Uniforms

This Page is very much intended to give guidance to potential and new members of the company. Please use this page as both a guide and resource for helping you piece together your impressions,

Item Quality

Low-End / Low-Cost
Main-Stream Quality

Items in this category are cheaply made with off hand material, not period in construction methods or material. They are often foreign made and cheap in cost, though they do not wear well in the field.

Mid-Grade / Mid-Value
Mix - Main-Stream Quality / Some Campaigner Grade Items

Mostly American Made items, with some non-period construction and off period material, and with other items favoring a more authentic production and higher value. Items here last longer in the field when cared for.

Authentic Reproductions
High Grade / High Value
Campaigner Grade

These items are made using period correct material and construction methodology, and often deviate if little from original examples from which they are taken. They cost considerably more, but the quality is superior and they hold high re-sale value in the community.

Captain's Recommendations:

Cost is a serious consideration in this hobby, I certainly do not want to scare off a potential member to the company in saying so, but this hobby costs money like any other to get established in. If you look at the costs as an investment than you have already made your first step into the hobby. I consider the acquisition of items in the hobby to be a great investment as they hold their value incredibly well when properly cared for.

With that said, I recommend new members purchase the package sold by C & C Sutlery. This package is affordable and offers a good value kit that will last as one trades up in quality and experience in the hobby.

What's included in a Standard Kit?

The following Items are required for the basic Kit. You should first purchase your Union Uniform. Most everything is interchangeable with the exception of the sack coat / shell jacket between your first two impressions when portraying a soldier from the early years of the war. (Obviously, we'd like for you to have two complete kits, and our company is very much preferable to Jean Wool Cloth for one's Confederate Impression, but having your Union Kit first is an absolute must as the sack coat can be interchanged between each and as we galvanize as well as portray Federal Soldiers quite often)

Fatigue Blouse / Sack Coat

This item features a four button front and can be purchased lined or unlined given your preference.

(Lined refers to material sown to the interior of the garment which is meant to insulate)

Suspenders

This item is included in the package from C & C Sutlery and is used to hold up your trousers. The item offered within the package is of canvas construction and is of a main-stream quality.

Canteens

You'll need to purchase a canteen. We recommend that you investigate the offerings and shop around. You can acquire a higher quality canteen at a lower price earlier on in your living history career by shopping around. However, just about all of the sutlers will carry a wide selection. Do your own research and feel free to direct any questions you have to the First Sergeant.

Sky Blue Trousers

When ordering a pair of trousers, you should keep two things in mind:

1) You'll need to adjust for your natural waist size rather than that of modern pants;

2) You will need to reinforce the seat of the pants when you receive them and you'll need to reinforce all of the buttons... Trust me... We know from experience!

Included Leather Items:

Additionally, the package offered by C&C Sutlery, includes the following items:

> Belt

> Belt Keeper (Optional)

> Belt Plate (Oval U. S. Pattern)

Be sure to follow sizing guidelines to ensure that you order the right size. The Belt Keeper is a nice addition, though it is not a requirement.

Brogans

A very important part of your impression and works for both kits (Union and Confederate). I advise that you order a half size to inch larger than your typical foot wear. These are crucial to a proper impression and are required to take the field.

We do not allow individuals to take the field in boots, or black tennis shoes, its not proper and is disrespectful to the men whom fought this war, so you must invest and have the appropriate footwear.

Union Issue Shirt

There are a number of options available for selection when it comes to purchase of a shirt. You will be looking at the mainstream offerings mostly as you are freshly entering the hobby. Any of the shirts featured on the package will work well for you; therefore, select upon your own preference.

Head Wear

Another visible and important item to be considered when purchasing your uniform; it is recommended that you identify the right option for you. I personally am preferable to utilizing a bummer with a McDowell Brim; however, you may prefer a slouch hat, and I would recommend such for an enlisted man as we represent a company from the western theatre of the war.

Big Picture:

Everyone has to start somewhere. Quality of items, methods of item construction, and the materials utilized are very important to so many within the living history community including myself. However, most entering the hobby cannot realistically afford to begin at a campaigner grade level. It takes years of trading up and selectively upgrading one's kits and gear to arrive at the highest quality impression.

Therefore, when we argue that you are making an investment as you go along, consider that the items you acquire at the beginning of your career as a living historian can often be traded to others later on who are just coming in like you are now. You should consider looking into trading for items now from those already in the hobby and you should utilize the trade pages on facebook. You can later trade up and circulate used items to others as they enter the hobby,

Package Items:

Non-Package Items to Acquire:

Purchasing Leather Accoutrements is another important consideration. You again will want to begin with Federal Issue gear, and then acquire Confederate Accoutrements later. You can find a package at C & C Sutlery among many other shops. I would recommend this package for those new to the hobby.

Note: If you are buying for a younger potential member, invest more on leathers than the Uniform, as you'll have need to buy another uniform as the new member ages and grows. Leathers would be a more sensible investment as they can be continuously used.

Acquiring a Rifled Musket

The Model 1861 Springfield Rifled Musket

Manufactured in Springfield, Massachusetts and used primarily by the United States Army in the Civil War, it is the most used weapon of the infantry of the war. This weapon is appropriate for use with both impressions and is a great investment for those getting into the hobby.

Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifle-Musket

Imported and smuggled from private contractors and gun runners, this weapon served as the second most used weapon by infantry in the American Civil War and was favored heavily by the Confederate States Army.

Members of the Company have a choice between either of these weapons, but are limited to carrying one, or the other. The Infantry company we portray did not use pistols or two-band muskets as other companies of different purpose and function would have.