3^rd Regiment, USV Uniform Standards

Addendum #1 to the Regimental Polices of the 3^rd USV

Version: December 8, 2009

 

1.0 UNIFORMS

GENERAL NOTES: Uniforms should be appropriately sewn, made of the proper materials, and constructed in the correct "cut". Proper stitching is encouraged, as are hand-sewn buttonholes. This applies for uniform jackets, pants, vests, shirts, and drawers.

1.1 Headgear

A. Forage Cap: The only acceptable headgear for formal occasions such as parade, inspection, and guard duty, is the Type 1 or 2 forage cap. Forage caps shall be of a finely-woven, dark blue plain-weave wool with no visible weave. Visors and chinstraps shall be painted leather. Buttons shall be small "eagle" type. The cap liner shall be brown or black polished cotton and the cap shall have a leather or painted cloth sweatband. The sides of the brim shall not be curled downward in the style of modern baseball caps. Trim and Insignia: Members are discouraged from adding brass ornamentation to their headgear. Brass harps, Masonic badges, and other insignia (for example, "Excelsior" badges) are discouraged on any type of clothing, especially hats. Wearing of brass bugles is strongly discouraged, as there is little evidence that soldiers in the field wore them. Wearing of brass regimental numbers and company letters is allowed but is discouraged. If worn, corps badges shall be appropriate for the scenario portrayed. [EOG/US pages 176, 182-183] It is preferred that headgear be plain with no ornamentation of any kind.  

B. Other Headgear: Havelocks are not allowed unless documentation supports their use in a given scenario.

C. Civilian Hats: Appropriate, period-style civilian slouch hats are permitted on campaign and as otherwise appropriate for the scenario portrayed; evidence strongly suggests that soldiers in some units of the Army of the Potomac wore slouch hats on the march and in battle with regularity. Forage caps were (and still are) required for formal occasions, such as parade, inspection, and guard duty. Civilian hats shall be devoid of hat cords. Brass ornamentation and insignia worn on civilian hats shall conform to the requirements for forage caps. Civilian hats shall have a sewn edge binding, a silk hat ribbon, and a sweatband of leather or cotton duck. Civilian hats shall be made of fine wool felt and shall not include metal-trimmed vents or exhibit a "fuzzy" appearance. "Steamed fedoras", derbies, and shapeless hat blanks are forbidden. Acceptable hat colors are medium to dark gray, medium to dark brown, and black, with black as the preferred color.
D. U.S. Army Hats/"Kossuth Hats": Use of the U.S. Army regulation hat (a.k.a. "Hardee hat"; note that this is a non-period term) is permitted when appropriate for the scenario (i.e., when portraying a unit that actually wore them). U.S. Army hats will normally be devoid of brass ornamentation and hat cords. U.S. Army hats shall be black in color and made of medium-weight felt, with a crown 5¾ inches high and a brim 3 to 3¼ inches wide. U.S. Army hats shall have two lines of stitching as an edge binding and a 3/8-inch to 5/16-inch wide ribbon hatband knotted on the left side. The liner shall include a black or maroon leather sweatband and glazed paper crown backing.

E. Soft "smoking caps" are acceptable when soldiers are off-duty if the particular cap and material is correct for the period.

F. Headgear for Commissioned Officers: Headgear for officers is at the discretion of the officer and shall be suitable for the scenario and portrayal. Acceptable headgear includes: U.S. Army dress hat, civilian hat, forage cap, and kepi. Hats may be worn with or without embroidered branch insignia. Dress hats and civilian hats may be worn with or without hat cord. [EOG/US pages 178-179 (kepis), pages 180-181 (forage caps), page 184 (U.S.. Army hat), pages 185-186 (civilian hats)]

1.2 Shirts

A. Federal Issue Shirts: It is preferred that all members have at least one gray or domet flannel Federal-issue shirt, as this was the shirt worn by the majority of Federal soldiers. Federal-issue shirts may be either depot-made or contractor-made. Domet flannel shirts will have three ½" diameter tin-plated buttons; one at the neck and one at each cuff; the fabric shall be a cotton warp and wool weft in an off-white color. The typical gray wool shirt will have 4 or 5 buttons, with two or three on a placket front and one on each cuff.

B. Civilian Shirts: Fabrics must be woven of 100-percent natural fiber. Only period-correct prints (such as checked prints; note that paisley, no matter how historically correct, is strongly discouraged) may be worn. [EOG/US page 126] Fabric may be 100 percent cotton muslin or flannel. Shirts must have wood, bone, mother-of-pearl, glass, porcelain, or paper-backed tin buttons. Bone, glass, and porcelain were more common than wood buttons. Buttons are a conspicuous problem with inaccurate clothing. Antique or properly made reproduction buttons can be purchased from suppliers on the Vendor List.

