EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES FOR NEW RECRUITS
by Alan Arson
The following is a basic equipment advisory for those who desire to become
Civil War Reenactors. It does not replace Unit Guidelines but can be used as a
checklist when determining what would be needed to start in the hobby. CAUTIONARY
NOTE: Do not purchase any equipment until you have determined which
unit you will be joining. At that point, consult with Unit
leadership and determine what type of equipment is required. Requirements vary
greatly in relation to type and quality. This advisory deals primarily with the
Union Infantry Reenactor although it does give an overall sense of what is
required for other impressions.
As a normal course of events, one does not have a lot of money to spend on a
hobby, especially at first. It is, however, important that the reenactor strive
toward authenticity, although authenticity has different levels depending on the
Unit. Almost everyone, however, will be very tolerant of a relatively new
recruit. Many units or members of these units have spare equipment that is
available for loan until the recruit can purchase the necessaries.
The following are the Basics:
1. HAT - Each unit has certain guidelines for headgear. The normal
Eastern impression would use a "Bummer" or forage cap. Of these, there
are two types; Early war (McDowell) and Late war, the most common being the
latter. Western units favored the "slouch" or formless black felt yet
there may be no firm and fast rule since Eastern Late War impressions could wear
the slouch hat. Other headgear would be the Hardee Hat (stiff, tall felt hat)
for Iron Brigade units, Kepis or fezes for Zouave units.
The quality of these hats can vary greatly. Without getting into a treatise
of hats, good advice is to examine each for workmanship and material. Look for a
thick leather brim and substantial interior stitching.
Bummers also may, depending on unit requirements, need insignia: Infantry
bugle, company letter, and regimental numbers.
2. COATS - The first coat would be the fatigue or "sack"
coat, a four button, woolen jacket. These can come unlined or lined with
interior pockets. Most sutlers carry sack coats and patterns can be obtained if
you have a seamstress who is willing to make one for you. The buttons can also
be purchased separately from sutlers.
The other coat is the Frock coat which is considered a dress uniform except
that some units wear their frock coats at all times reflecting their CW Unit's
practice. The Frock is a 3/4 length coat with piping and more buttons. Unless
the Unit requires it, this is a purchase that can be postponed.
3. TROUSERS - Made from sky-blue kersey wool with button fly, pockets
and held up by suspenders. These can be purchased from sutlers (manufacture and
cloth quality can vary greatly), made from pattern or, like the coats above, be
made from a kit.
4. SHIRT - Latitude is allowed here since CW soldiers often received
shirts from home, purchased elsewhere or wore Government issue. Shirts are long
sleeve with sleeves generally looser than a modern shirt, wooden buttons and
made from muslin, calico or flannel. Sutler generally carry the generic blue,
black or red plaid shirts. These are generally fine since they are under the
sack coat.
5. ACCOUTERMENTS
Cartridge Box
Cartridge Box Strap
Cartridge Box Tins (optional)
Breastplate
Cartridge Box Plate
Waist Belt (Keeper optional)
Buckle
Cap Box
6. CANTEEN - This is a must. You should never take the field without a
canteen an adequate supply of water. You can get an original type or a stainless
steel. The latter looks no different and will not rust.
7. HAVERSACK - Black tarred, canvas sack which is hung over the
shoulder containing, rations, housewife, tobacco etc. Not a necessity but
generally part of the standard kit.
8. BROGANS (SHOES) - These can be rather expensive. Many different
styles are sold by many different suppliers. The quality varies. The most
important consideration is that they are comfortable. You will be doing a lot of
walking in these shoes as an infantryman and you should be sure that they fit
well WITH a heavy pair of wool socks on.
9. UNDERWEAR - Authentic underwear is sold but most reenactors use
modern garments. Would generally be one of last purchases.
10. MUSKET (BAYONET AND SCABBARD) - The two most common weapons used
by reenactors are the Springfield and Enfield muskets. Either one of these will
cost approximately $400 new. The reproductions are made by Armisport (cheapest),
Euroarms and Navy arms (most expensive). Before purchasing, you should check
with your unit. Some units desire to be equipped with the same musket that the
original unit carried.
Occasionally, a second hand weapon may be purchased but make sure someone
knowledgeable inspects it before purchase. Even though you will not be firing
live rounds, a defective weapon is a danger to you and your filemates. Once you
have your musket you need a bayonet. They are different for each type. Make sure
when you purchase your bayonet that you try it on the musket and that it seats
firmly and locks into place. The scabbards for each are different. The
Springfield scabbard is one piece while that for the Enfield bayonet has two,
the frog and the scabbard itself.
11. SHELTER - There are two acceptable forms of shelter for an
infantry private (subject to unit guidelines); the A-tent or the shelter half.
The A-Tent (or Wedge Tent) was designed to sleep four soldiers during the ACW
but really will only accommodate two modern day reenactors comfortably. These
tents come in six and nine foot models and with various grades of materials.
Seek advice before purchasing a tent.
The shelter half is a rectangle of canvas with buttons along one side and
button holes along the other. Matched with an identical piece and mounted on
uprights these will provide passable shelter for two men. There comes a
decision, however, in damp weather for the taller man as to which end of his
body will remain dry.
12. BLANKET - A good, thick woolen blanket is a necessity.
13. MESS KIT - Each soldier needs to eat. The basic kit should include
a tin cup, a metal plate and utensils. Avoid the blue speckleware that is being
sold by certain sutlers, it is not period and looks ridiculous. A small frying
pan could substitute for the plate, specially if you unit does not have a Mess
and you will be required to cook for yourself.
14. OTHER - Knapsacks, gaiters, greatcoat, poncho, haversack stuffers
all can wait. Most new reenactors start salivating over catalogues and wind up
buying stuff that they will never use. The best advice is to discuss all
purchases with members of your unit, they've been there.
DISCLAIMER: Many old timers reading this will want to editorialize on
how authentic this item is versus that item. That is not the intention of this
FAQ but to merely provide an initial guideline for new recruits.
