Suggested Kit List of a Confederate Soldier.
This kit list is not written in stone and is a "suggested" list of what may have been worn or used by the generic Confederate soldier. This list gives the individual an idea of what kit is required. Items coloured in RED are "must have" items and are suggested as first purchase items.
PLEASE NOTE: We have an official suppliers list available for vendors of kit should you wish to purchase new items. For a copy, please feel free to ask on the Facebook group page.
Please see below for further information on kit.
This kit list is not written in stone and is a "suggested" list of what may have been worn or used by the generic Confederate soldier. This list gives the individual an idea of what kit is required. Items coloured in RED are "must have" items and are suggested as first purchase items.
- Pair of Boots / Brogans
- Flannel / cotton shirt
- Jacket (various styles and materials)
- Canteen
- Housewife (Sewing kit inc scissors, thread, needles, spare buttons, patch material etc)
- Kepi / Head wear
- Trousers and suspenders
- Cooking and eating Kit: ie tin plate, mug, kfs, coffee pot, mucket etc
- Haversack
- A-Frame Tent and or Shelter Half
- Waist belt of leather & brass plate or snake buckle or similar
- Underwear, flannel or knit cotton (if you really want to!!)
- Bayonet and Scabbard
- Woolen blanket with straps/string
- Waist Coat
- Canteen Half
- Wool or Cotton Socks / Stockings
- Great Coat
- Musket maintenance and cleaning kit
- Knapsack
- Cartridge box with leather or material shoulder sling (can be attached to belt if required)
- Main Weapon - Usually 3 band Enfield Rifle. This can be a live firing weapon, Deac or a Denix copy. PLEASE NOTE THAT A SHOTGUN LICENCE WILL BE REQUIRED FOR OWINING ANY LIVE FIRING WEAPON AND MUST BE APPLIED FOR FROM YOUR LOCAL POLICE CONSTABULARY. ACWS WILL ALSO NEED TO SEE YOUR LICENCE ONCE OBTAINED. If a deac is owned then the relevant deactivation certificate is required to be held and bought to each event. You will also be informed of group safety rules regarding the safe use of your weapon at society events and all members undergo an annual "safety" test to prove you are competent and safe to use said weapon. This is a MUST! Anyone not undertaking this safety test will NOT be allowed on the society display or battle. In addition, it is of note that if you plan to purchase a live firing weapon then you will also need to store it securely and safely within your home. Please check with your local Police Force for further details as storage requirements vary from one Police Force to another.
- Gaiters / Leggings
- Toothbrush and powder
- Fire lighting kit and or matches
- Entertainment items such as dice, dominoes, cards, musical instrument
- Woolen gloves
- Rubberised ground sheet (Captured)
- Polish for brass and boots
- Candles
- Rations: "12 oz pork or bacon or 1lb 4 oz of salt or fresh beef; 1lb 6oz of soft bread or flour, or, 1lb of hardbread, or, 1lb 4 oz corn meal; and to every 100 rations, 15lbs of beans or peans, and 10 lbs of rice or hominy; 10 lbs of green coffee, or 8lbs of roasted (or roasted and ground) coffee, 1lb 8oz of tea; 15 lbs of sugar; 4 qts of vinegar; 1lb 4oz of candles; 4 oz pepper, 4lbs soap, 3lbs 12oz salt, 30lbs of potatoes, 1qt molasses."
- Paper / pencils
- Bible
- Personal Photos (family / loved ones / religious etc)
- Coffee beans!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Pocket / Fob Watch
- Hair comb
- Knife (ie Bowie)
- Painted / Rubberised poncho / Groundsheet
- Pack (to carry all your items on your back!)
- ID tag
- Shaving equipment
- Currency
- Soap
- Tobacco
- Writing implements
- Brazier and larger cooking implements (for camp)
- Lantern (wooden and or metal - for camp)
PLEASE NOTE: We have an official suppliers list available for vendors of kit should you wish to purchase new items. For a copy, please feel free to ask on the Facebook group page.
Please see below for further information on kit.
