CONFEDERATE UNIFORMS

Uniform Guidelines

This is from the 14th Tn Handbook. Some things are specified for them, but this entire kit can make a great general CS impression too!

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(numbers indicate order of preference; equipment is listed in the order you should buy it.)

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Weapon (with bayonet, sling optional):

1. M1853 Enfield or M1861

2. M1816 Springfield converted to percussion

3. M1842 Springfield

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May people want a Richmond rifle musket so they can have a "real Confederate gun." These are highly overrepresented in reenacting and cannot be documented to the 14th. They are, therefore, strongly discouraged, but permitted if you already have one.

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Brogans (with any period socks):

1. Any Confederate Brogan documented as worn by the ANV.

2. Civilian Shoes.

3. Any Federal Brogan documented as worn by the Army of the Potomac (AOP).

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Accouterments (including belt, cartridge box (no box plate), cartridge box sling (optional), cap pouch and bayonet scabbard) in black leather:

1. Any pattern documented to the ANV. Belts should have a plain open frame (Georgia Frame, Forked Tongue, or Roller Buckle).

2. Belt plates documented as used mid-war by the ANV.

3. Federal accouterments documented to the AOP in mid-war.

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Canteen:

1. Confederate tin drum canteen

2. Any Confederate canteen documented to the ANV in mid-war.

3. Any Federal canteen documented to the AOP in mid-war.

 

Haversack:

1. Any Confederate haversack documented to the ANV in mid-war.

2. Any Federal haversack documented to the AOP in mid-war.

 

Headgear:

1. Slouch Hat (civilian, southern-made drab, British import black).

2. Kepi in Tart sumac

3. Other kepi or forage cap

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Shirt:

Any period military or civilian shirt.

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Trousers:

1. Richmond Depot style trouser

2. Any documented ANV trousers

3. Civilian Trousers

With the exception of the Sharpsburg campaign, the use of federal trousers is discouraged.

 

Jacket:

1. Richmond Depot, Type II Jacket (RDII). The RDII was the most common jacket in the ANV and is an appropriate jacket for the period mid-1862 through the end of the war.

2. Commutation Style Jacket. Although the commutation system had ended and our home is behind enemy lines, documentation suggests homemade goods were still making their way through the lines.

3. Civilian Jacket or Coat, and Military Sack Coats

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Other Items:

Bedroll or Knapsack:

Every soldier is expected to have a bedroll consisting of a period military or civilian blanket and a shelter half (US or CS). Gum blanket, oil cloth, etc., is recommended. Knapsack is optional.

 

Underwear:

Although not required, authentic underwear is highly recommended; not only for the authenticity factor, but the long period underwear keeps your coarse trousers from chaffing your inner thighs.

 

Mess Gear:

Mess gear to include tin plate or canteen half, tin cup (a large heavy one, that can double as a personal cooking pot, is recommended), fork, knife and spoon.

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Other equipment such as vests and great coats may be purchased, but are not required. Any optional gear should not be bought until all required gear has been obtained.

 

This list may not be in the order you want to get your stuff. Most new members want to buy their jacket first. The reason the list was drawn up this way has to do with how much loaner gear we have and how visible a piece of equipment is. We have a few extra uniforms, but very few extra rifles and, while we don’t have any extra wool socks, they aren’t highly visible. The order isn’t carved in stone either. Just use common sense in buying your gear. Get your shoes and musket first, and as soon as possible, your uniform. If we can outfit you, it won’t be for very long and you probably wouldn't want to wear the loaner uniforms very much once you get wind of them anyway.

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If you have reenacted before or are transferring from another unit, check with the unit commander before you replace all your gear. As long as what you have is authentic reproductions, it will probably be allowed with few modifications, for a while. As it wears out, replace it with gear conforming to these guidelines.

 

You will be expected to get all of your required equipment and uniform within one year of the time you join. If you have any questions or problems, do not hesitate to contact your unit commander.