1.3 Uniform Coats and Jackets

A. Fatigue Blouse ("Sack Coat") for Enlisted Men and Non-commissioned Officers: Required field-wear is the standard, New York or Schuylkill Depot-issue Federal four-button fatigue blouse. All jackets should be of indigo wool flannel material. Wool flannel shall exhibit a visible "wale" in the fabric and shall be a shade between a medium and dark blue color; the color shall not be a blackish, "navy" blue that fades to an even more-unacceptable purple color. Lined blouses are preferred because approximately about 75 percent of the blouses issued were of this type. Lining can be lightweight brown flannel, linen, or jean in the body, and cotton muslin or linen shirting in the sleeves. Fatigue blouses shall have standard, medium-sized U.S. infantry buttons. [Similar to EOG/US page 125]

B. U.S. Uniform Coat ("Frock Coat") for Enlisted Men and Non-commissioned Officers: The federal infantry coat is acceptable for field wear as dictated by the scenario. Frock coats shall be of dark blue wool broadcloth material; refer to "Fatigue Blouses" above for requirements on fabric color. Frock coats should be lined with a mixture of alpaca, tow or some similar material as chest padding, polished cotton, and muslin or osnaburg in the sleeves. Frock coat trim shall be light blue piping; "tape-trim" is not allowed. Frock coats shall have standard U.S. infantry buttons. Original frock coats were made with pocket in the skirts only; there should not be a factory-made pocket in the breast. [similar to EOG/US page 122-123]  

C. Fatigue Blouse ("Sack Coat") for Commissioned Officers: The officer's sack coat is a loose-fitting blouse that should generally be longer than the enlisted fatigue blouse and are acceptable when appropriate for the scenario. Officers' sack coats were privately purchased and exhibited variation from one officer to the next. Sack coats shall be of dark blue wool flannel or broadcloth material (refer to "Fatigue Blouses for Enlisted Men and Non-commissioned Officers" above for requirements on fabric color). Linings shall be appropriate to the original used as a pattern. Sack coat may have a four or five-button front; additional buttons are permissible. Sack coats generally had at least two outside pockets. Black velvet collars and cuffs were common and are acceptable on officers' sack coats. [EOG/US page 119] While there is documented evidence of officers on campaign preferring to wear the unadorned sack coats of private soldiers, our desire that an officer's impression include a jacket or coat that is of a pattern specific to commissioned rank. Exceptions would be made on a case-by-case basis if documentation exists for officers within the specific unit being portrayed.

D. Frock Coat for Commissioned Officers: Perhaps the most common coat worn by commissioned officers was the private-purchase frock coat. Captains and lieutenants' frock coats shall be single-breasted; field-grade officers may wear double-breasted coats. Frock coats shall be of dark blue wool broadcloth material; refer to "Fatigue Blouses for Enlisted Men and Non-commissioned Officers" above for fabric color requirements. Frock coats should be lined with a mixture of alpaca, tow, or similar material as chest padding, and polished cotton; sleeves shall be lined with muslin or osnaburg. Officers are discouraged from wearing rank insignia on the sleeve unless correct for the portrayal. Frock coats shall have nine ¾-inch eagle buttons on the front, three 5/8-inch eagle buttons on each cuff, and a four- or six-button tail. Black velvet collars and cuffs were common and are acceptable on officers' frock coats. [EOG/US pages 116-117] Officers shall not wear enlisted frock coats.

F. Shell Jacket for Commissioned Officers: Many commissioned officers wore shell jackets. Shell jackets shall be of dark blue wool broadcloth material; refer to "Fatigue Blouses for Enlisted Men and Non-commissioned Officers" above for fabric color requirements. Shell jacket lining shall be appropriate to the original used as a pattern. [EOG/US page 115]

1.4 Pants

U.S. Army Infantry issue: Light blue kersey wool with a visible "wale" to the fabric. Pants shall not be pleated and shall have a watch pocket. For the veteran-soldier "as issued" look, wear one of the four issue sizes, unaltered. The cut is very important: many reproduction trousers ride like modern pants, with the waistband on top of the hipbones. The proper Civil War cut is much higher: the waistband should be just under the lower ribs. Federal trousers also were characterized by a straight outseam (actually an outdated cut by the fashion standards of 1860), which gives the trouser legs a period-correct "loose" appearance. Buttons shall be paper-backed tin. Pants should have a yoke or insert at the back to raise the waistband approximately 2 to 3 inches above the front of the pants. Fly shall be of kersey (not of white cotton). Preferred pants are Schuylkill Arsenal or J.T. Martin (period contractor from New York City) manufacture. [EOG/US page 127] NCOs are encouraged to wear the appropriate dark-blue leg-stripe commensurate with their rank.

1.5 Suspenders/Braces

A. Civilian: Any type of period civilian model: all-cloth "poor boys", or adjustable with tin, brass, or japanned steel buckles. No buckles of nickel-plated metal.
B. Canvas, drill, tapestry, embroidered, crocheted, woven, or ticking suspenders are acceptable.
C. Leather ends on suspenders must be 100 percent natural leather; synthetic substitutes are not allowed.
D. Period-correct elastic suspenders are allowed if they are purchased from an approved sutler on the Vendor List.
E. Members are advised that most large, general sutlers' suspenders are incorrect.
F. Most issue trousers were furnished with only four suspender buttons; two in the front and two in the back. If you want to preserve the "unaltered-just-as-issued" look that was typical of soldiers in the field, use braces with only four suspension points.