Impressions
As with any conflict of the past uniforms changed during the period. Please see the photos below which are representative of early, middle and late war for the Confederate soldier. Obviously, these photos are just intended as a guide to aid and give inspiration for your impression. Remember that early war items can be used to portray soldiers from later periods and not the other way round.
As with any conflict of the past uniforms changed during the period. Please see the photos below which are representative of early, middle and late war for the Confederate soldier. Obviously, these photos are just intended as a guide to aid and give inspiration for your impression. Remember that early war items can be used to portray soldiers from later periods and not the other way round.
Basic Kit
Pair of Boots / Brogans
Arguably the most important bit of kit you will own! As the saying goes - look after your feet and they will look after you!
It is advised that you should allocate as much money as you can afford when purchasing boots as you will want them to last a long time and not to fall apart on you when on the march! A good pair of boots will shape to your feet well and will provide you with good support and higher comfort than cheaper ones. Cheaper ones tend not to last as long so you may as well go for the better pair if you can, saving you money in the long term.
Brogans / boots are hard wearing, leather boots with leather sole. The boots are usually black in colour (preferred) and generally have four to six eyelets with leather laces. Some patterns of boots have a "squared off" toe box, and some are even identical so that they may be worn on either foot to allow equal wear. The sole should be studded where possible with hob nails (of the stud variety, not the WW2 types) and a "horseshoe" heel plate. This improves your grip and helps your soles last longer. The standard Civil war soldier boot issued was the Model 1851 Jefferson.
Arguably the most important bit of kit you will own! As the saying goes - look after your feet and they will look after you!
It is advised that you should allocate as much money as you can afford when purchasing boots as you will want them to last a long time and not to fall apart on you when on the march! A good pair of boots will shape to your feet well and will provide you with good support and higher comfort than cheaper ones. Cheaper ones tend not to last as long so you may as well go for the better pair if you can, saving you money in the long term.
Brogans / boots are hard wearing, leather boots with leather sole. The boots are usually black in colour (preferred) and generally have four to six eyelets with leather laces. Some patterns of boots have a "squared off" toe box, and some are even identical so that they may be worn on either foot to allow equal wear. The sole should be studded where possible with hob nails (of the stud variety, not the WW2 types) and a "horseshoe" heel plate. This improves your grip and helps your soles last longer. The standard Civil war soldier boot issued was the Model 1851 Jefferson.
It is of note that Napoleonic style brogans / boots may also be correct for this period but please check with the group first. If you already have these or Napoleonic style soldiers shoes then again these may be used as a stop gap until you are able to purchase the correct style but again please check with us first.
When you have purchased your footwear it is suggested that you should "break them in" before wearing them to your first event to save getting unwanted blisters etc and therefore possibly ruining your event. If you dare, wear your boots when out walking the dog or similar, wear them in the garden or go for short walks.
When you have purchased your footwear it is suggested that you should "break them in" before wearing them to your first event to save getting unwanted blisters etc and therefore possibly ruining your event. If you dare, wear your boots when out walking the dog or similar, wear them in the garden or go for short walks.
Shirt
This should be a "pull-over" type of shirt, usually with a three to four button placket enclosing the front. The shirt should be made of cotton Onsaburg where possible but civilian shirts should be woven of 100% natural fibres such as cotton or wool. Any patterns should be woven in and not printed on the shirt. The garment can be machine stitched but exterior detail like buttonholes should be had sewn. The buttons need to be made of wood, bone or glass. Colours may vary from white to period correct civilian patterns.
This should be a "pull-over" type of shirt, usually with a three to four button placket enclosing the front. The shirt should be made of cotton Onsaburg where possible but civilian shirts should be woven of 100% natural fibres such as cotton or wool. Any patterns should be woven in and not printed on the shirt. The garment can be machine stitched but exterior detail like buttonholes should be had sewn. The buttons need to be made of wood, bone or glass. Colours may vary from white to period correct civilian patterns.
Jackets
There were many different jackets issued to soldiers by the Confederacy during the course of the Civil war. They varied in style, colour and material with increasing numbers being supplied and shipped in from the British Army. These jackets and material were a dark shade of blue and was known as EAC (English Army Cloth) Dependent upon the soldier's rank, location and Army in which he served, dictated which jacket he was most likely to be issued but, as ever, this was not set in stone. For example, a soldier serving in the Army of Tennessee would most likely receive clothing from the depots in Atlanta, Columbus, Athens or other depots in the deep south, whilst those serving in the Army of Northern Virginia would be issued clothing from the Richmond depot.
