Overcoat or Cape.—A reversible cape (detached from the coat) reaching to the cuff of the coat sleeve when the arm is extended, of the same material and color on one side, and gutta-percha cloth on the other side, with five buttons, the same as on the coat, down the front, and bound entirely round with black mohair piping; or an overcoat of the same material and color, trimmed to correspond with the coat, with five brass buttons down the front of the same size and design as the coat button. It shall not be obligatory on the carriers to wear either, but whenever additional covering is needed the postmaster of each city will decide, in accordance with the wishes of the majority of the carriers, which shall be worn, as both must not be worn in the same city.
For Summer Wear.
Coat.—Single-breasted, straight-front sack, with square corners, skeleton made, of bluish-gray flannel, or a light-weight bluish-gray worsted or serge, and terminating two-thirds distance from top of hipbone to knee, with lapels (medium roll) made to button over the breast; three pockets outside, with flaps, one on each side and one on left breast. Coat to be bound with black mohair piping, 1/16 inch projection, and five buttons down front, four buttons to button, and one at top, under lapel of coat.
Trousers.—Same material and color as coat, with black cloth cord, 1/4 inch wide, down the outside seam. Side and two hip pockets, to be made of strong and durable material.
Vest.—Same material and color as coat and trousers, piped same as coat, with collar cut to open same height as coat, and five regulation buttons down the front. Vest may be omitted in Summer. During the heated term postmasters may permit letter carriers to wear a neat shirt or loose-fitting blouse, instead of coat and vest, the same to be made of light-gray chambray, gingham, light-gray cheviot, or other light-gray washable material, to be worn with turn-down collar, dark tie, and neat belt, all to be uniform at each office. All garments must be sewed with pure-dye sewing silk, and the garments must be finished in a proper and workmanlike manner and goods thoroughly shrunk.
Carriers must be designated by number, and nickel-plated figures nine-sixteenths of an inch in length, surmounted by a metallic wreath, must be worn, on the hat, cap, or helmet, the design and pattern to be uniform at all offices, and to be regarded as a part of the carrier’s uniform.
Length of service as letter carriers shall be indicated on the carrier’s uniforms by stars, as follows:
Five years’ service, one black silk star.
Ten years’ service, two black silk stars.