Introduction.
The following is a suggested set of standards for the 1st Georgia Regulars. We understand that reenacting is an expensive hobby, but what we ask is that whenever a veteran buys a new piece of equipment, or when a fresh fish buys his equipment, that the replacement is from this list. We have compiled what we think are some good general guidelines for our unit. We have three primary impressions. While our unit is named for a ANV unit, we recognize that most of the events we will attend, we will portray Western soldiers whether Confederate or Federal. Hence, these equipment purchases should be primary. After that, there are only a few minor changes required to convert a uniform to an Eastern counterpart. Also included is a suggested vendor list. We understand that there may be lots of vendors out there that we haven't had the chance to check out, but these are the ones we have. (i.e., safe buy) Whenever you buy something that isn't on this list, check for the following things:1) Is it Authentic construction and materials?
2) Would it be in the possession of the COMMON soldier??
Purchasing for Recruits (In order of priority)
Clothing Hints
1. Buy your shoes first. We rarely have loaner shoes. Do not buy cheap or unapproved shoes just to get on the field. Make sure they fit, then break them in. The next items you'll need are your shirt, drawers, suspenders and socks. Buy your mess equipment as soon as you can.
2. Some of the better vendors have long delivery times. Do not order at the last minute. Plan ahead.
3. Most of the good vendors do not travel to events - and even those that do, don't go to every event. Do not expect that you'll be able to buy items from approved vendors at an event. You're going to have to buy items mail-order.
4. Do not waste your money. Don't get all fired up and run out and buy hundreds of dollars worth of junk.
General Standards
1. Hair. The military regulations of both sides required that the soldier's hair and beard be short. We suggest you study a few period photographs and determine how well you'd fit in. .
2. Jewelry. The private soldier of the War rarely wore any jewelry beyond a simple wedding band. No wristwatches. Wristwatches did not exist (they were popularized during the First World War). They must be removed during events in order to make a more effective impression.
3. Spectacles. Period eyeglass are required - or you need to wear contacts. If you need help acquiring period glasses, email Andrew Jerram at apjerr7402@ngcsu.edu They're cheaper than you think!
4. Buttonholes. As a minimum, those buttonholes which can be clearly seen (in other words, on the front of a jacket or coat) must be hand sewn. You are strongly encouraged to have all button holes hand sewn. There were no machine sewn button holes on army uniforms during this period (or on any other clothing).
5. Condition of clothing. We do an impression of an army on the march. Your clothing should not be pristinely clean when you arrive at an event. In other words, leave the mud on it.
C. Uniform Authenticity Standards -Eastern Confederate (Army of Northern Virginia)
1. Jackets should be either an NC state issue jacket in jeans cloth, cassimere, or satinette (EOG/CS
144) or a Richmond Depot Type II jacket in jeans cloth, cassimere, satinette or blue / gray kersey (EOG/CS 135). The wear of the Richmond Depot Type III or the Peter Tait jacket should be based on time / event.
2. Pants should be documented 1860s civilian style pants, MacRae pattern pants, or Richmond Depot pants. Federal pants will be worn very sparingly as they were not as common as portrayed.
3. The preferred shirt is a civilian style, woven pattern shirt. All shirts must be of a documented pattern, color and material (EOG/US - 126 & EOG/CS - 154 &155).
Do not, under any conditions, buy a "sutler shirt" from a 'usual suspect skinner' at an event. They are terrible rip-offs made of crummy fabric.
4. Socks, undergarments and suspenders should be documented, authentic styles.
5. The first footgear purchased should be the Federal 1855 Jefferson bootee (EOG/US - page 191). Then you can purchase CS pattern shoes of documented pattern (EOG/CS - pages 174 & 175).
6, Accouterments, Haversack and Canteen. Initial leather accouterments should be black, documented
Federal issue accouterments of the proper weight and type leather - except for the belt. Specific, documented CS accouterments may be purchased after primary accouterments have been purchased.
(A).58 or .69 caliber muskets - documented CS box (e.g., Richmond Arsenal - EOG/CS 197).
(B) 1853 Enfield : S. Isaac and Campbell British box.
(A) 58 or .69 caliber muskets (except Enfield) - documented CS type (e.g., Richmond Harness Shop EOG/CS 195).
(B) 1858 Enfield. Either a documented CS type or the specific British type scabbard and frog (EOG/US - page 39).
7. Mess Equipment: (EOG/US 224-225 & EOG/CS 214-215).
Note: No Company personnel will use any enameled "speckleware" of any color. It was not available until the 1870s and its use will not be tolerated. This same goes with stainless steel cups, boilers, plates, &c.
8. Musket or Rifle Musket. The standard rifle-musket is the 1853 Enfield or an 1861 Springfield (EOG/CS - page 36). These rifles work for most of our impressions so we encourage that you purchase one of these first. You are encouraged to have all modern finishes & marks removed and proper period stamps applied. (AKA "defarbing") Bayonets are required.
9. Headgear. Documented, period slouch hats are strongly encouraged and preferred. Slouch hats must have a liner, sweat band, and crown and brim ribbon [EOG/CS -pages 166-169]. Caps should be a documented kepi, (EOG/CS - pages 162 &163 ) or a black / dark blue forage cap. No cap brass! Hat cords are discouraged except at 1865 events.
10. Tentage & Blankets. Shelter tents are the only appropriate tentage, as we sleep 'campaign" at most events. Blankets must be 100% wool and of period type.
11. Knapsacks. Initial purchase should be an 1853/55 Federal knapsack. CS Knapsacks are highly encouraged.
D. Federal Uniform -- Western Federal
1. Sack Coat. The standard sack coat is the "J.T. Martin contract type" of proper lightweight indigo blue flannel, and lined (EOG/US - 125; the Federal government issued almost three times as many lined sack coats as unlined). Hand Sewn Buttonholes are recommended
2. Federal Pants. Federal issue foot pants in sky-blue kersey wool (this varies slightly in color) in either the Schulykill or J. T. Martin pattern (EOG/US - 127).
3. Leather Accouterments and Brass, &c.
4. Shirts, undergarments, and socks. Are per above.
5. Shoes, See above.
6. Headgear. A 'field modified' Hardee hat (EOG/US - 187) or a good slouch hat is encouraged and preferred over caps. Caps should be an issue Federal forage cap.
9. Tentage. Federal issue shelter tent (see above).
7. Rifle muskets. As above.
8. Knapsacks. The 1853/55 Federal knapsack.
E. Western Confederate Impression
A lot of the items used in your Eastern impression can serve double duty in your Western impression. Keep in mind though that a lot of the equipment used by Western CS armies came from totally different arsenals and manufacturers than their Eastern counterparts. To properly change out, we've listed the items in order of precedence