Military Clothing & Equipment
Military Authenticity
Guidelines
The
following is the recommended uniform and gear for a military impression in the
145th PVI. The equipment listed is as close as possible to what was
actually used. Some items are different, however, due to modern day costs
in reproductions of the original equipment.
The 145th left Erie in September of 1862 without arms or equipment. At this time, most men in the regiment were issued 9-button frock coats for their uniform. Many early war photos show both privates and NCO's wearing the 9-button frock coat.
Clothing records from 1863 list each man's clothing that was purchased or issued, including a shelter 1/2 tent, shoes, drawers, blouse, shirt, socks, pants, canteen, haversack, cap, etc. We have used some of these records to assist in developing our impression.
The following has been adopted as the recommended uniform for the portrayal of a soldier from the original 145th PVI Company D at the time of the Civil War.
Quick Links:
(items marked with an * are needed for the basic impression)
*4 Button Sack Coat: 4 Button Union Sack Coat made of wool and dark blue in color. Sold at many sutlers.
Frock Coat (not necessary immediately, but good to have for parades and early war impressions): 9 Button Enlisted Man's Frock Coat. Dark blue in color with sky blue piping.
Great Coat (not necessary immediately, but good for cold weather): Sky blue color great coat for US Infantry.
*Trousers: Sky blue in color.
*Forage Cap: Dark blue forage cap. No kepi's. Kepi's are reserved for officer's only.
*Shirt (US Federal Issue shirt for most accurate impression): However there are many military shirt patterns available. Military shirts should be white/off-white in color and made of muslin. Civilian patterns are ok as well. Any other shirts should be of 1860's design and made of natural fibers, preferably cottons or muslin. Contact our unit librarian for accurate prints.
*Shoes: Jefferson Brogans made of leather and black in color. The dark color will fade after use and turn into more of a dark brown color. Most brogans are either pegged or sewn on the bottom. We recommend the pegged, however, the sewn are acceptable as well. Besides, no one should be seeing the bottom of your shoes anyway.
*Socks: Wool socks. Many sutlers sell these or you can purchase some at your local store that carries hunting supplies.
(items marked with an * are needed for the basic impression)
* Rifle (probably your most expensive purchase): Many Civil War rifles and muskets were made by either ArmiSport or EuroArms. Each reenactor has his own preference, however either is acceptable (The ArmiSport tend to be a little lighter in weight).
Recommended (more accurate): 1861 .58cal Springfield
2nd Choice (lower cost): 1853 .58cal Enfield
The 1861 Springfield is the most accurate for the 145th PVI. However it costs more than the 1853 Enfield. The 1853 Enfield is one of the more common rifles used during the Civil War, and is acceptable for use in the 145th PVI as well. If not sure what to purchase, please contact us for assistance.
* Bayonet: IMPORTANT, THE BAYONET MUST BE THE SAME AS THE RIFLE OR IT WILL NOT FIT! We recommend purchasing a bayonet at an event so that you can have your rifle with you and fit it. Many bayonets will not fit all rifles. Secondly, if you purchase an 1861 .58 Springfield Rifle, you need to purchase a bayonet for an 1861 .58 Springfield Rifle (careful not to buy a bayonet for a .69cal Springfield). If you purchase an 1853 .58 Enfield, you need to purchase an 1853 .58 Enfield bayonet.
* 1863 US Waist Belt Scabbard: This scabbard is made of black leather and riveted. It is the more common one that is used. It hangs on the left side at an angle towards the back. Do not get the scabbards that hang down along your leg! The scabbard is what the bayonet is stored in.
* Cartridge Box: Standard Federal issue, black leather cartridge box for US infantry with US box plate. Used for carrying black powder cartridges for the rifle.
* Cap Pouch: Standard Federal issue, black cap pouch for US infantry. Used for carrying percussion caps.
* Belt w/ Buckle: Black leather belt with US belt buckle
* Canteen: There are many different canteens on the market now. All canteens should be with a white strap and a dark blue cover.
** Bullseye Canteen (most accurate):
This canteen is made of 2 halves, each half with a bullseye pattern on it, soldered around the edge. It is also lined with bees wax to prevent rusting. This canteen will need relined with bees wax after a year or two, depending on the amount of use it gets. During the Civil War, as these canteens wore out, soldiers would often blow them apart to make 2 separate halves, and use them as frying pans.
Stainless Steel (least accurate):
Canteen made entirely of stainless steel. It is not lined with bees wax since the stainless steel will not rust. These canteens tend to last longer, however, are the least accurate and were not used during the Civil War.
* Haversack: Used for carrying personal items. Haversack should be made of canvas and should be black tarred (painted ones are not recommended).
Tent: For an accurate military impression (if you are not reenacting with your family), a Dog Tent is most accurate.
Dog Tent (most accurate for military impression):
It is made of 2 pieces of canvas with buttons along the edge to fasten together. Sticks or similar are used for the tent poles. This tent will allow you to camp in military camps at reenactments and is great for accurate living histories!
A-Frame Tent (would accommodate 5-6 soldiers sleeping on the ground):
If you are reenacting with your family, the second option is an A-Frame tent. Most are approximately 9' long, 9' wide, & 6' high. These tents will accommodate 2 people on cots, but does not give you much room if you are camping with your wife.
Wall Tent (used by officers and civilians):
Larger families may want to invest in a Wall tent which is much larger in size and will easily accommodate 3 or more people. It gives plenty of room for changing, sleeping, and storage. These tents tend to be a little costlier.
Blanket: For an accurate military impression, an Emergency Issue Blanket (tan w/ dark brown stripe) is best. However, plain gray wool blankets can easily be found at sutlers or a nearby Army Surplus Store.