1

JACKET

This will depend on the individual unit in question, however, all the below are available

Fatigue Jacket This is the four- button 'sack coat' which was the mainstay of all service branches during the War. Generally speaking, it should be of lightweight dark blue wool, preferably lined, with an inside left hand breast pocket, and ideally made to the Schuylkill Arsenal pattern, which is perhaps the more common jacket.

Shell Jacket The old style shell jacket or 'roundabout' retained some popularity with volunteer troops and especially western troops throughout the war. In its most common style, it would be nine-button front jacket with one inside breast pocket and an option of two button cuffs. In some cases it was as simple as a cut down frock coat.

Frock Coat The regulation issue for all infantry. Frock coats should be of 12oz. Dark blue wool, half lined in polished cotton, with light blue regulation piping. Nine brass eagle buttons down the front, two at the waist in back, and two on each cuff.

2

TROUSERS

Army Trousers, Foot Pattern After mid 1862, the sky blue trouser became much more prevalent. These trousers have suspender buttons of stamped metal affixed. They have a back adjustment by cloth tape or strap and buckle and the one-inch split on the outer cuff. These trousers may be obtained in any of three pocket styles:

• The side seam pocket (preferred)
• The mule - ear pocket.
• The regulation single/side top entry pocket.

They all have the wide and high waistband.

3

SHIRT

The 1851 issue shirt was a four-button pullover shirt with yoke in the back. One-button cuffs and gussets in the armpits. During the war, a white calico shirt of the same pattern was very much in evidence, and civilian production provided coloured and print shirts of similar cut. It is worth noting that during the 19^th century, it was considered 'un-gentlemanly' to be seen without a jacket whilst in the presence of ladies.

4

FORAGE CAP/SLOUCH HAT

During the War, literally all enlisted men were issued a regulation forage cap of dark blue, a crescent shaped visor of leather, a leather chinstrap with a brass slide, and two general service brass buttons. Some units require Hardee or civilian hats; generally these are of a dark colour.

5

BOOTS

Jefferson Brogans (Booties) 1860 is the accepted issue military shoe although any period correct boot may be considered as acceptable. "Desert Boots" dyed black, with the eyelets removed, and leather or rawhide laces will be acceptable for a maximum of one year, especially in the case of the growing young men or boys.

6

SOCKS

Grey or off-white wool or knotted cotton socks are worn. Other colours are accepted.

Accoutrements

7

CARTRIDGE BOX

The Cartridge Box holds your black powder charges. They are a safety item and must be worn with the tins. They were issued with black leather shoulder belt and eagle, but can be worn on the belt.

8

CAP BOX

The Cap Box holds the caps used for the musket. It must be black leather only. The Union type is most available and recommended.

9

WAIST BELT

The Waist Belt goes around the waist (obviously) and holds the rest of your leather gear in place on the uniform. It must be black only. A brass US keeper or a leather loop is optional. A US enlisted man's brass oval plate is recommended.

10

HAVERSACK

The Haversack was traditionally meant only for food. Other items were meant to go in your haversack, blanket roll or pockets. The US tarred type in black is the best because of being waterproof. If you wish to letter it with your name, regiment and company, it should be done by hand only, in white paint.

11

CANTEEN

The Canteen carries your drinking water - only. Recommend any US type, with blue, brown or grey jean wool covers.