1.6 Drawers

A. Summer-issue drawers should be canton flannel material (plain cotton is also acceptable, although canton flannel was most common). Issue drawers can be of the Schuylkill Arsenal or New York Depot pattern. Issue drawers should have two or three-piece tin-plated buttons. Ties would be visible at the cuffs, unless they have been removed. Soldiers also cut the legs off their issue drawers in warm weather. Drawer cuffs make great gun rags!
B. Civilian drawers may have bone, wood, mother-of-pearl, or paper backed tin buttons. [EOG/US page 127]

1.7 Stockings

A. Civilian socks: Particularly hand-knitted cotton or wool. No athletic socks. Elastic is not allowed.
B. It is noted that the vast majority of large, general sutlers do not sell proper socks. Solid colors of socks can be worn, but should be correct for the period.
C. Issue socks were very commonly machine knit and, to a lesser extent (which decreased as the war progressed) hand-knit in one of the following solid colors: off-white, gray, grayish blue, brown, or blue.

1.8 Shoes

A. U.S. Military-Issue Bootee: Leather bootee per period specifications. Do not use modern, golden-colored, oil-tanned "rawhide" bootlaces; black leather laces are the best bet. Bootees should have a slightly squared toe and have either pegged or stitched soles. Preference should be given to stitched-sole bootees, as it appears that the majority of shoes issued through the Schuylkill depot were of stitched-sole construction. The smooth side of the leather shall be towards the inside of the shoe. The rough side should be sheered and polished, giving the bootee a smooth appearance. Avoid shoes with a heavy, suede-like nap. While metal heel plates were not an issue item, they are recommended in order to prolong the life of reproduction shoes. Toe plates and hobnails are acceptable as long as they are of a period pattern. Note that evidence suggests that "brogans" was not a period term. [EOG/US page 191]
B. Gaiters: Canvas leggings are expressly not allowed unless documented as correct for the scenario. Leggings are correct for certain events and therefore their use is condoned for specific scenarios; Members will be advised in advance of events where leggings are appropriate. When worn, the only acceptable patterns are the two documented common "general-issue" versions: either white canvas with eyelets and leather reinforcements and laces, or all-leather construction with straps and buckles. Both versions of leggings should have a leather or canvas heel-strap. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of leggings with button closures.
C. Be advised that tucking the trousers (called 'blousing') into the socks was (and is) not allowed in formal formations, such as parade, guard duty, inspections, etc.
D. Boots are not encouraged for enlisted men. While many period soldiers craved boots over their "gunboats", many of them discovered that a poorly made pair of boots was an agonizing choice for marching footwear. In fact, as the war progressed, officers were less tolerant of men straggling due to injured feet caused by bad boots, and orders were issued periodically to give up boots and draw bootees instead.

1.9 Waistcoat/Vest

A. Vests were not an army-issue item. Military-cut vests of dark blue or light blue kersey wool with brass buttons and cotton or linen back are acceptable, as are any period-correct style of civilian vest.
B. Vests are not required.

1.10 Overcoat

A. U.S. "Foot" pattern: Light blue kersey wool, with white cotton or osnaburg lining in the sleeves and flannel or wool lining in the body (removal of the lining is acceptable), brass buttons (5-button front, 9-button cape), and preferably with hand-sewn buttonholes. Overcoats shall have standard U.S. infantry buttons. [EOG/US page 129]
B. Overcoats shall be utilized only when appropriate for the scenario; especially in the second half of the war, overcoats were generally placed in storage from late April through mid-September and, as such, are generally not correct for scenarios during these months.
C. Cavalry greatcoats are not acceptable.
D. NCO chevrons shall NOT be displayed on overcoats. While there are original overcoats with chevrons, this practice is extremely detrimental to the plain, "nondescript" look that we are trying to achieve.

1.11 Miscellaneous Items

A. Eyewear: If corrective lenses are required, contact lenses are preferred. If glasses are worn, they shall be period correct. In no event shall eyeglass lenses be larger than one inch in diameter. Temple-pieces ("bows") should not loop around the ears (this was a post-war style). Nose-rest pads on eyewear are not allowed. Sunglasses are not allowed. No modern eyewear will is allowed at any time.
B. Chevrons: NCOs are encouraged to wear chevrons commensurate with their rank. No member shall wear a rank insignia above his official rank unless authorized. Company NCO chevrons shall be worsted wool; other chevrons as authorized by the battalion shall conform with the U.S. Army Regulations relative to material and configuration. While evidence suggests that non-commissioned officers of the Army of the Potomac wore both straight and elliptical chevrons throughout the war, it is preferred that non-commissioned officers wear elliptical chevrons. This is both because it is desired that chevrons should appear as if they were issued from one source, and because straight chevrons are over-represented in the hobby. NCOs on campaign were known to wear private's blouses until ordered to add their badge of rank: these improvised chevrons were often crude affairs of "tape" or light-blue wool from pants. "Factory made" chevrons are preferred but, if approved beforehand, such improvised chevrons are acceptable for campaign scenarios.
C. Insignia for Commissioned Officers: Insignia of rank should be worn by commissioned officers unless documentation suggests otherwise for a given scenario and portrayal. Generally, insignia should be shoulder straps. Straps can be embroidered or the Smith Patent laminated metal styles. Backing shall be fine wool or velvet, medium or dark-blue in color. At the discretion of the officer, either double-border or single-border straps may be used. Miniature insignia may be worn on officer sack coats. [EOG/US page 175]
D. Sashes: When required for the scenario and portrayal, orderly sergeants, principal musicians, and commissioned officers will wear sashes. Sashes for non-commissioned officers shall be red knitted wool, knotted at both ends, and approximately nine feet in length. Sashes for commissioned officers may be silk netting or knitted wool, shall be scarlet (maroon) in color, knotted at each end, and approximately nine feet in length. [EOG/US page 115 (commissioned officer's sash)] Other ranks shall not wear sashes.