In addition to the above, some jackets may have been of private purchase, possibly tailored to fit, usually for the Officers but some soldiers from the ranks occasionally had a jacket from when they served previously or from when they served in a militia regiment. Some jackets may have been handed down through the family from when fathers served during the revolutionary wars.
In the Eastern Theatre (where the 2nd South fought) the uniform jacket was more often than not, of the Richmond Depot design, with three types of jackets issued throughout the war. It is of note however, that the Richmond Depot did not refer to these three jacket styles as "types". This is a modern term which is used to best describe each jacket.
There were many different jackets issued to soldiers by the Confederacy during the course of the Civil war. They varied in style, colour and material with increasing numbers being supplied and shipped in from the British Army. These jackets and material were a dark shade of blue and was known as EAC (English Army Cloth) Dependent upon the soldier's rank, location and Army in which he served, dictated which jacket he was most likely to be issued but, as ever, this was not set in stone. For example, a soldier serving in the Army of Tennessee would most likely receive clothing from the depots in Atlanta, Columbus, Athens or other depots in the deep south, whilst those serving in the Army of Northern Virginia would be issued clothing from the Richmond depot.
In addition to the above, some jackets may have been of private purchase, possibly tailored to fit, usually for the Officers but some soldiers from the ranks occasionally had a jacket from when they served previously or from when they served in a militia regiment. Some jackets may have been handed down through the family from when fathers served during the revolutionary wars.
In the Eastern Theatre (where the 2nd South fought) the uniform jacket was more often than not, of the Richmond Depot design, with three types of jackets issued throughout the war. It is of note however, that the Richmond Depot did not refer to these three jacket styles as "types". This is a modern term which is used to best describe each jacket.
Type 1 Jacket
This was a waist length jacket with a six piece body and two piece sleeve cut full in the elbow, then tapering to the cuff. A standing collar which could have been rounded or angled at the front stood 1 3/8 to 1 5/8 inches tall. Fitted with belt loops that are sewn top and bottom with no buttons. The shoulder straps had no buttonholes, the cuff size button being sewn through the shoulder strap to the body of the jacket.
The lining was probably a cotton osnaburg with a pocket on the left hand side; there were two variants, the first a bag type pocket with a horizontal slit opening the second a bag pocket sewn to the outside of the lining and slightly onto the front facing of the jacket. The jacket had a nine button front, the front bottoms were either rounded or squared, the centre back of the jacket coming to a slight point. The distinctive point about the type I jacket is that it was trimmed on the collar, cuffs and shoulder straps with either piping or tape. The type I jacket can be identified as being used by February 1862, however a few may have been issued as early as November 1861 as the clothing manufactory were producing these jackets in October 1861.
This was a waist length jacket with a six piece body and two piece sleeve cut full in the elbow, then tapering to the cuff. A standing collar which could have been rounded or angled at the front stood 1 3/8 to 1 5/8 inches tall. Fitted with belt loops that are sewn top and bottom with no buttons. The shoulder straps had no buttonholes, the cuff size button being sewn through the shoulder strap to the body of the jacket.
The lining was probably a cotton osnaburg with a pocket on the left hand side; there were two variants, the first a bag type pocket with a horizontal slit opening the second a bag pocket sewn to the outside of the lining and slightly onto the front facing of the jacket. The jacket had a nine button front, the front bottoms were either rounded or squared, the centre back of the jacket coming to a slight point. The distinctive point about the type I jacket is that it was trimmed on the collar, cuffs and shoulder straps with either piping or tape. The type I jacket can be identified as being used by February 1862, however a few may have been issued as early as November 1861 as the clothing manufactory were producing these jackets in October 1861.
Type 2 Jacket
The type II jacket was most likely issued as early as the spring of 1862 until at least mid 1864, (see the well known view of Confederate prisoners captured at Cold Harbor in June 1864, in which the majority wear jackets with shoulder straps and belt loops).
