Long Coats
The first uniform standards issued by the Post Office Department in 1868 required long coats, specifically single-breasted sack coats extending two-thirds of the way from the top of the hip bone to the knee, with a pocket on each side and one on the left breast, and five brass buttons. A one-half inch black braid was stitched around each cuff, two and one-half inches from the bottom, and one-half inch wide black stripe was stitched down each pant leg. A single-breasted vest with seven brass buttons was worn beneath the coat. There were no exceptions for summer weather attire.
The images below illustrate the single-breasted, five-button long coat that was the standard attire for a number of years. Note also the placement of the three pockets. The image on the right shows the five-button vest worn beneath the coat.
Five Button Long Coat: Image on the left courtesy of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum online exhibit and the image on the right is courtesy of the United States Postal Service
In 1873, lighter material was permitted for summer weather, including a lighter coat with only three buttons. Additionally, the stripes on the pants were widened to from one-half inch to one inch. The images below also illustrate the original five-button long coat. Note, though, the widened stripe on the pant legs.
Five Button Long Coat: Images courtesy of the United States Postal Service
In 1893, a new double-breasted winter coat with ten brass buttons was permitted, while the summer coat was still the original five button, single-breasted design. The trouser stripe was reduced to one-quarter inch. A small brass hook was attached to the right shoulder of both the winter and summer coats to hold the mail bag. This hook was discontinued in 1913. The images below illustrate the double-breasted, ten button coat added to the uniform roster for winter weather. Also note the reduced trouser stripe width. The uniform in the center image appears to have the shoulder hook, while the other two uniforms do not.
Ten Button Long Coat: Images courtesy of the Smithsonian National Post Museum online exhibit
In 1897, service stripes were authorized to be placed on the sleeves, one stripe for every five years of service. The stripes were replaced with stars in 1899, as can be seen in the image below.
Service Stars: Image courtesy of the Smithsonian National Post Museum online exhibit
In 1901, shirts were allowed as outerwear in hot weather. The long coat was the standard coat until the 1950s, but became more of a cold weather attire.