 

 

2.0 BLANKETS, TENTAGE, AND WATERPROOFS

2.1 Blankets

A. U.S. Issue blankets of either brown or gray wool/shoddy or mixed cotton and wool with end-stripes are preferred. Issue blankets should have the letters "US" sewn into the center of the blanket in a period-correct pattern. [EOG/US page 214] Be advised that properly woven mixed cotton and wool blankets (the genuine "emergency issue" style) are authentic but of little value in the field. When damp, the mixed-cloth blankets provide almost no warmth at all and they were largely hated by the original soldiers.
B. Sleeping bags, etc. are strongly discouraged but tolerated if completely hidden at all times from view. They are strictly prohibited in non-garrison scenarios.
C. Air and/or foam mattresses are not authorized, except if completely hidden in garrison-style events.

2.2 Tentage

A. When on campaign, the "camp" will typically be a bivouac. A bivouac may include the following shelters: pitching shelter tents using bayoneted muskets as uprights, improvised "shebangs", and other documented types of shelter used by soldiers on campaign. During fair weather, an even more prevalent practice was to bivouac without erecting any shelter at all.
B. Type of Tent: Enlisted men, non-commissioned officers, and company officers shall use no tent larger than a shelter tent unless otherwise dictated by the scenario.
C. Federal-issue Shelter Half: Should not have brass grommets (instead, shelter halves should have two 3/8-inch diameter hand-sewn holes at the corners), and should be 8 oz./yard cotton drilling or fine tabby-weave linen. Each shelter half shall measure approximately 5'-5" by 5'-6".. For 1862-1863 scenarios, the preferred shelter half is the three-panel model with single or double-side reinforcement preferably with bone buttons. Shelter tents for 1864 scenarios should preferably be of two-panel construction with paper-backed tin buttons. Late-war shelter halves may be constructed of "blue line"-type drilling or linen and should have a third set of grommet holes at the bottom of the third seam. Each shelter half should have attached at one upper corner a 6-foot section of rope. Shelter halves shall have rope loops through the grommet holes. Period-style maker-marks on each shelter half are encouraged. [EOG/US page 214]
D. Tent stakes should be of wood; iron tent stakes are discouraged.
E. Shelter tent poles (if used at all) should be wooden tree limbs. Bark should be left on. Finished timber used for tent poles is discouraged. As an alternative to tree branches, use muskets as upright tent supports.
F. Rope: The preferred rope used with tents is hemp. Manila rope is the minimum acceptable rope on tents.
G. Common tents ("A-tents") will be used when appropriate for the scenario portrayed. Common tents shall be approximately six feet in height, eight feet in length, and seven feet in width, and shall have end flaps. Bell tents are not allowed. Handsewn grommet holes with rope loops are encouraged in lieu of brass grommets or canvas loops.

2.3 Gum Blanket/Ground Cloth

A. Federal Issue Rubber Blanket: Gum blankets should have small (3/8-inch diameter) grommets; some sutlers sell these items with incorrect, large grommets. Gum blankets should be made of a rubber-coated drill or muslin material with an uneven pattern of grommets; along one long edge, the grommets were usually placed in a spacing that was supposed to be used for tying the blanket over the soldiers' shoulders. Since there is no source for gum blankets with properly spaced grommets (yet), the evenly spaced version is acceptable. Use of ponchos is discouraged because ponchos are over-represented in the ranks of infantry reenactors. [EOG/US page 215]
B. Oilcloths of linseed soaked canvas with black pigment are allowed but not preferred. Note that oilcloths sold by most Vendors feature black, latex house paint in lieu of a pigmented linseed coating. Use of black latex house paint is acceptable, but Members are advised to ensure that the Vendor thoroughly soaks the fabric with the paint before drying it. [EOG/US page 215]

 

3.0 ACCOUTREMENTS AND CAMP EQUIPMENT

NOTE: "Accoutrements" included the cartridge box and sling, waistbelt, cap pouch, and bayonet scabbard. "Camp equipment" includes the haversack, canteen, and knapsack.

NOTE: All accoutrements should be worn at the proper height. The waist-belt shall be worn about the center of the stomach (over the navel). Cartridge Box slings came in only one length, and when this sling is used, you will want to adjust the billets so that the top of the box rides just below the bottom edge of the waist-belt. Haversack and canteen straps shall be the proper length, so that the top of the haversack and canteen are approximately equal with the elbow. If necessary, straps shall be shortened for the haversack (cut and sewn shorter), and canteen (knotted up or cut-and-sewn). If a knapsack is used, it is recommended that the canteen strap be over the knapsack straps to facilitate both drinking and refilling the canteen while on the march.

