MtMan-List: Re: Mt man-List: rubber ponchos

[j2hearts@juno.com (John C Funk)]

Alan,

As usual, your information is invaluable and knowledge abounds.  
However, I fear that certain generalizations may prove misleading to the
novice amongst us. The fact that "vulcanized'" cloth/rubber garments
existed within the fur trade period doesn't mean that yellow crossing
guard rain coats  and goulashes are acceptable at various events
replicating fur trade activity.  My point is that a more definitive
response on that subject matter is earnestly needed, ie. what sort of
fabric was rubberized?  What kind of "rubber" was used?  Where did it
come from?  What colour was the eventual product?
Was it sold as premade garments and/or sold as bulk
sheeting?..........and so on.  What was "India rubber"?

I've seen what is sold by Panther and seriously wonder if this is a true
replication of a period product.  I tend to think that vulcanization in
its infancy probable consisted of a gum type rubber, ill refined and a
bit bulky.  Could be totally wrong.

Any further incites on the particulars of this subject?

John Funk

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