One of the most neglected and notoriously incorrect pieces of winter clothing, is also one of the easiest to correct, that of the wool mitten. Whether it be finger-less men’s gloves, mittens knit using the wrong method, or modern leather and fabric gloves, this accessory is often ignored, or inappropriately compensated for with modern equipment. Thankfully, this need not be the case, owing to period images and patterns that still exist, inclusive of commercially available historically accurate patterns (such as those worn here, by Mistress Trisha da Cunha of Timbrell Cockburn Cunha, who thankfully offers this pattern for a very reasonable price of $5, as to make them accessible).
As noted in our prior posts, the journal of George Pausch is perhaps one of the best pieces of information on clothing the British Army in the North, for the period of the Revolution. Noted upon November 6th of 1776 “One pair of blue mittens line with corduroy material”, while a small quote in the context of furnishing the Royal Artillery as entering winter quarters, this provides us with sufficient detail, when combined with period images and accounts, as to determine the construction. Combined with Diderot’s work, we can ascertain that the mittens would have been lined with an inner layer, in this case being corduroy (potentially incorrectly translated and being coarse, or thick wool) and once again owing to period accounts, we know that the thumb would have been sewn on the exterior, not inside and flipped as found on incorrect or modern mittens. This manner of construction does take some effort and leaves the seams exposed, but the mitten is rather flexible and resilient.
Image Courtesy of Timbrell Cockburn Cunha and Trisha da Cunha
The question that you should now be asking yourself is whether these were a commonly available item, despite our modern sensibilities (or in some cases lack of them, as mittens are far superior in heat retention, though not as commonly worn as finger gloves at present). A few citations below give you an idea of how wide spread these items were, such as in the case of bales, not pair, but bales of mittens being stored (quite a sum).
May 1st, 1778 – General Returns of Stores in Montreal
Mittens Bales and Casks: 14 (380 pairs)
May 1st, 1778 – General Returns of Stores in the King’s Magazine, Quebec City
Casks: 10 (297 pairs)
December 31st, 1778 – General Returns of Stores in Quebec
Quebec City 701 pairs, St John 375 pairs, Sorell, 100 pairs
April 1st, 1779 – General Returns of Stores in Quebec City
For donation, 5,467 pairs
It is not only possible to shoot a musket with real charge and ball, it is also far warmer, though not necessarily as easy as it would be without the mittens
This extensive set of records continues with a staggering sum of thousands of mittens being stored, or issued, to the forces within the Province of Quebec (now Ontario and Quebec proper), putting any doubt out of mind as to their relevance and use.
What of fresh troops coming to North America, well, we can see from a previously shared account that they too were not ignored.
April 4th, 1780 Germain to Haldimand
“…Troops have also been provided and sent out in this ship agreeable to the inclosed list calculated for the supply of 5,500 regulars and 3,000 provincials; a blanket, a pair of mittens and leggings have this and the former year been superadded to the ordinary regimental clothing of the troops by His Majesty out of his royal bounty in humane consideration of the severity of the climate and the hardships the men may be exposed to in a late or early campaign and as an encouragement to a cheerful performance of such laborious services as you may find it necessary to employ them in.”
As can be seen, this is one piece of clothing, or rather an accessory that was essential and from the noted sums, recognised as such for the successful protection of the soldiers in this harsh climate. Sadly, as noted, this is also one of the most commonly ignored pieces of equipment that can be made at home from scraps of wool left over from producing your regimental coat, or breeches and so on. Though not to self-promote, Mistress da Cunha does offer this pattern and pre-made mittens (upon request, or as listed). With the availability of patterns and materials, we hope that we will shortly see an increase in the correct style of mitten and less 19th century “Tiny Tim” finger-less gloves (for shame, I too have own a pair, in the past).
Image Courtesy of Jas Townsends
These would not be acceptable for the 18th century, into the early 19th century
Stay warm and safe.
Our pattern comes from from Head Mistress Trisha da Cunha and her shop, you can find it at www.tccunha.ca by searching for "pattern".
Marcio R. A. da Cunha M.A., L.L.B., B.Ed., OCT.
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