Traditional Muzzleloading Association

The Center of Camp => People of the Times => Topic started by: mike on October 25, 2009, 06:21:30 PM

Title: US Army regulations 1860
Post by: mike on October 25, 2009, 06:21:30 PM

Does anyone have a recommended source for army regulations from the civil war?  Some friends caught me in a week moment and enlisted me in the local civil war group so now I need to find documentation for uniform and personal appearance.  Yes I know I can wear what everyone else does; I just like to see the reference for why we do it.

Title:
Post by: Pichou on October 26, 2009, 09:12:06 AM

These cover 1840-1865

http://books.google.com/books?lr=&as_dr ... s&as_brr=1 (http://books.google.com/books?lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=1840&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=1865&q=army+regulations&as_brr=1)

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Post by: bluelake on October 26, 2009, 09:31:00 AM

Arms and Equipment of the Civil War by Jack Coggins and Arms and Military Goods, published by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham (1864, but the reprint can be bought).

Excellent resources.

Title:
Post by: mike on October 26, 2009, 11:46:47 AM

Thank you gentlemen.
Mike

Title: Regs
Post by: jgr1974 on October 26, 2009, 08:09:17 PM

Mike,

Which branch?  Infantry cavalry artillery?  Also you may check with the command structure of the group.  Some can get real picky as to there idea of a uniform.  Even giving you a list of approved venders, and you can only buy from these people!  Some units are more relaxed though.  

The basic uniform for any branch is a pair of sky blue trousers, a 4 button dark blue sack coat, a shirt, and pair of brogans, aka Jefferson bootees.  Also a waist belt with oval US buckle.  Top top it off a hat of some kind.  Again this can be tricky.  A forage cap is usually universally accepted, a kepi depending on unit, or a black "slouch hat" is sometimes accepted.  

Books I would recomend would be Lord's encyclopedia by Francis Lord.  I believe there are a total of five volumes.  Has pictures of original items plus brief descriptions of said items.  Another Is a series put out by Time Life called "Echoes of Glory"  There is a Union and Confederate edition.  These are mainly pictorial, but really cool!  Check out your local library they can probably get them for you through the loan system if they do not have them.  

I am a retired soldier as you might assume. It has been a few years, but I would be more than happy to help.  Any more questions please feel free to ask.  You can pm me as well!

PS I have two checked CW era shirts I would sell cheap, or trade for late 18th century early 19th century items.