:47 PM)RJNorton Wrote: What was the length (in inches) of the sleeves of the greatcoat that Abraham Lincoln wore to Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865?

Oh! Where is Reignette Chilton when I need her? She is THE authority on Lincoln's greatcoat...

Thomas and Eva - both guesses are too short. (upper side, Eva)

Laurie, Reignette once sent me some information on the coat, and the answer was in the material she sent. She is currently hard at work writing a book on Lincoln's Brooks Brothers greatcoat. She is the leading expert on Lincoln's greatcoat.

I'll guess 30".

(11-13-2017, 04:10 PM)RJNorton Wrote: Thomas and Eva - both guesses are too short. (upper side, Eva)

Laurie, Reignette once sent me some information on the coat, and the answer was in the material she sent. She is currently hard at work writing a book on Lincoln's Brooks Brothers greatcoat.

And I have sent her an email suggesting that she post the answer (or give it to me to post!).

Gene, your guess is too long.

28 inches?

The answer is 29 inches, and since Eva and Gene were so close they are both winners.

IMO, the history of the greatcoat is fascinating, and I am looking forward to Reignette's book in 2018.

Let's try one more:

What is the length of the coat in inches (collar to hem)?

Did we win the replica of the wooden spool of thread Elizabeth Keckley used in hemming Abraham Lincoln's trousers?

https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/wooden-s...398343.jpg

56 inches

Thanks for the emails, Lori and Roger. I am enjoying the trivia questions about the greatcoat.

As Roger kindly noted, I have been working on a book about the greatcoat - and its unusual journey - for several years. I am pleased to share that I am under contract with a highly-respected publisher. My manuscript (and all the other "stuff" that goes with it) is due by January 5, 2018.

My tome, a labor of love, is dedicated to my wonderful mother, whom I lost this year. No matter how long one lives (and she lived a long life) and no matter how strong one's faith may be, the loss has been heavy. Consequently, I gave up on my manuscript for a few months after her death. But then I decided - with God's help - to get back to it. Thus I began what I thought would be a very long round of submissions and . . . rejections. I was delighted to get a contract so quickly!

Lots of images help illustrate the story, and many of them are from private collections. (I have made a modest investment to obtain the necessary rights but it is worth it. I'll just get a second job!)

Thanks again, Roger, for the plug. I'd answer the trivia question but I'll let the others have fun with it.

Warm regards to my friends on the forum!
Reignette

Close enough, Thomas. You are a winner. The answer is 53 1/2 inches long.

Congratulations, Reignette!

Since we have been discussing St. Elizabeths/Government Hospital for the Insane, name three famous people in U.S. history who were inmates at the asylum.

Offhand, I can think of one: John Hinckley.