The type II jacket shared the same basic features as the type I including a six piece body, a standing collar and two piece sleeves. They also had shoulder straps and belt loops, lined with osnaburg and had an inside pocket. These jackets were also made with a nine button front, but some were made with 6, 7 or 8 being the most common after 9. In the early stages of production it was probably made concurrently with the type I, since, after all, it is only a type I without the trim. Gradually however, it superseded the type I to become the only pattern produced. Latter jackets produced around 1864 were made without belt loops, it also appears that some soldiers deliberately cut off their shoulder straps, the ends of these can be seen still in the shoulder seams of a few surviving jackets.
This was probably part of the reason for their deletion from the final style of issue jacket by the Richmond Depot the type III.
The type II jacket was most likely issued as early as the spring of 1862 until at least mid 1864, (see the well known view of Confederate prisoners captured at Cold Harbor in June 1864, in which the majority wear jackets with shoulder straps and belt loops).
The type II jacket shared the same basic features as the type I including a six piece body, a standing collar and two piece sleeves. They also had shoulder straps and belt loops, lined with osnaburg and had an inside pocket. These jackets were also made with a nine button front, but some were made with 6, 7 or 8 being the most common after 9. In the early stages of production it was probably made concurrently with the type I, since, after all, it is only a type I without the trim. Gradually however, it superseded the type I to become the only pattern produced. Latter jackets produced around 1864 were made without belt loops, it also appears that some soldiers deliberately cut off their shoulder straps, the ends of these can be seen still in the shoulder seams of a few surviving jackets.
This was probably part of the reason for their deletion from the final style of issue jacket by the Richmond Depot the type III.
Type 3 Jacket
The type III Richmond jacket was likely first issued the winter of 1863 or early spring 1864 through to the end of the war. This pattern of jacket is identical to the type II except that it lacks shoulder straps and belt loops, otherwise the pattern, lining, button count and other characteristics are the same as the type II, apart from the normal variations in collar, pockets and jacket fronts as seen between the other two types. These jackets were all made from the dark blue-grey wool kersey brought from England through the blockade. Small amounts of this cloth were received sometime in late winter 1863, large quantities were not available until Spring 1864.
The type III Richmond jacket was likely first issued the winter of 1863 or early spring 1864 through to the end of the war. This pattern of jacket is identical to the type II except that it lacks shoulder straps and belt loops, otherwise the pattern, lining, button count and other characteristics are the same as the type II, apart from the normal variations in collar, pockets and jacket fronts as seen between the other two types. These jackets were all made from the dark blue-grey wool kersey brought from England through the blockade. Small amounts of this cloth were received sometime in late winter 1863, large quantities were not available until Spring 1864.
Although sewing machines had been in existence for around twenty or so years and some were used in the manufacture of certain items of clothing, the large majority of the jackets made were completely hand sewn. As the jackets were individually hand assembled by a seamstress, they would exhibit differences in finishing and details. For example different finishing techniques would lead to the number of buttonholes to vary, the top stitching and buttonholes would be sewn differently and show various differences in quality. The jackets would overall retain a similar appearance but would show various differences in quality and details.
Solid cast "I", "A", & "C" buttons in brass-copper alloy were most commonly used, state buttons were not used by the clothing manufactory, the CSA button is rarely seen. Wooden buttons were used on jackets and other clothing, but not in large numbers till early 1864, the most used button after the solid cast buttons was in fact the U.S. general service button.
Solid cast "I", "A", & "C" buttons in brass-copper alloy were most commonly used, state buttons were not used by the clothing manufactory, the CSA button is rarely seen. Wooden buttons were used on jackets and other clothing, but not in large numbers till early 1864, the most used button after the solid cast buttons was in fact the U.S. general service button.
Canteen
The canteen was an essential part of the soldiers kit as it allowed water to be carried on the person. This was especially important should water sources be hard to come by so any chance to refill was taken as the next water source may be a long distance away.
There was a variety of canteens available to the Confederate soldier, some of which can be seen below.
Tin drum canteens were quite common and should be mounted on a plain webbing shoulder strap. If not webbing, then should be made from sewn cotton or leather slings.
