Civil War Soldier Guidelines

While, we stress that authenticity is just as important as the research that goes into building an impression, we do have some basic uniform requirements. We strive for the portrayal of the average Civil War soldier and to do so, there has to be a minimal set of standards. While, we completely understand that authentically made uniforms are expensive, we will not cut corners around historically correct made clothing. If your kit is not appropriate, then it should not be displayed. 

Confederate Soldier Pennsylvania Invasion Guidelines:

Headgear: Richmond jeans cloth kepi of light to dark grey or tanish brown (butternut) constructed as the originals. You may also choose to wear a proper slouch hat that is constructed as the originals.

Jackets: Richmond Type II jacket made from Cassimere or Jeans-cloth is more than appropriate for Lee’s Invasion of Pennsylvania. Since the 1st Maryland Cavalry was documented as wearing Richmond Type II jackets made from imported British Kersey, that is also acceptable. You may also purchase a Confederate four button jacket. Wooden buttons, flat coin buttons, general service Federal Eagle or English manufactured buttons can be worn. State seals are OK, but in smaller quantities.

Trousers: Richmond Depot trousers made from jeans cloth or civilian trousers. NO Federal sky-blue trousers are to be worn, unless the trousers and material and constructed after the Richmond Depot pattern.  Federal sky blue trousers are way over done by Confederate reenactors.

Shirts: Any shirt pattern whether it be military or civilian is more than appropriate.

Shoes and Socks: Only period cotton or wool socks are allowed. Shoes can be civilian work boots, regular civilian shoes, Confederate manufactured or the Jefferson Bootie.

Leather belts: You can wear the following black or brown leather belts with the following buckles:

• Roller Buckle
• Georgia Frame
• Fork and tongue
• English Snake
• CS egg plate shaped
• CSA rectangle
• Plain brass rectangle plate

Cap pouch: Confederate Richmond manufacture cap pouch will do.

Cartridge Box: Confederate Richmond pattern in the same caliber as your rifled musket. Cartridge box must be complete with tins. Tool pouch should contain your basic gun tools for maintenance and cleaning wiper.

Haversack: A painted black or tar haversack or a white cotton haversack. Poke bags for your rations are a must.

Additional Equipment: You can get a Confederate blanket to carry your personal items with a ground cloth wrapped around it. Or you can get an Isaac & Campbell knapsack or a double bag Federal knapsack.

Tinwork: A tin canteen with a cloth strap is great for a Confederate impression during this time period. You should also have on you a tin cup, tin plate and eating utensils.

Union Soldier 1863 Guidelines:

Headgear: A properly made forage cap or slouch hat

Jacket: The basic fatigue blouse made from wool flannel with medium size general service buttons. Most reenactors call this blouse a sack coat. Not to many sutlers out there make a period correct Federal frock coat. Frock coats must be made properly as originals in order to be worn during programs. 

Shirts: Any shirt pattern whether it be military or civilian is more than appropriate.

Trousers: JT Martin pattern trousers are great, but any documented Federal trousers made from Sky blue kersey will work. Must be constructed as per the orginal.

Leather belts: Black leather belt with or without leather keeper. The US oval buckle should be made of brass with lead backing. Yes, I know there were problems with mainstream reenactors who hated wearing lead. But the belt buckle should be worn over the jacket or the trouser waist band that is to be worn up to your belly button.

Cap pouch: Model 57 or 61 pattern cap pouch with sheep skin inside the flap. Also you should have a nipple pick inside of cap pouch.

Cartridge Box: Model 57 or 61 pattern cartridge box in the same caliber as your rifled musket. Cartridge box must be complete with tins. Tool pouch should contain your basic gun tools for maintenance and cleaning wiper. A breast plate should be attached to the cartridge box belt.

Haversack: A painted black or tar haversack constructed as the originals. Poke bags for your rations are a must.

Shoes and Socks: Only period cotton or wool knitted socks are allowed. Shoes can be civilian work boots, regular civilian shoes, or the Jefferson Bootie.

Additional Equipment: You can get a Federal blanket to carry your personal items with a ground cloth wrapped around it or you can get a double bag Federal knapsack. One shelter half or rubber blanket should be stored in knapsack for when scenario calls for it. Also, personal items such as comb, toothbrush, housewife, letters from home and other items along those lines are great things to carry to living histories.

Tinwork: A smoothside or bullseye canteen made from tin with a cloth strap. You should also have on you a tin cup, tin plate and eating utensils.

For those portraying Cavalry:

If you are portraying cavalry, the Confederate uniform standards will apply with the exception of accouterments. Accouterments should consist of a properly made saber belt of the time period. If portraying a Union soldier a regulation cavalry belt will do and you may use the standard Union uniform regulations, but, in addition you can use a properly made mounted services jacket and mounted trousers. 

Officers:

Officers had access to higher quality uniforms pending on their rate of pay. All uniforms must be documented to 1863. There are several accounts of how Confederate officers were dressed as they marched through the streets of Chambersburg and other towns. As with any impression, standards must also be directed to those portraying the commanders in the ranks. ALL persons portraying officers must have working knowledge in their branch of service. Our goal is to tell the story of the average Civil War soldier soldier and lower rank officers such as Lieutenants and Captains. Please, no majors, colonels and generals. Those higher ranking men have their stories being told through the interpretation of the Battle of Monterey Pass.

What is acceptable?

Confederate Officer

Jackets: Confederate regulation frock coat, shell jacket or blouse. Rank devises can be subdued or sewn onto the collar. Rank patches are discouraged.

Trousers: Foot pattern documented to the Richmond Depot

Headgear: Regulation kepi or slouch hat

Shirting: Any documented military or civilian pattern made from correct materials

Accouterments: Saber belt, officers saber, one holster with revolver.

Equipment: Knapsack packed with personal items related to the Pennsylvania Campaign, canteen, haversack for rations or officers haversack with writing kit, paperwork, manual of regulations, candle, utensils and plate with cup.

Union Officer

Jackets: Regulation frock coat, shell jacket or blouse

Trousers: Documented foot or mounted pattern in sky-blue or dark blue (Lots of evidence that dark blue trousers were worn in 1863 up to the end of the war).

Headgear: Regulation kepi, forage cap or slouch hat

Shirting: Any documented military or civilian pattern made from correct materials

Accouterments: Saber belt, officers saber, one holster with revolver.

Equipment: Knapsack packed with personal items related to the Pennsylvania Campaign, canteen, haversack for rations or officers haversack with writing kit, paperwork, manual of regulations, candle, utensils and plate with cup.

Where to Buy:

Recommended Sources for Clothing:
Charlie Childs
Chris Daley
Tim Sheads
Wayne Hutzell
Richmond Depot
Ben Tart
Alicia Miller - Seamstress

Recommended Sources for Headgear:
Greg Starbuck – Confederate Kepis
Dirty Billy – Federal Forage Caps

Recommended Sources for Accouterments:
Nick Duvall
EJ Thomas
Missouri Boot and Shoe
RD Hanning
Tim Sheads

Recommended Sources for Footwear and Socks:
Ben Tart
Tim Sheads
Robert Land
Missouri Boot and Shoe

Tinware:
Villiage Tinsmith
Tim Sheads