3.1 Haversack

A. U.S. Issue Haversack: Painted (black) canvas with buckle and inner canvas bag. Closure buckle shall be japanned, painted black steel, or unfinished iron; nickel-plated and stainless steel buckles are not allowed. The buckle should be on a leather strap preferably fastened to the haversack with rivets (rivets are correct for New York Depot haversacks). Maximum size of the haversack shall be 12 inches by 12 inches. Straps on period haversacks were generally approximately 42 inches in length. [EOG/US pages 199, 210, 211]
B. Items carried in the haversack should be period correct. Note that modern blue/red bandanas sold by most sutlers are incorrect and are forbidden. The haversack was intended to carry food; personal items should largely be carried in the knapsack.
C. Items in the haversack should be carried in small cotton or muslin "poke bags" with drawstrings or wrapped in period-style newspaper.
D. Haversacks will generally not be worn at dress parade, modern parades, etc.
E. Tinware should be hitched to the outside of the haversack only when there is insufficient room for mess gear within the haversack.
F. Commissioned Officer Haversack: Commissioned officers may use either an enlisted haversack or an officer haversack. Officer haversack shall be either patent or dyed leather with adjustable leather strap, or painted canvas. [EOG/US page 201]

3.2 Canteen

A. U.S. Issue Model 1858 (Smoothside), New York or Schuylkill Depot pattern: Tin-plated sheet iron oblate spheroid canteen with three strap keepers. One keeper may have a punched hole (to hold the cork attachment) per New York Depot canteen specifications; only canteens issued by the New York Depot had this hole. Corrugated canteen bodies (i.e. "bullseye" canteens) were issued only by the Schuylkill Depot and after mid-1862.
B. Cover: Canteens shall have a gray or brown colored cover of jean or satinette. Although original canteens exist with kersey covers, they were uncommon and are therefore grossly over-represented in today's reenacting world; they are therefore strongly discouraged.
C. Strap: Straps should be white cotton drilling, approximately ¾-inch wide and 72 inches in length. New York Depot canteens often used the same drill that was used to fabricate shelter tents, with a visible twill weave. The Schuylkill Arsenal usually used twill tape after 1862. In August 1862, the New York and Schuylkill arsenals discontinued use of leather canteen straps, although some leather straps remained in use in the field until at least the summer of 1863. Leather canteen straps should be russet-colored (brown), ½-inch wide with a buckle closure. Leather canteen straps shall not be used for impressions after summer of 1863.
D. Cork: Should be secured with tin-plated iron chain (correct for New York Depot canteens) or string. [EOG/US pages 198, 206, 207]
E. Stainless steel canteens are allowed, but the spout shall be pewter or tin; stainless steel shall never be visible.
F. It is preferred that canteens be unadorned by superfluous decorations or identification. Most marked canteens, particularly after the early-war period, include only the owner's stenciled initials.

3.3 Cartridge Box and Side-arm Accoutrements

A. Black leather M1861 cartridge box for 0.58 caliber muzzle loading rifles, with leather sling. Cartridge box must be equipped with tins. Sling must have a brass eagle breastplate, and be made in the regulation length of 55 inches with two narrow 5 ½" long billets. The most common method of factory attaching the breastplate to the strap was to bend the loops over on the inside, without use of ties, wedges, etc. The cartridge box should have a brass plate reading "US" (state designations, such as "SNY" or "OVM", are not acceptable for brass plates) commonly attached with a leather "wedge" in the visual center of the box flap. [EOG/US page 203, bottom]
B. Pistol Box: Shall be worn only by commissioned officers that elect to carry side-arms. Pistol box shall be black leather and shall have two belt loops sewn or riveted to the backside of the pistol box.
C. Pistol Holster: Shall be worn only by commissioned officers that elect to carry side-arms. Holster shall be black leather, with one belt loop riveted or sewn to the holster. Holster should have a brass closure. Preferred (common) holster is right side, butt forward (presumably, in battle an officer would have a sword in the right hand, and would therefore draw the pistol with the left hand from the right hip), although other holster configurations are also acceptable. [EOG/US page 201]

3.4 Cap Pouch

Black leather cap pouch, M1855, with inner flap, cone pick loop and sheepskin liner. [EOG/US page 202]

3.5 Waistbelt and Belt Plate

A. Federal-issue black-dyed (not painted) leather waistbelt with standing leather loop keeper is preferred. The brass keeper is acceptable but not preferred. (Note: brass keepers were not the rule before the end of 1863 or early 1864; the standing loop belt is far more common until 1864). Minimum width of waist-belt shall be 1-7/8 inches; maximum width shall be 2 inches.
B. Brass belt plate should read "US" (not, "SNY" or "OVM") and preferably be lead-filled (not resin-filled). [EOG/US page 202] "Snake head" hooks (now called "arrow hooks") to attach the plate to the belt were introduced relatively late in the war. Up to the beginning of 1863, the "puppy paw" or "mushroom head" studs were typical.
C. NCOs may wear the Federal non-commissioned officer waist-belt with rectangular eagle plate closure. Belt shall be dyed black leather approximately 1¾ inches wide. The belt length shall be adjustable by means of a brass hook, and shall include a leather keeper. Buckle-closure shall be a brass rectangle with eagle insignia and hook to mate with the brass eye at opposite end of belt.
D. Commissioned Officer Sword Belt: Officer's sword belts were black-dyed, brown, black patent leather, maroon, and embroidered cloth. All of the following dimensions are given as a guide only, because original sword belts have significant variations. Members are advised to copy an existing original that has a documented provenance. Sword belt for commissioned officers should be approximately 1-5/8 inches wide. Belt length should be adjustable by means of a brass buckle, and should include a leather keeper. Buckle-closure may be a brass rectangle with eagle insignia and hook to mate with the brass eye at opposite end of belt. Belt should include two square brass loops each approximately 1½ inches by 1½ inches, each fastened to the belt with two pieces of leather reinforcing sewn to the belt. Belt should include two 1-inch wide leather straps looped through the brass loops and secured with removable brass rivets. Each strap shall have a brass swivel snap (note: there are no known accurate reproduction swivel snaps; Members are encouraged to use original swivel snaps if available). The belt should have a 1-inch wide adjustable baldric (shoulder strap) with leather keeper and brass closure hook; the baldric may be removed at the officers' discretion. [EOG/US page 200]