Soldiers occasionally took the U.S. Issue canteen from Union troops on the battlefield or were sometimes captured in a supply depot or Train. The US canteen was of a smooth side type, round in shape - used throughout the war but more between the years of '61 - '63. "Bulls Eye" canteens tended to be used after spring of '63. These canteens could also be covered with jean cloth or wool. Again, the shoulder strap may be of cotton, linen or leather or a properly documented style. Wooden Style, drum canteens were also available, often made of cedar/cypress/cherry/etc. There were many different styles as some were homemade and others were of British manufacture.
It is advised not to purchase stainless steel canteens in possible as these are not period correct. However, if you own one then it is asked that it be covered as mentioned above. Tin and wood are the recommended options.
The canteen was an essential part of the soldiers kit as it allowed water to be carried on the person. This was especially important should water sources be hard to come by so any chance to refill was taken as the next water source may be a long distance away.
There was a variety of canteens available to the Confederate soldier, some of which can be seen below.
Tin drum canteens were quite common and should be mounted on a plain webbing shoulder strap. If not webbing, then should be made from sewn cotton or leather slings.
Soldiers occasionally took the U.S. Issue canteen from Union troops on the battlefield or were sometimes captured in a supply depot or Train. The US canteen was of a smooth side type, round in shape - used throughout the war but more between the years of '61 - '63. "Bulls Eye" canteens tended to be used after spring of '63. These canteens could also be covered with jean cloth or wool. Again, the shoulder strap may be of cotton, linen or leather or a properly documented style. Wooden Style, drum canteens were also available, often made of cedar/cypress/cherry/etc. There were many different styles as some were homemade and others were of British manufacture.
It is advised not to purchase stainless steel canteens in possible as these are not period correct. However, if you own one then it is asked that it be covered as mentioned above. Tin and wood are the recommended options.
Housewife / Hussif (sewing kit)
The "Housewife" sewing kit was arguably the most used piece of kit the soldier owned. Used to repair and maintain their uniforms in the field. These were sometimes private purchase, sometimes issues, made for the soldier by a loved one or possibly from a local charity where the women would make them in their 100's and donate them to the cause!
The kit contained needles, thread, material patches, thimble, scissors and spare buttons made from bone, tin, brass and or wood. Occasionally there may also be contained some Beeswax which was used on the thread to give it more longevity.
They were made about the size of the palm of your hand and were often made with different scraps of material, some had just one pocket, others had more. Some were fastened shut with a button, others had single or double ties. There was no set pattern for making them.
The "Housewife" sewing kit was arguably the most used piece of kit the soldier owned. Used to repair and maintain their uniforms in the field. These were sometimes private purchase, sometimes issues, made for the soldier by a loved one or possibly from a local charity where the women would make them in their 100's and donate them to the cause!
The kit contained needles, thread, material patches, thimble, scissors and spare buttons made from bone, tin, brass and or wood. Occasionally there may also be contained some Beeswax which was used on the thread to give it more longevity.
They were made about the size of the palm of your hand and were often made with different scraps of material, some had just one pocket, others had more. Some were fastened shut with a button, others had single or double ties. There was no set pattern for making them.
Headwear
Headwear for the Confederacy varied greatly but the 3 main options are 1) The Civilian Slouch Hat which should be black, brown, or grey. Edge of brim as well as hatband should be bound with silk ribbon, hand or machine sewn on. Leather or Cotton Duck sweatband should be hand sewn in. Cloth lining is highly recommended but not required. 2) CS issue hat of black wool felt with hand-stitched leather sweatband, label in crown, double stitched on brim. 3) Kepi or Cap made in grey jean wool with tarred canvas or leather bill, leather or painted cloth sweatband.
Headwear for the Confederacy varied greatly but the 3 main options are 1) The Civilian Slouch Hat which should be black, brown, or grey. Edge of brim as well as hatband should be bound with silk ribbon, hand or machine sewn on. Leather or Cotton Duck sweatband should be hand sewn in. Cloth lining is highly recommended but not required. 2) CS issue hat of black wool felt with hand-stitched leather sweatband, label in crown, double stitched on brim. 3) Kepi or Cap made in grey jean wool with tarred canvas or leather bill, leather or painted cloth sweatband.
