AUTHENTICITY GUIDELINES
As members of Company K we are committed to an accurate impression of the soldier of 1861-1865 as he actually looked, acted, drilled, camped and fought. Along with the acceptable uniform items and equipment, one must have the desire to put forth the best impression possible. In order to accomplish this certain protocols must be observed at events to be believable living historians.
These include (but are not limited to):
NO modern eyewear
NO modern jewelry in sight
NO body piercings
NO bizarre hairstyles-Mohawks, purple hair, etc.
NO wristwatches
NO flashlights
NO open cigarette smoking (if you have to, smoke out of sight somewhere-like in the porta-potty)
NO tennis shoes, blue jeans, or any other modern items of dress when in uniform
NO plastic or other manmade material items in the camp-this includes plastic food wrappings*
NO modern drink containers- i.e. beer cans, coke bottles, etc.
*pill bottles, contact lens cases, etc. can't be avoided, but please keep such in a poke and out of
sight.
As a member of a progressive unit like Company K, you owe it to yourself and your comrades to follow these rules.
Listed below are the items you will need along with the approved vendors. There are other makers of excellent goods which are not listed--BUT DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM ANY SUTLER NOT ON THIS LIST WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH A MEMBER OF THE AUTHENTICITY COMMITTEE. Most of the regular sutlers which turn up at events sell goods the majority of which are not of the quality nor authenticity for use with Company K. all of us have purchased items which later we found out were not correct or of poor quality. QUALITY GOODS WILL SAVE YOU MONEY IN THE LONG RUN!!!
As research and the desire toward authenticity continues this list will be periodically updated.
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UNIFORM ITEMS and vendor list
NOTE: PLEASE NOTE WHAT SPECIFIC ITEMS ARE RECOMMENDED FROM VENDORS!! Some vendors have one or two good items along with many others which will not meet our standards. For example C.D. Jarnagin's yankee sack coat is recommended, while his Confederate uniforms are not. DO NOT PURCHASE ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT BEFORE CONTACTING THE AUTHENTICITY COMMITTEE!!!
UNIFORM (SHELL JACKET AND TROWSERS)
As our primary impression is Confederate you should invest in an authentic, well- constructed jacket and trowsers.
SHELL JACKET
As our main impression is mid to late war Army of Tennessee (AOT) we wear a style of shell jacket commonly referred to as the "Columbus Depot" style. This style has been documented as being used from at least mid 1862 to the end of the war. This jacket should be constructed of jean-wool, natural gray with a white or brown warp, lined with heavy osnaberg in the body, muslin lining in the sleeves, and French blue trim on the collar and sleeves. Buttons should be 7/8" block or script "I"-no CSA or Texas star buttons.
At the very least, the buttonholes should be handsewn and preferably all visible stitching should be done by hand.
Here are pictures of an original jacket.
Other style jackets such as those turned out by the Mobile and Atlanta Depots were worn by the AOT, but your first jacket must be the Columbus Depot style.
TROWSERS
Any documented Confederate or civilian style trowsers are acceptable as long as they are constructed of gray jean wool and like the jackets, have at least handsewn buttonholes. Remember that correct trowsers ride higher on the body than modern pants. When measuring for trowsers measure around the waist even with the navel.
Acceptable buttons for the fly and braces (suspenders) include period bone, white china or glass, stamped pewter, or paper-backed tin.
Use of federal issue trowsers for our Confederate impression is discouraged. The AOT did not have the successes of Lee's ANV and for the most part did not have the seized clothing to put into service.
SOURCES
KSW Sewing, 9009 Anna St., Austin, TX 78748
(512)280-6421 ksw_sew@yahoo.com
(Jackets, Trowsers)
Cotton City Tailors
7590 Meadows Dr. S
Mobile AL 36619
(334)666-2792
www.cottoncitytailors.com
(jackets, trowsers)
County Cloth
13797-C Georgetown St. N.E.
