The Company established a committee to study uniforms and equipment used by soldiers (both Confederate and Federal) in the Western Theater.  The information contained in this document was the result of the committee findings and adopted by the Company to ensure that every soldier within the company met authenticity standards before taking the field.  It is our intent and duty as re-enactors to present the most accurate portrayal of the men in both blue and gray to the public during these events.

The quality and correctness in regard to authenticity is the guide for the purchase of uniforms and equipment.  It is better to research the uniform(s) of the period and buy the correct item instead of making the wrong purchase due to lack of knowledge.  It is probably wise to purchase your Federal impression first, then purchase the Confederate impression later.

It is very important to ask the commanding officer or unit veteran's advice before you purchase anything.  It is easy to purchase something to save money, only to have bought the wrong thing or have it break before it can have much use.  There is not only a lot of junk out there; there is also a great deal of difference among manufacturers.  Quality and price will differ.  Also remember, you get what you pay for!  Another way of obtaining clothing and equipment is to find someone who is giving up the hobby.  Again though, ask a veteran for advice before making purchases.

You don't have to shoulder the entire financial burden at one time.  Just make a "wish list" and pass it on to friends and relatives for those holidays which a present is in order!

The following requirements should be used to portray the Federal and Confederate cavalry soldier in the field (1861-1865).  The Company's Federal impression is the 1st Alabama Cavalry U.S.  The prime objective is to give a common everyday cavalry soldier impression for the Western Theater.

These are minimum uniform and equipment requirements for the Federal and Confederate enlisted cavalrymen.  A maximum effort has been made to reduce the amount of expense.  You can buy as much as you wish - that's up to you.  Federal uniform standards varied from one theater of operation ot another and from one regiment to another just as did the Confederate Army.  It is the intent of these regulations to adopt a standard that will allow the Company to adopt a standard uniform appearance.

Uniform Requirements - Federal Cavalry Enlisted and Confederate Cavalry Enlisted (minimum requirements)

Coat

Federal - enlisted man's four button dark blue sack coat OR enlisted man's shell jacket (without yellow piping)

Confederate - the most common jacket for the Western Theater was the Columbus Depot pattern made of jean cloth/wool.  Civilian sack coat or enlisted frock coat.  NO cavalry yellow trim, it wasn't widely used in Western Theater.

Trousers

Federal - union sky blue, either infantry or mounted are acceptable

Confederate - jean wool is preferred.  Civilian plaids or a pair that matched their coat/jacket

Shirts

Pullover, unbleached long sleeve muslin or cotton (can be used for either US or CSA)

Suspenders

Plain cotton, either "H" or "X" style is acceptable (can be used for either US or CSA)

Footgear

Period brogans or a pattern 1861 mounted high-top black mounted boot.  NO rubber soled shoes or boots. (can be used for either US or CSA)

Headgear

This is one of the most important parts of a soldier's uniform.  Although you will see soldiers wearing black cowboy hats in all shapes and sizes, this should be avoided at all cost!  A modern cowboy hat is NOT correct for the period of 1861-65 and no matter how you shape (or re-shape) the hat it still remains a modern day cowboy hat!  Just because the sutler's sell them, doesn't make it authentic.  A Confederate slouch hat can be purchased and/or made for a decent price.

Federal - Forage Cap (bummer), or kepi with crossed sabre insignia on top with the number "1" above the sabre insignia (for 1st Alabama US) and the letter "B" below the sabre insignia.

Confederate - A slouch style hat is preferred and should be plain.  Absolutely NO yellow cords or modern day pins or flags will be worn.  The kepi is acceptable but was not widely used in the Western Theater.

Overcoats

Mounted - Great coat of a proper federal pattern is required if worn.  If you choose to purchase one, it must be sky blue for Federal use.

Buttons

Federal - standard "eagle" U.S. Army issue

Confederate - a variety of buttons can be used.  Some soldiers prefer to wear wooden buttons or the Alabama seal.  The "C" buttons (CSA Cavalry) will work but were not as common in the Western Theater.  The same is true for the "CSA" buttons.

