Federals Looking 1864

One aspect of the hobby that will increase both your knowledge and enjoyment of an event is tailoring your impression to the specific event. This allows you to learn more about the material culture as well as giving the public a better vision of the troops of the period.

 

While we are now in the 3^rd year of the war, the Federal government resupplied nearly all of their armies over the winter of ’63-64. But, being American volunteers, some personal adjustments for comfort or practicality are possible.

 

In order to illustrate the items, I have original photos of these items with the description. Be sure to view them carefully, and I have found if you look at them for a minute or two, do something else, and them go back, you will see details that normal viewing does not pick up.

 

Keep in mind these suggestions only cover the period of the Fall of 1864 and are not intended for other periods.

 

 

Head Gear

 

There are three basic choices for this period. For most units the Standard Federal Forage Cap is the rule, however some units, were known for wearing either Issue Hardee hats, though not with all the brass and trim at this time.

 

Some photographic evidence exists of many units wearing Civilian Hats, but they should be in the minority.

 

Havelocks were not worn by this period, and plumes, feathers and other such nonsense are not to be worn, unless prior documentation dictates it.

 

CORPS BADGES MUST BE CORRECT FOR THE UNITS YOU ARE PORTRAYING!

 

 

Coat
There are several options for this as well:

 

The most common would be the Standard US issue Fatigue Blouse, made out of 8-ounce wool flannel and lined. There are many photographs of field adaptations to these garments, from adding additional buttons to pockets, both inside and out.

 

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US Issue Dress Coat (Frock). Not near as common as the Fatigue blouse, but acceptable.

 

Trousers

 

During this period the Standard Issue Foot Trousers in Sky Blue Kersey would be the most prevalent.

 

Footwear

 

US issue Brogans would have been most common, with private purchase boots also represented.

 

Canteen

 

This is the event for the Leather Sling or canvas sling Smooth side with a jean or blanket cover. Only the first canteens ordered had the sky blue cover, the rest were either of sack coat lining (jean, flannel) or out of US issue Blankets. Take a look at the color photo of extant Sack coats and the various hues to see what color the canteen lining may have been.

 

Knapsack

 

Most units would have been carrying the US pattern Double Bag knapsack, although many units may have been using blanket rolls, both the short and long roll.

 

Shirts

 

Federal Issue Flannel Shirts would have been the most common seen, with State issue and Civilian shirts also acceptable.

 

Good Luck, and I look forward to seeing you Looking 1864