Paris OH 44669
(330)862-3307
patterns, material
Family Heirloom
775 Meadowview Drive
Red Lion, PA 17356
(717)246-5797
patkline@familyheirloomweavers.com
Material
HATS
Hats MUST be a period style constructed of high quality fur felt or wool felt. They should have a ribbon bound brim, ribbon hatband, and period style lining. Hats should be blocked- i.e. no "Hillbilly" hats. Acceptable colors are tan, brown, or black.
Not acceptable are derbies, cowboy hats, converted fedoras
CAUTION--CONSULT WITH A VETERAN MEMBER BEFORE PICKING OUT A HAT!!!
This caveat may save you a lot of money as well constructed hats are not cheap. All the sources listed below make great hats but not all of their models are proper for our period. Purchase a hat because it makes you look authentic, not solely because it looks good on you.
SOURCES
Dirty Billy Hats
(717)334-3200
430A Baltimore Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
www.dirtybillyshats.com
Tim Allen
1429 Becket Road
Eldersburg, MD 21784
(410)549-5145
TP&H hats (Tim Bender)
(610)582-0327
http://ibelong.koz.com/ibn/ignore?MIval=cge&GID=01704011420953317537216432
Clearwater Hat Company
HC-73,
Newnata, AR 72680
www.clearwaterhats.com
DRAWERS
All members are encouraged to wear period drawers. Along with being authentic, they provide comfort to wool sensitive skin. Any documented civilian or issue pattern is acceptable. Material should be canton flannel, osnaberg, or muslin. Buttons should be two or four hole bone or white china. Beware of common sutler varieties which more closely resemble pajama bottoms!
SOURCES
C.J. Daley Historical Reproductions, Inc.
PO Box 133, Chewsville, Maryland 21721
(301)766-7112
Jodi Nolan
2530 Iron Springs Road
Fairfield, PA 17320
(717) 794-2298
County Cloth
13797-C Georgetown St. N.E.
Paris OH 44669
(330)862-3307
patterns, material
C&D Jarnagin
http://www.jarnaginco.com/
PO Box 1860
Corinth MS38834-1860
(662) 287-4977
SOCKS
Must be of wool, cotton, or wool/cotton blend. No synthetic blends, no elastic. Hunting style socks, "red tops", or Woolrich socks are not acceptable either.
SOURCES
Kathy Kleiman
10264 Eagle Nest Ct.
Fairfax, VA
(703)323-1219
dortheadix@aol.com
Mickey Black
6378 U.S. 601 Salisbury NC 28147
blackm@cone.com
Pam Lind, for socksa, other knitted itmes, and men's clothing,
BRACES(SUSPENDERS)
Very few sutlers sell period correct braces!! Most sold at events are more suitable for the Spanish American War.
Acceptable documented styles include those made of :
a)cotton webbing with leather ends and the proper two prong buckles
b)simple cotton drill, canvas, or ticking straps with handsewn buttonholes
Unacceptable designs include those made of elastic, friction clasps, sewn together straps (in the back), and loud colors-i.e. red, yellow, etc.
NOTE: Braces were not an issued item. Many soldiers did not wear them but for most of us well fed types they are a necessity!
SOURCES
Chris Graham
1420 E. Vineyard Road
Hayesville, NC 28904
(704) 389-6126
The Home Front
1821 Nixon Dr.
Boerne, TX 78006
(830)336-3847
Trans-Mississippi Depot
PO Box 875
Tyler, TX 75710
(903)526-1191
http://home.earthlink.net/~drsmith4895/
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FEDERAL UNIFORMS
We do on occasion "galvanize" and provide other gallant Southern soldiers targets. This is a secondary impression, but we should try to take pride in doing the best impression we can. A lot of one's Confederate equipment will work here such as black leather gear, basic brogans, etc.
Here is a link to a look at our Zouave impression.
Below is a description of items suitable for a generic Western Federal impression.