Trousers and Suspenders
Again, as with most of the Confederate uniform there were several different styles of trousers available which were made of a variety of colours and materials.
There are 2 main types the group focus on and they are the Military Issue Richmond Depot style trouser which has mule ear pockets, no yoke and a back belt with buckle. These were made from jean cloth or cassimere. The other option would be the Civilian Jean based on original patterns in grey, blue, brown or black. Hand topstitching, with hand-sewn buttonholes. Buttons of bone, composition or stamped tin.
It is worth remembering that period trousers were worn up to the navel and should not sit on the hip as modern trousers do, hence the need for suspenders / braces.
Suspenders / braces were often simple affairs made of cotton. Some were just two straps with a buttonhole at each end other styles had leather tabs at each end as in the photo below and some had brass buckles etc.
Again, as with most of the Confederate uniform there were several different styles of trousers available which were made of a variety of colours and materials.
There are 2 main types the group focus on and they are the Military Issue Richmond Depot style trouser which has mule ear pockets, no yoke and a back belt with buckle. These were made from jean cloth or cassimere. The other option would be the Civilian Jean based on original patterns in grey, blue, brown or black. Hand topstitching, with hand-sewn buttonholes. Buttons of bone, composition or stamped tin.
It is worth remembering that period trousers were worn up to the navel and should not sit on the hip as modern trousers do, hence the need for suspenders / braces.
Suspenders / braces were often simple affairs made of cotton. Some were just two straps with a buttonhole at each end other styles had leather tabs at each end as in the photo below and some had brass buckles etc.
Cooking and eating Kit
Text required here!!!
Text required here!!!
Haversack
Haversacks came in many different varietys as they could easily be hand made by the soldier. That said the group tend to use online patterns to recreate CS Issue haversacks usually made of cotton, canvas or tarred linen, with button, tie or buckle enclosure. Some of the members use a U.S. Issue haversack which is of the tarred type with buckle and inner bag with hand sewn buttonhole(s).
Haversacks came in many different varietys as they could easily be hand made by the soldier. That said the group tend to use online patterns to recreate CS Issue haversacks usually made of cotton, canvas or tarred linen, with button, tie or buckle enclosure. Some of the members use a U.S. Issue haversack which is of the tarred type with buckle and inner bag with hand sewn buttonhole(s).
A-Frame Tent and or Shelter Half
Two options are available to members here. Some members have both!
First of all, there is the Confederate "issue" rain fly (shelter half) - This is a cotton canvas rectangle with grommets of appropriate size. Dimensions should generally be no more than 8 ft. x 12 ft. One edge had buttons and the opposite edge had buttonholes. This allowed a soldier the option to button his half together with another to provide a larger shelter for the two. It was common practice that soldiers often slept close together to share body heat through the night, keeping themselves warm.
The second option is the A Frame tent Made from canvas and usually utilising 3 wooden pole supports. In the Second South group, we ask that everyone purchases a tent for attending events although most events have a "plastic" camp where modern tents can be used. Some spare tents may be available to borrow so please ask.
It is of note that the soldier of the day did not carry an A Frame tent, but these were usually used in the winter when the army ceased campaigning due to the weather.
Two options are available to members here. Some members have both!
First of all, there is the Confederate "issue" rain fly (shelter half) - This is a cotton canvas rectangle with grommets of appropriate size. Dimensions should generally be no more than 8 ft. x 12 ft. One edge had buttons and the opposite edge had buttonholes. This allowed a soldier the option to button his half together with another to provide a larger shelter for the two. It was common practice that soldiers often slept close together to share body heat through the night, keeping themselves warm.
The second option is the A Frame tent Made from canvas and usually utilising 3 wooden pole supports. In the Second South group, we ask that everyone purchases a tent for attending events although most events have a "plastic" camp where modern tents can be used. Some spare tents may be available to borrow so please ask.
It is of note that the soldier of the day did not carry an A Frame tent, but these were usually used in the winter when the army ceased campaigning due to the weather.
