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 are willing to help you to obtain
the most authentic uniforms and equipment that is needed. We
have one sutler who makes uniforms and we have one
seamstress that also makes uniforms.
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 is more than appropriate for Lee’s
Invasion of Pennsylvania. You may also purchase a
Confederate four button jacket as seen on display at the
Gettysburg Museum. 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.
Underwear: Any documented period
underwear will do.
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: For starters you can get a
basic fatigue blouse made from wool flannel with medium size
general service buttons. Most reenactors call this blouse a
sack coat. After you obtain this jacket, then we can work
out the rest.
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 original.
Underwear: Any documented period
underwear will do.
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.