3.6 Bayonet and Scabbard

A. Scabbard: Acceptable scabbards patterns include the two rivet and the seven rivet types. Two-rivet pattern scabbards are preferred because they are an earlier-war pattern and were typical until the seven-rivet pattern was distributed starting in the spring of 1863. Both patterns were constructed of black-dyed (not painted) leather. DO NOT buy a two-piece English scabbard/frog. All scabbards shall be equipped with a brass tip for safety considerations; this tip should be attached to the scabbard body with from two to four small brass or copper brads. [EOG/US page 202]
B. Bayonet: Carbon steel bayonet correct for the weapon. Bayonet shall have a locking ring. Members may replace the reproduction locking-ring on their bayonet with an original locking ring. Remove the "INDIA" stamp from the bayonet with a file and emery cloth. Either leave this area blank or stamp in the letters "US". Sharpening of bayonets is expressly prohibited. Best results (durability) will be obtained through use of an original bayonet.

3.7 Knapsack

A. Federal Issue Double Bag Knapsack: Painted (black) canvas or drilling with black-dyed (not painted) leather straps, mid-war pattern. Closure buckles shall be japanned, painted black steel, or unfinished iron; nickel-plated and stainless steel buckles are not allowed. Hooks shall be brass. [EOG/US page 213]
B. Members are allowed to utilize blanket rolls ("mule collars") in lieu of knapsacks.
C. "Hardpack" knapsacks and wood frames inserted into the double-bag knapsacks are discouraged unless specifically condoned for an event. These pieces of equipment were early-war items and their use in post-1862 scenarios is generally incorrect.
D. Unless specifically dictated otherwise by the scenario, members are highly encouraged to wear knapsacks ("full marching order") to all marches, battles, and demonstrations where portraying soldiers on campaign. Knapsacks may or may not be worn when soldiers are detailed to guard duty (depending on the scenario); wearing of knapsacks is never required when actually posted as a sentinel.
E. Packing of knapsacks for an event shall be as light as possible. Pack only what you can carry on a march of at least five hours. A knapsack is generally packed too heavy if it weighs more than 14 lbs. fully loaded, including the blanket, gum blanket, and shelter half.
F. Knapsacks are not appropriate at dress parade and ceremonies.

3.8 Rifle Straps

Rifle Straps: Members may choose to equip their rifles with straps (also known today as, "slings"). Rifle straps should be russet leather, 46 inches long and 1-1/8 inches wide. A cast or sheet-brass hook should be sewn and riveted to one end. All loops to be sewn construction, with no staples or rivets used in the construction or attachment. The English-pattern strap for the Enfield was issued with a frequency similar to that of the other English accoutrements and therefore is generally incorrect for the typical U.S. impression. Enfield rifle-muskets should be fitted with a U.S.-pattern strap with an extra hole or two added.

 

 

4.0 WEAPONS

4.1 Firearms

A. Model 1853 Enfield Rifle-musket, .577 caliber: Preferred that Enfields be marked "Tower" (instead of "London Armory"). Enfield rifle-muskets shall be properly "defarbed" (top swivel replaced, first two bands replaced, modern markings removed, period inspector's stamps added, correct escutcheons, bluing removed, etc.). Members are advised to purchase ArmiSport (reproduction manufacturer) rifle-muskets because they are more authentic with respect to the musket bands. [EOG/US page 38]
B. Model 1861 Springfield Rifle-musket, .58 caliber. The Springfield was the most common weapon in the hands of Union troops, and as such should be given preference in Members' choice of weapons.
C. Model 1863 Springfield Rifle-musket: These weapons are also acceptable.
D. Long-arms other than a .58 caliber Enfield or Springfield will be considered on a case-by-case basis as required by the scenario portrayed. Model 1842 .69 caliber Springfield smoothbores may be carried only when appropriate for the scenario. No two-band rifles, no modern black-powder rifles, no Confederate rifles, etc. shall be carried at any time.
E. Any original (period) muskets must look new and be in proper working order.
F. All rifle-muskets in the ranks shall have a functioning half cock and shall be capable of bearing the full weight of the musket when supported only by the trigger.
G. Each time the company falls in, each soldier must have a ramrod in his rifle-musket and a bayonet properly sheathed.
H. All muskets shall be cleaned after firing. A weapons inspection shall be held prior to each firing demonstration and/or battle reenactment. Unsafe and/or excessively unclean weapons shall not be allowed in the ranks due to the safety hazard they represent.