SACK COAT
The basic fatigue jacket is what we wear when we go blue. It is made of 5 to 10 oz. dark (but not navy) blue wool flannel with four buttons. It can be either lined or unlined. Things to look for on a good sack coat include:
a)Front facings which narrow
b)A 3/4" to 11/3" vent on the sleeve
c)A narrow collar
d)On lined coats, the lining's bottom edge should be loose and not come within 2" of the hem of the coat.
e)Linings should be a loosely woven wool flannel or wool/cotton material
f)Unlined coats should have all seams felled
Most common sutler row sack coats are incorrect in several areas. These include too heavy wool material, wool/polyester blends, improper dyes(they'll turn a hideous purple hue in a few years!), incorrect facing, and incorrect linings.
The amount of machine stitching on real sack coats varies from everything but buttonholes done by machine to totally handstitched. At the very least buttonholes should be done by hand!
For an acceptable inexpensive sack coat, the one produced by C.D. Jarnagin is recommended. The facings are not correct but in the 10 oz. weight wool it is a much better quality coat than that found on "Skinner's Row". Order either the #800 (unlined) or #826 (lined) with the buttonhole placement marked and have someone handsew the buttonholes. Chris Daley makes a great premium quality sack coat. Frazer Bros. got a good review in The Watchdog for their unlined jackets. County Cloth offers the best material by far and great patterns as well.
FEDERAL TROWSERS
Should be constructed of 18 to 22oz. sky blue kersey wool. Buttons should be stamped pewter or paper backed tin. Like Confederate trowsers they ride up high around the waist about the navel.
Jarnagin makes federal trowsers which while not perfectly authentic are acceptable for galvanizing. Order #806 and again get them marked for placement for handsewn buttonholes. Chris Daley makes great trowsers as well as sack coats.
SOURCES
C&D Jarnagin
http://www.jarnaginco.com/
PO Box 1860
Corinth MS38834-1860
(662) 287-4977
C.J. Daley Historical Reproductions, Inc.
PO Box 133, Chewsville, Maryland 21721
(301)766-7112
Sack coat, trousers
Frazer Bros.
541 Yale Boulevard, Ste 125
Dallas, Texas 75208
(214)696-1865
http://www.frazerbrothers.com/
County Cloth
13797-C Georgetown St. N.E.
Paris OH 44669
(330)862-3307
patterns, material
Family Heirloom
775 Meadowview Drive
Red Lion, PA 17356
(717)246-5797
patkline@familyheirloomweavers.com
Material
FEDERAL HATS
Acceptable styles include:
a)"Hardee" style 1858 issue hat
b)Federal forage cap
c)Dark colored period civilian style hat (see description under Confederate hats)
SOURCES
Dirty Billy Hats
(717)334-3200
430A Baltimore Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
www.dirtybillyshats.com
Tim Allen
1429 Becket Road
Eldersburg, MD 21784
(410)549-5145
TP&H hats (Tim Bender)
(610)582-0327
http://ibelong.koz.com/ibn/ignore?MIval=cge&GID=01704011420953317537216432
Clearwater Hat Company
HC-73,
Newnata, AR 72680
www.clearwaterhats.com
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SHIRTS
Shirts must be of an acceptable period style. This will generally be a pull-over with a three or four button placket. Styles both with and without yokes and/or gussets have been documented. Buttonholes (at least) should be handsewn. Collars can be of the "band" type or fold down style. Avoid the wide floppy collars. Buttons should be of china, white glass, bone, pewter, or period correct style wood. The use of mother of pearl buttons should probably be limited to dress shirts as their widespread use did not occur until the 1870s at least. Shirt material should be of all natural fibers-cotton, wool, linen, etc. Material patterns should be of period correct woven stripes, checks, and simple plaids. Printed cloth for a Confederate shirt would be inappropriate for anything but early war use, as such cloth was generally not obtainable once hostilities commenced. BEWARE of the run of the mill sutler’s shirts. All too often these are made of thin material, totally machine sewn, and of incorrect prints, including "calico". Avoid also getting a white muslin shirt as these are generally thin and show dirt and stains too easily.
Another acceptable shirt is the federal issue style. These are generally made of domet flannel or grey flannel.
