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Basic Confederate
Uniform and Equipment Standards
**Do not buy anything until
it has been approved by one of the officers or senior members of the company.
Musket - Three-banded
muskets: 1842 smoothbore Springfield, 1853 Enfield. You MAY NOT use shotguns or
two-banded muskets (shorter versions of the three-banded) due to safety
regulations. Only officers are allowed
to carry pistols.
Brogans and Socks - You MUST wear period footwear purchased from an approved
source. You MAY NOT wear cowboy boots, work boots, etc. The typical shoe is a
U.S. Jefferson Brogan available from many sutlers . Any good type of wool or cotton sock
without any markings or strips will work
Shell Jacket - The 30th NCT predominantly wears a jeans cloth shell
jacket. Order your jacket as "North Carolina six button shell
jacket”. The color must be either
Sampson Gray Jean Cloth, or Oxford on Brown Jean
Cloth. Expect about six to eight weeks
to make. You will want to order larger sizes than your dress up suit coat
size. North Carolina State Seal or NC “Sunburst”
Buttons.
Trousers – You should ask for a color that contrasts with your uniform
coat. Either a jean cloth version or
one make from cotton jeans cloth are acceptable. A Richmond Depot design is
encouraged. Also some solid color civilian pants are acceptable All trousers are held up by suspenders.
Look for linen or mattress ticking suspenders with metal adjustments.
Headgear - Look at events for a "slouch hat," a civilian
style hat that suits your personal tastes, but which has shape and a ribbon
dressing around the brim. Amish straw hats and Texas period straw hats are
acceptable, but no cowboy hats. You
may also wear a forage hat or a kepi, two styles of caps. However, remember,
you will be in the sun for two days so a full hat is preferred. The kepis are
good for parades and dress occasions.
Period Shirt - Almost all sutlers have the correct style, pull-over shirts made
of muslin in varying patterns. Look for wooden or bone buttons.
Belt Buckle -
We
prefer a CS roller buckle or a pre-war militia buckle. You may also
use a U.S. plate buckle upside
down as if it were captured by a Confederate
Leather Goods - You will need a 1855
or later period cartridge box with a sling and an accompanying cap box. These
come in several correct styles. You will want to have an experienced reenactor
with you to check quality but most sutlers.
Buy black rather than russet (brown). With black you will be able to
use the same leather gear when going Federal.
Haversack - A U.S. tarred haversack will
be where you keep your plate, eating utensils, food, etc. You may also
purchase a Confederate linen haversack, but this would not be carried by
Union troops. Look for linen sacks to keep in your haversack that will hide
your keys, wallet, toothbrush, etc.
Canteen - There are a number of canteen styles with the U.S. 1858 Smooth side or
the U.S. 1862 Bull’s-eye
preferred. There is also a larger canteen available. For longer life, the stainless steel
canteens are worth the extra money.
Eyeglasses - You must wear period
glass eyeglasses, no plastic frames, no modern style metal frames. Period
frames cost about the same as modern glasses and vendors are found in Civil
War magazines like Civil War Times and Camp Chase Gazette. Sunglasses are discouraged as they were
primarily used treatment for some ailments.
Cooking implements- Tin cup, plate, knife,
spoon and fork are the basics to begin.
Tent - The largest tent
allowed on Company Street is known as the
“monster wedge” and is sold by Panther Primitives. We encourage people not to buy the large
wedge tent unless you will be accompanied by your family. No wall tents are allowed on Company Street. A standard A-frame tent is about 7 feet
tall by 9 feet long and 7-9 feet wide.
“Dog” tents are allowed in most cases and can be used for campaigning
events.
Vest - The well dressed reenactor wears a military or civilian
vest, but this is optional and should only be considered after all other
items are purchased. Privates wore
primarily civilian vest and officers wore either military or civilian
versions
Blankets - 100% solid color wool.
Cotton. Other choices could be homemade quilts. Some surplus military blankets (no
markings) No modern blankets.
Poncho/Ground
cloth – Canvas that is tarred/painted… Some ground
cloths are cut as ponchos that can be slipped over the head and worn in rainy
weather. The poncho and gum blanket are almost invaluable as a cover during
wet and cold events.
Knives- Knives are allowed
only in camp, and not allowed on the field during battles.
Bayonet - You must also purchase
a bayonet and scabbard that fits your musket. Always take your musket with you
when purchasing a bayonet as not all bayonets will fit all muskets.
Greatcoat - A Federal greatcoat is
generally cheaper and will be accepted winter wear.
Knapsack - U.S. Double Bag or C.S Single Bag - both soft packs. Second
choice would be a ANV hard pack. Blanket Rolls can
be used alone or with a knapsack
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