4.2 Ammunition (Blank Cartridges)

A. Each man will have a full 40 rounds of cartridges in his cartridge box when the Company falls in at each and at every uniformed event. Each man will have enough percussion caps in his cap box to fire the required 40 rounds in his cartridge box. The only exception to this rule is when at an event where carrying of ammunition and caps is prohibited, such as on National Park Service property.
B. Each cartridge will contain no more that 60 grains of FF black powder.
C. Blank cartridges shall not be carried loose in cartridge boxes; all cartridge boxes will have the proper cartridge box tins. For safety reasons, Members are discouraged from carrying cartridges in their pockets.
D. Cartridges must be made of proper paper material. Newspaper, notepad paper, and other inauthentic materials shall not be used. Cartridges must be properly constructed and tied at the end.
E. Cartridges should be properly packaged (bundle of ten cartridges plus twelve caps in a paper tube, wrapped in paper tied with a string). Cartridge package labels should be correct for the scenario if they are used.

4.3 Prohibitions

A. Long knives shall never be carried at any time.
B. Only officers may carry pistols.
C. Live ammunition shall never be carried by any member at any event, with the sole exception of live-fire competitions.

4.4 Commissioned Officer Weapons

A. Sword and Scabbard: All officers on duty shall always carry a sword. Sword may be the standard, 1850 United States Army foot officer's sword, with brass guard and leather grip. Plain or engraved blades are acceptable. The hilt of the sword (where the blade meets the guard) shall have a red-dyed piece of leather of the same size as the head of the scabbard. Note that swords that have a "nut" on the end of the pommel are unacceptable. Use of officer's sword knot is at the discretion of the officer. Scabbards shall have a brass throat with a brass loop to attach to the swivel snap on the sword belt, and a brass drag with a second brass loop approximately one-third of the way down the scabbard. Scabbard for the Model 1850 foot officer's sword shall be russet leather. [EOG/US pages 74-75] Another extremely common sword used by foot officers was the import sword known today as the "Petersen 75", which were imported from Germany and had steel fittings and steel scabbards.
B. Side-arm: Use of a side-arm by commissioned officers is optional. Choice of side arm is at the discretion of the officer. Among the most common types of side arms were 0.44 caliber Colt Army revolver, and 0.32 caliber "pocket" pistols. [EOG/US pages 64-69]

 

5.0 RATIONS AND COOKING

5.1 Food

A. Only period-correct foods should be eaten in the campaign camp. Military-issue rations should make up the bulk of these items.
B. In most campaign situations, rations are limited to salt pork (slab bacon), fresh or salt beef, hardtack, coffee and sugar, as these were the government-issue "staples" that the soldier could (usually) count on receiving without resorting to procuring food from outside camp.
C. Depending on the scenario, additional issue items such as beans, peas, fresh or desiccated vegetables, etc. may be used.
D. "Foraged" items should be used only if appropriate to the scenario. These will be limited to those items documented as having been appropriated by Civil War foragers for the scenario portrayed (i.e. apples are not appropriate for a springtime scenario).
E. Soft bread is inappropriate except in scenarios where documentation supports its use.
F. Use of canned goods is improper for campaign scenarios as these items were expensive, heavy, and usually unavailable because sutlers normally disappeared during active campaigning.
G. All foods should be wrapped in period materials such as brown paper, newspaper, rags or cloth bags. Plastic or aluminum packaging is forbidden.
H. Coolers are discouraged and only tolerated when completely hidden from view at garrison-style events.

5.2 Cooking Equipment ("Mess Furniture")

A. Members are highly encouraged to minimize their cooking equipment. Those mess items that are used should be spread among the men of a mess and shared in common.
B. If used, frying pans shall be made of tin-plated or unfinished stamped steel, riveted with a stamped steel or cast iron handle (skillet bodies of cast iron are not correct for the period). Frying pans should be small enough (8-inch diameter or less) to be comfortably carried while on campaign.
C. Documentation shows that soldiers used canteen halves and tin plates as substitutes for frying pans. Skillets were improvised by using slit branches (preferably of green wood, for lower burning potential) for handles. Carrying a canteen half strapped to the regular canteen seems to be a reenactor practice and is unsupported by historical evidence.
D. Most meat was fried, boiled, or roasted. Members are highly encouraged to use period cooking methods to prepare food. A forked tree branch over the campfire makes an excellent cooking implement for roasting meat.
E. Metal fire grates or spits are not allowed, because soldiers on campaign could not and did not carry such bulky, heavy impediments.
F. Knives, forks, and spoons must be of Civil War style. Civilian forks are generally three-pronged, and utensils should have either bone or wood handles. Federal issue flatware was hot-tinned-dipped, stamped sheet iron; issue forks had four tines. Avoid using any utensil of stainless steel. Nineteenth century utensils are affordable and can usually be found at flea markets, antique stores, and Civil War relic shows. The use of privately purchased knife-spoon-fork combinations is over-represented in the hobby.
G. All Members should have a tin plate or canteen half and Federal-army issue tin cup or improvised boiler. Tin cups have reinforced edges and handle and are assembled with lead-free solder. Tin cups shall not have "crimped" bottoms (i.e. they shall not have a lip similar to a modern can). Tin "billie cups" or "muckets" with a lid and bail is discouraged because its use is not adequately documented.
H. Members are encouraged to add their own wire bails to their tin cups instead of buying them with bails already attached.
I. Members are encouraged to improvise coffee coolers to supplement or replace tin cups. The most popular style of cooler was a simple period vegetable can with a bail wire attached. If used, such cans must have smooth sides and shall not have "crimped" bottoms.
J. Tin plates should be heavy-duty tin-plated sheet metal plates and not deep "pie pans". There was a multi-piece issue tin-plated "dish" that resembled a pie pan, but it was issued on a very limited basis and only in the first year of the war. Furthermore, the "pie pan" dish sold by sutlers today does not resemble the originals.
K. Stainless steel mess furniture is discouraged.