If you or your "significant other" are handy with needle and thread, a shirt is an item you can make. Patterns can be obtained from several sources and acceptable "homespun" cotton material is available at Jo-Ann’s or Hancock Fabrics. Family Heirloom Weavers carries some nice shirt material as does County Cloth. Remember to hand sew the buttonholes and use the right type of buttons.
SOURCES
The Home Front
1821 Nixon Dr.
Boerne, TX 78006
(830)336-3847
Shirts, sewing, buttons(on occasion)
Historic Clothiers
P.O. Box 28
Butler, NJ 07405-0028
Shirts
James Country
P.O. Box 364
Liberty, MO 64068
(816)781-1470
http://www.jamescountry.com
Patterns
County Cloth
13797-C Georgetown St. N.E.
Paris OH 44669
(330)862-3307
Shirts, patterns, material
Family Heirloom
775 Meadowview Drive
Red Lion, PA 17356
(717)246-5797
patkline@familyheirloomweavers.com
Material
John Zaharias
P.O. Box 31152
St. Louis, MO
(314)966-5180
Buttons
MUSKETS
Acceptable muskets include:
1853 Enfield
1861 Springfield
1842 Springfield
1855 Springfield
1816-1822 Springfield conversion
As our basic impression is mid-to-late war Army of Tennessee, more times than not an Enfield 3 band musket will fit the bill. Armisport and Euroarms Enfield replicas cost around $410 to $425, while a Parker-Hale will run $600. The Armisport version has the correct style barrel bands and can be "tweaked" a bit to look more authentic. Enfields should normally not be "struck bright" (i.e. the bluing removed) as was sometimes done. Evidence points to probably more Confederates leaving the original finish intact. Reference article by Geoff Walden at www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/1864/enf/enfblue.htm
If you decide to carry an Enfield, under NO circumstances should you even think about purchasing one of the sorry India-produced versions. These things pop up occasionally when unscrupulous sutlers try to pass them off as authentic. They have been made with inferior materials and are characterized by being the only Enfields on the market with smoothbore barrels. These junkers often sell in the price range of $250-$300.
A good alternative to the Enfield is an 1861 Springfield. Although produced and issued by the Federal government, Confederates utilized captured Springfields whenever they could. ’61 reproductions are priced from $ 415 to $ 475. Good repos are available from Armisport and Euroarms. One disadvantage to the Springfield is that they seem to have more problems with their fire channel and are not quite as reliable as the Enfield.
Do not buy an 1863 Model Springfield as the late date of issue would be incorrect in many of our reenactments. Beware also of Springfield repos with two piece stocks. Not only are they incorrect but if you ever desire to live fire your musket you will find them to be inaccurate. Likewise do not get a Richmond model musket. Although produced by the Confederacy, their use was evidently restricted to the Eastern Theatre.
Excellent ‘Colt Special’ and L.G.&Y. Contract Model Springfields are available from Chattahoochie Arms. These currently cost around $495.
A great repo on the market, especially for early to mid-war is the 1842 Springfield .69 caliber smoothbore made by Armisport. 1842s were widely used by both sides in the war and many were in Southern arsenals when hostilities commenced. They are period correct for all early and pre-war scenarios, such as our annual Twiggs reenactment. These are generally priced from $465 to $495. A rifled version is available for approximately $100 more, but for reenacting stick with the smoothbore.
Another good pre-war Springfield is the 1855 Model. They are produced by Armisport and costs about $ 495. This model is a .58 caliber rifled musket and was the precursor to the ’61. Comparatively few of the 1855s were produced, but this would be an acceptable musket in the ranks.
Another acceptable musket would be an 1816-1822 conversion. These were originally flintlocks that had been converted to percussion. Literally hundreds of thousands were produced and it was probably the most used musket in the first 18 months of the war. Unfortunately, only one reproduction is available. Dixie Gun Works is the distributor and sells them for $785.
