This is the impression to strive for. We of course do not expect someone to go out and buy all of this their first day. We have loaner gear and understand an impression can take a bit to put together. While we strive for authenticity, we do not belittle other reenactors on their impressions. We are all about education and a combined effort between reenactors to better the hobby. Federal Our primary impression is based on Western Federal infantry unless a specific event unit impression is called for. Hats: - Federal Type II forage caps - 1858 dress hat(little to no brass unless impression calls for it) - Any documented civilian hat  Hardee hat left, Forage cap right. Coats, blouses, frocks: - Federal Sack coat of Schuylkill Arsenal, J.T. Martin, other contract variants(minus the "Ohio blouse"), or private purchase(in low quantities) - Federal Frock Coat.  Examples of Federal blouses Shirts: - Federal issue shirts or contract shirts - Civilian shirts in cotton or wool  A work detail in shirt sleeves Trousers: - Sky blue enlisted trousers (Schuykill, J.T. Martin, Deering) - Dark blue trousers used for limited early war events Drawers: - Cotton or flannel drawers Brogans: - Jefferson brogans - Civilian boots limited quantities Socks(the most important part on a march!): - Handknit, wool - Issue wool or cotton Canteen: - Tin Federal issue smoothside with jean wool cover and cork attached by twine. Belts, slings, cartridge boxes, cap pouches: - M1861 cartridge box for .58cal weapons, US plate attached center of flap with eagle plate on strap and proper tins - Cap pouch of correct construction - Waist belts of black leather, US lead-filled plate with arrow or puppy-paw attachments - If using a .69cal, proper box must be used Blankets: - US issue blanket - Civilian blanket for limited impressions -We do allow the Italian 'surplus' style blanket found at several vendors and on ebay... it is a good starter blanket while you look or save for a high quality repro Gum blankets: - US issue vulcanized rubber blanket Knapsacks: - 1858 type double bag knapsack - Private purchase for limited impressions  Federal Issue Double Bag Mess gear(tin): - Boiler, canteen half, utensils, cup, plate, etc... Haversack: - US issue tarred haversack of proper construction -Some private purchase examples can also be found in the ranks  Weapons: - .577cal. 1853 Enfield - .58cal. 1861 Springfield - .69cal. 1842 Springfield - Properly rolled cartridges  Cartridges ready to be placed in arsenal packs Food: - List for issued rations and other period food/recipies will be up soon Shelter Halves: *Note- We do not use these often... most of the time it is tying gum blankets together to shield from the rain. - Only one half may be carried per soldier   Top: Perryville, KY 2012 Bottom: Marmaduke's Raid, 3rd EMM, 2013 Confederate *A note on Confederate impressions: Due to several factors, Confederate impressions even for just one theater in the war are numerous. This being said, much of a confederate guideline depends upon the theater/army/specific unit being portrayed. Below are examples of uniform guidelines, these are not meant to be an 'end all be all'. FLORIDA-CSA These guidelines are primarily for the Southeast portion of the unit while doing Confederate. Hats: - Documented civilian patterns - Confederate Kepi Coats, Jackets, Frocks: - Issue 4-button jacket - Frock coat Shirts: - Confederate Issue - Civilian in Cotton, Wool, or Linen(early war) Trousers: - Side Seam Pocket/Civilian - Mule Ear Canteens: - Tin Drum - Federal Smoothside - Wooden - Other Confederate Variants Belts, Slings, Cartridge Boxes, Cap Pouches: -Unmarked boxes or deep south depot boxes and cap pouches -Belts with roller buckle, plain brass, etc... Blankets: - Confederate Issued - Civilian Jean, Wool, or Cotton - US Issue Gum/Tarred Blankets: -Oiled cloth -Federal issue -known civilian patterns Knapsacks: - Blanket roll - Kibler/Single bag Mess Gear: Weapons: - .577cal. 1853 Enfield - .58cal. 1861 Springfield - .69cal. 1842 Springfield - Properly rolled cartridges  AOT Hats: - Documented civilian patterns - Confederate Kepi Coats, Jackets, Frocks: - Deep South - Dept. of Alabama - 4-Button - Commutation - Columbus Depot Variants - Confederate Frock Shirts: - Confederate Issue - Civilian in Cotton, Wool, or Linen(early war) Trousers: - Side Seam Pocket/Civilian - Western Mule Ear - Eastern Mule Ear - Wilson or Other Relief/Hospital Variants Drawers: Brogans: Socks: Canteens: - Tin Drum - Federal Smoothside - Wooden - Other Confederate Variants Belts, Slings, Cartridge Boxes, Cap Pouches: Blankets: - Confederate Issued - Civilian Jean, Wool, or Coton - US Issue Gum/Tarred Blankets: Knapsacks: - Kibler - Pritchard - Other Knapsack Variants Documented to Confederate Use Mess Gear: Weapons: - .577cal. 1853 Enfield - .58cal. 1861 Springfield - .69cal. 1842 Springfield - Properly rolled cartridges are a must Food:   Bottom: Comer's Trans-Miss company at Chickamauga 2013 |