 

6.0 CAMPING

6.1 Military Camp Observed

A. Camp will be run in a military fashion, in accordance with period protocols and manuals. Guard mount details may be posted (depending on the event) and fatigue details will be assigned.
B. Enlisted men shall salute officers.
C. NCOs shall be shown the proper respect for their rank.
D. All Members are expected to comply with orders for guard mount and fatigue details.
E. When a member does not spend the night in the military camp, they shall endeavor to arrive in the military camp prior to reveille, to be present for morning roll call and to participate in the unit's activities. Morning roll call is to commence at the last note of reveille, per period manuals. Absence from roll calls may result in members being placed on the Orderly Sergeant's "black list" and assigned additional duty. All Members shall fall in for roll call unless otherwise excused by the Orderly Sergeant. Members shall fall in for roll call with blouses fully buttoned (not just the top button), with headgear, and with hands free (i.e., no hardtack, coffee cups, etc.). When on campaign, Members shall typically fall in for roll calls under arms (with musket and leathers on), unless weapons are stacked. When falling in under arms, Members shall fall in at the position of Shoulder Arms. When falling in without weapons, Members shall fall in at parade rest and shall remain quiet. When the Orderly Sergeant calls a Member's name, the Member shall answer with a firm, "Here" (NOT, "Here, First Sergeant!").
 

6.2 Camp

6.2 First Person Impression

A. The highly encourage proper first-person impression. It is recognized that some members are more enthusiastic and proficient at first-person impression, and all members are asked to act accordingly when first-person is used by others.
B. To the greatest extent possible, conversation in camp should be that of the typical Civil War soldier. First-person impression should be used. When first person is not used, members shall restrict 21st-century speech to respectful tones and topics that will not adversely affect the living history experience of others.

6.3 Miscellaneous Camp Equipage

A. Use of lanterns is strongly discouraged, as campaign-soldiers would not burden themselves with them. Use of candles with simple tin or brass candleholders (such as can be conveniently carried in a knapsack) or, better yet, a bayonet socket or upside down mess cup is encouraged.
B. Furniture, such as campstools, is generally discouraged because soldiers on campaign could not carry such bulky impediments, and wagon transportation would not have been wasted to move it. In camp, members are encouraged to use gum blankets, ponchos or logs upon which to sit. Members are also discouraged from using hay bales for camp furniture, because the modern small hay and straw bales did not exist during the Civil War. Period bales were made in a hay press and usually weighed between 300 and 1,000 pounds. Hay bales or straw bales even in period-correct sizes would not have been available to the average soldier on campaign.

6.5 Behavior/Appearance

A. Drinking: Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages in camp is forbidden. All drinks of any sort shall be transferred to period vessels, and no modern beverage container shall be used or be visible in the camp. Members should remember that the consumption of alcohol was strictly regulated in many regiments and public drunkenness was usually punished. If members choose to risk the censure of their officers and temperate comrades, alcohol shall be consumed from the container proper to the beverage: beer and ale from their proper earthenware bottles, whiskey from jugs or dark glass bottles, etc. If alcohol is consumed, Members are discouraged from beer/ale, as it was rarely available to enlisted men and was practically never available to them while on campaign. Whiskey and applejack were among the most commonly available alcoholic beverages.
B. Smoking: Cigarettes shall not be smoked in the military camp. If members smoke, they are strongly encouraged to smoke a pipe in lieu of cigarettes, Simple clay pipes or handmade wooden pipes were the most prevalent among enlisted men. Matches shall be used; modern lighters are discouraged in view. Use of period-correct tobacco is encouraged.
C. Watches: Period-correct watches should have a key wind and a roman-numeral face. Wristwatches are forbidden.
H. Medication: Members who are on modern medication should bring them to events so that the Member's health is not impaired. Modern medication should be carried in a period container and should not be openly visible.

 

7.0 DRILL AND MILITARY MANUALS

NOTE: All members are encouraged to obtain and become familiar with all of the reference works listed below.

A. Drill (Manual of Arms, School of the Soldier, School of the Company, School of the Battalion) will be in accordance with Silas Casey's Infantry Tactics, 1862.
B. Camp procedures (i.e. guard mount, parade, discipline, etc.) shall be in accordance with the Revised United States Army Regulations of 1861, with Revisions to June 25, 1863 (as appropriate).
C. Members are highly encouraged to obtain and become intimately familiar with Customs of Service for Non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers (1864), by August Kautz.
D. Members are highly encouraged to obtain and become intimately familiar with Parade, Inspection, and Evolutions of the Battalion, by Dominic Dal Bello.
E. Members are highly encouraged to obtain and become intimately familiar with Instructions for Guards and Pickets, by Dominic Dal Bello.
F. Members are highly encouraged to obtain and become intimately familiar with the Columbia Rifles Research Compendium.
G. Members who portray officers are highly encouraged to obtain a copy of and become intimately familiar with the pamphlet, "Manual of the Sword" by Dominic Dal Bello.