BAYONETS
All the accepted 3 band muskets utilize a socket type bayonet. Almost all repo bayonets are currently produced in India and are susceptible to bending. They are definitely not ‘combat worthy’. The one exception is the Springfield bayonets that are coming out of Italy. Prices run from about $30 for the Indian version to $90-$95 for the Italian sticker. Two things that will improve your image and cost nothing involve your bayonet. On the Indian versions you can grind off the word "India". Secondly Enfield bayonets greatly benefit in appearance by heat bluing the socket. Check with Pvt. Cavanaugh as to how to do this. Springfield bayonets should be left ‘in the white".
SOURCES
The Bookguy/Shamrock Hill Books
12725 Bethany Rd.
Alpharetta, GA 30004-1080
(770)569-1802
http://www.bookguy.com
Armisport and Euroarm muskets
Fall Creek Suttlery
P.O. Box 92
Whitestown, IN 46075
(765)482-1861
http://fcsutler.com
Armisport and Euroarms
James Country
P.O. Box 364
Liberty, MO 64068
(816)781-1470
http://jamescountry.com
Armisport and Euroarms
Dixie Gun Works
P.O. Box 130
Union City, TN 38261
http://www.dixiegun.com
1816 conversion replica
BLANKETS
Blankets should be made of 100% wool. Do not buy a blanket containing any man-made fibers. Wool will retain a measure of warm even when wet and moisture will ‘wick’ out of it. Modern materials do not possess these traits and stick out like a sore thumb. We are very fortunate to have several sources of acceptable blankets, some of which are:
Quartermaster Woolens
Makers of the "Abraham Thomas Blanket". This replica of a federal issued blanket is one of the best currently on the market for reenactors. Cost is $130 and availability is limited.
Woodburn-Mount Blanket
Matt Woodburn has contracted with Family Heirlooms to produce an excellent federal issue blanket very similar to the Quartermaster Woolens item. It is the same quality and the best part is it costs less at $85, Availability is very limited.
County Cloth
Charlie Childs of County Cloth occasionally some great wool blankets of a bit heavier weight than the Woodburn Mount or the Quartermaster Woolens models. His run about $156.
SOURCES
Quartermaster Woolens
20473 Idaho Ave.
Lakeville,MN 55044
Matt Woodburn
106 Mountain High Dr.
Antioch, TN 37013
http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/rmwoodburn/myhomepage/sale.html
County Cloth
13797-C Georgetown St. N.E.
Paris OH 44669
(330)862-3307
GUM BLANKETS/PONCHOS/OILCLOTHS
Each soldier needs one of the above for rain protection and a groundcloth. Rubberized "gum" blankets and ponchos should only be purchased from C&D Jarnagin Co. Jarnagin’s products are well made and have the proper size grommets. Similar products from other sutlers are all too often incorrectly made and are of poor quality.
Oilcloths are an excellent alternative to ‘gum’ blankets, especially for Confederate impressions. These are generally a little bit heavier than the former but can be made at home if you desire or purchased from The Home Front.
SOURCES
C&D Jarnagin Co.
Rt. 3 Box 217 Corinth, MS 38834
The Home Front
1821 Nixon Dr. Boerne, TX 78006
SHOES
The finest authentic shoe on the market is the bootee from MJN Boot and Leather Shop. Every detail on these shoes are perfect, particularly the taper of the toe. Almost all other replica bootees have the big "Frankenstein" toe, which are comfy but not authentic. These shoes come in at top price of $165.00 and delivery time is 6 months.
Another maker of excellent brogans or booties is Missouri Boot and Shoe Company. They make shoes custom fitted to your feet and they manufacture a good variety of Federal, Confederate, and civilian footwear. Their JB-2 or JB-3 models will work for either impression and cost $115.00. Delivery time varies but count on 2-5 months.
C & D Jarnagin Company makes an excellent sewn sole bootee, soles are single thickness rather than double thickness as specified but they generally hold up well in the field. Price is $110.00.
Fugawee Corporation makes a good bootee, they are softer and a bit more comfortable than some of the others and have a finer nap to the leather, which takes a nice shine. Price $95.00 plus $5.00 shipping.