Waist belt of leather with buckle
Belts should be of leather construction of black, brown (russet) or tan colour. Buckles were of numerous types such as the "CS", snake, Georgia Frame, reef, regimental badge, SC (South Carolina) etc
Belts should be of leather construction of black, brown (russet) or tan colour. Buckles were of numerous types such as the "CS", snake, Georgia Frame, reef, regimental badge, SC (South Carolina) etc
Additional items of kit
Cartridge box with shoulder sling.
For cartridge boxes we ask that any domestically made, Confederate issue cartridge box with provenance to the Army of Northern Virginia should be used. Some boxes were imported British Army cartridge boxes, so these may also be used. Again, another option could be a "captured" Federal issue 1855 .58 calibre cartridge box.
Leather or material shoulder slings should be used. It is also possible to attach your cartridge box directly to your waist belt doing away with the need for a shoulder strap.
For cartridge boxes we ask that any domestically made, Confederate issue cartridge box with provenance to the Army of Northern Virginia should be used. Some boxes were imported British Army cartridge boxes, so these may also be used. Again, another option could be a "captured" Federal issue 1855 .58 calibre cartridge box.
Leather or material shoulder slings should be used. It is also possible to attach your cartridge box directly to your waist belt doing away with the need for a shoulder strap.
Bayonet and Scabbard
Text required here!!!
Text required here!!!
Great Coat / Waist Coat
Can be Military issue or civilian. Made from wool, cassimere, jeancloth or satinette. Should be fully lined with hand sewn buttonholes.
Can be Military issue or civilian. Made from wool, cassimere, jeancloth or satinette. Should be fully lined with hand sewn buttonholes.
Blankets
Blankets may be civilian made. They should be made of 100% Wool or Jean (no synthetic blends) and should be of muted earth tone colours. Browns, greys, creams and blue are other acceptable colours. Ends of blankets should be hand sewn.
Quilts/ Coverlets are also acceptable - "Homespun" i.e. all hand made with natural fibres. No "bright", modern colours. No modern patterns or printing. Size variable from 40"x72" to 50"x80".
Another option is the North Carolina Issue or other Confederate State Issue blankets
"Captured" U.S. Issue blankets of either grey or brown can be used as can Gum Blankets / Ground Cloths.
These should be rolled up, tied and worn about the body. Often soldiers rolled up personal items and or clothing into their rolls as another option to aid carry all their kit.
Blankets may be civilian made. They should be made of 100% Wool or Jean (no synthetic blends) and should be of muted earth tone colours. Browns, greys, creams and blue are other acceptable colours. Ends of blankets should be hand sewn.
Quilts/ Coverlets are also acceptable - "Homespun" i.e. all hand made with natural fibres. No "bright", modern colours. No modern patterns or printing. Size variable from 40"x72" to 50"x80".
Another option is the North Carolina Issue or other Confederate State Issue blankets
"Captured" U.S. Issue blankets of either grey or brown can be used as can Gum Blankets / Ground Cloths.
These should be rolled up, tied and worn about the body. Often soldiers rolled up personal items and or clothing into their rolls as another option to aid carry all their kit.
Knapsack
Three main types in use :_ Mexican Pattern, Imported English (S. Isacc and Campbell or Ross and Co) or Confederate Issue.
Three main types in use :_ Mexican Pattern, Imported English (S. Isacc and Campbell or Ross and Co) or Confederate Issue.
Under Garments and Socks
Two types :- Civilian Pattern or Military Pattern. Both cotton Osnaburg or muslin, cotton or wool flannel with bone, glass or wood buttons. Hand sewn buttonholes.
Two types :- Civilian Pattern or Military Pattern. Both cotton Osnaburg or muslin, cotton or wool flannel with bone, glass or wood buttons. Hand sewn buttonholes.
Rubberised Ground Sheet
Weapons
Two main types of weapons are used during the period. Most members use the P-1853 Enfield Rifle Musket (3 Band). There was also the M-1855/1861 Springfield Rifle Musket. (Please note Shotgun / Firearms regulations as mentioned above)
Two main types of weapons are used during the period. Most members use the P-1853 Enfield Rifle Musket (3 Band). There was also the M-1855/1861 Springfield Rifle Musket. (Please note Shotgun / Firearms regulations as mentioned above)