These are minimum equipment requirements for the Federal and Confederate enlisted cavalrymen.  It is the intent of these regulations to adopt a standard that will allow the Company to adopt a standard uniform appearance.

Sabre Belt

It should be M1851 U.S. regulation sword belt and must be black.  The belt was very common during the war.  It was a basic issue for the enlisted Federal cabalry and artillery.  Buckles are eagle M1851 with a wreath around the eagle.  These can be used for either US or CSA.

Holster

The holster will be US issue period style and black.  It was worn typically on the right side (usually with the pistol butt facing forward).  These can be used for either CSA or US.

Cap Box

A 1859 US cap box in black is to be used - either for CSA or US.

Carbine Cartridge Box

It will be US M1860 and black.  This issue will be the standard equipment for Cavalry.  Although some soldiers choose the larger type Infantry box with a carrying strap.  Can be used for either US or CSA.

Carbine Sling (optional)

It is a must for mounted, but not required for dismounted.  Black leather only, used for either US or CSA.

Spurs (optional)

Federal issue brass style for enlisted soldier.  No officer spurs.  These can be used for either CSA or US.

Gauntlets (optional)

Gauntlets are to be either deerskin or kidskin.

Haversack (optional)

The Federal issue haversack is black painted or tarred cloth.  These can be used for either US or CSA.  Most men use the white haversack for their Confederate impression.

Canteen

US 1858 smoothside or bullseye dark blue wool - although a light blue cover is acceptable, and can be used for either US or CSA.

Tin Cup/Flatware/Dish

The tin cup and implements for food substance are a necessity as food is cooked over an open fire.  The cup and plate need to be tin.  You can purchase a copper cup if you prefer.  These can be for CSA and US.

Carbines, Two & Three Banders or Musketoons

The 58 caliber 1841 Mississippi Rifle is a common choice among Company soldiers.  Although the carbine such as the M1859 Sharps is the most common for portraying the Federal impression, a "two-bander" (as they were called) can be used to fight either Confederate or Federal.  Some examples of Federal breech loaders are:  Sharps, Spencer, Gallagher, Mayanrd, and Smith.  We have a number of soldiers that use the 1861 Springfield Musket or "three-bander" and will be fine.  Any of the above weapons can be used for either CSA or US.  Some soldiers prefer the Cook and Brothers carbine when portraying the Confederate soldier.

   1841 Mississippi

   2 Band Enfield Rifle

  3 Band Enfield Rifle

 

Sabres (optional)

Sabres are to be US M1840 dragoon (wrist-breaker) or US M1860 Light Cavalry model.  Both can be used for either US or CSA.

 

Pistols

Steel framed revolvers such as the 44 caliber Remington M1858 and the 44 caliber Colt M1860 Army or the 36 caliber Colt M1851 Navy.  These can be used for either CSA or US.

 

Ammunition

You are to provide your own caps and other firing needs.  The amount of gun powder for each round will vary but you should use at least 60 grains (some soldiers use 75 -80, but no more).  Be your own judge on the amount.  The minimum required rounds per event should be 50-75 rolled rounds when you arrive for the event.

A-Frame/Wedge Tent

The wedge tent was the most common during camp life for the Federal Cavalry.  They were carried on wagons and set up on company streets during fixed positions when not on extended raids.  Recommended size is 7 feet tall, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet long; treated canvas with doors at both ends.  This size will cost aroud $150 dollars but is well worth the money spent for the space you will have.

Wall Tent

These are ONLY recommended if you have a family, as they are large tents that sleep 3-8 people.  These would not have been used by the enlisted man, and only rarely used by the officers.  But if you have children, these are very handy to have.

If you have the ability and the time, there is a certain enjoyment that comes from using something you made with your own hands.  Some of our company members make their own items, and there are lots of women out there that sew period shirts, vests and such.  For clothing patterns, you can start with a company called "Amazon Dry Goods".

Things to Remember:

- Don't buy anything until you are sure of your purchase, the Sutler, and the price.
- Follow company authenticity standards, don't establish your own!
- Know what you want! 
- Deal with recommended sutlers...it is best to shop with a veteran for your first purchase.
- Buy quality the first time!