SOURCES
MJN Boot and Leather Shop
27210 468th Ave, Tea, SD 57064
(605)368-2922
mjnboot@sd.cybernex.net.
Missouri Boot and Shoe Company
951 Burr Crossing Road
Neosho, MO 64850
(417)451-6100
no website
C&D Jarnagin
PO Box 1860
Corinth MS38834-1860
(662) 287-4977
http://www.jarnaginco.com/
Fugawee Corporation
3127 Corrib Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850)892-0387
aayotte@nettally.com
LEATHER GEAR
You will need to purchase a cartridge box and sling, cap box, bayonet scabbard, and a belt with a Georgia frame buckle. Get these in black and they will work for a federal impression (all but the belt). For a federal impression, you will also need to get a Enlisted waist belt. C.D. Jarnagin offers excellent authentic gear. Suggested models are listed below:
CARTRIDGE BOX
1857 Cartridge Box, 58 cal, Cat #20457, $101.95 (completely hand sewn)
1861 Pattern Cartridge Box, 58 Cal, Cat #204E, $81.95 (completely hand sewn)
1861 Pattern Cartridge Box .69 Cal Cat #205E, $81.95 (completely hand sewn)
CARTRIDGE BOX SLING
Waxed leather black, Cat #260, $19.95
CAP POUCH
1850 Cap pouch, completely hand sewn, #EW242, $41.95
WAIST BELT (specify waist size)
Georgia Frame Belt, Black, Cat #235, $30.95
US Enlisted Waist Belt, #273, $20.95
US Oval belt plate for above belt, Cat #298, $8.50
BAYONET SCABBARD
US Waist Belt bayonet scabbard Cat #245, $34.95 (specify if you are using the 1842, Springfield or Enfield bayonet)
SOURCE
C&D Jarnagin
PO Box 1860
Corinth MS38834-1860
(662) 287-4977
http://www.jarnaginco.com/
NOTE: There are other, smaller makers that turn out leather gear of higher quality than Jarnagin that are acceptable. Check with a member of the authenticity committee if you're seeking a real premium source of leather goods. Count on a lengthy wait with most of the smaller firms.
CANTEEN
Here again, C.D. Jarnagin is a good source. They have two models which are recommended:
US Regulation Pattern 1858 Smoothside Canteen, Catalog #404, $41.95 (NOTE: Get this one with a brown jean cover, NOT blue wool. Most research now indicates that federal canteens were covered with something other than the expensive indigo-dyed blue wool ) This one will work for either Confederate or Union use.
CS Round drum canteen #407, $31.95 (does not hold as much water as US canteen)
SOURCE
C&D Jarnagin
PO Box 1860
Corinth MS38834-1860
(662) 287-4977
http://www.jarnaginco.com/
HAVERSACK
This is a necessity and used to carry your rations. Unit member Phil Cavanaugh makes the very best quality haversacks and literally sends them all over the world to authentic units. He makes different models and all are absolutely authentic. C.D. Jarnagin also makes one haversack which is acceptable. This is their model #304
SOURCES
Phil Cavanaugh
The Haversack Depot
(830)620-5192
http://www.wireweb.net/users/philc/
C&D Jarnagin
PO Box 1860
Corinth MS38834-1860
(662) 287-4977
http://www.jarnaginco.com/
KNAPSACK
This is not a have to have item, but you will need either this or a blanket roll to carry your things when you are campaigning.
C.D. Jarnagin offers two acceptable models for our use. They are:
Single bag knapsack, Catalog #308, $89.95
Double bag knapsack, Mod 1853-55, Catalog #309, $124.95
For a more authentic, higher quality knapsack Missouri Boot and Shoe makes a great federal double bag style which sells for $168.00
SOURCES
Missouri Boot and Shoe Company
951 Burr Crossing Road
Neosho, MO 64850
(417)451-6100
no website
C&D Jarnagin
PO Box 1860
Corinth MS38834-1860
(662) 287-4977
http://www.jarnaginco.com/