Uniform and Equipment List

General List of Equipment

This list is intended to act as a guide for new recruits to help them acquire the needed and proper equipment for the portrayal of an average Federal infantryman, to help existing members upgrade their equipment, and to promote uniformity within the unit.

All members of the company should have these items as their primary impression. Alternative items such as frock coats, private purchase jackets, kepis, etc. may be permitted in limited numbers, by approval of an officer or NCO.

Uniform:

Fatigue blouse (lined or unlined) – Schuylkill Arsenal preferred

Infantry trousers (light blue) – Schuylkill Arsenal preferred

Federal forage cap (without insignia)

Federal issue shirt (preferred), or civilian shirt

Braces (suspenders)

Brogans:

U.S. Army pattern bootees

Accouterments:

.58 caliber 1861 cartridge box with box plate (or .69 caliber if using an M1842 musket)

Cartridge box belts with breastplate

1850/1861 cap pouch

Bayonet scabbard (2 rivet early war pattern preferred)

Federal issue waist belt

Tarred haversack (early war pattern)

Canteen (Philadelphia Depot or New York Depot preferred)

Mess equipment:

Tin plate

Tin cup

Period fork, knife, and spoon

Weapon:

1853 Enfield, 1842 Springfield (smoothbore or rifled), 1855 Springfield, 1861 Springfield with sling

Bayonet that corresponds with whichever firearm chosen from above

Tent:

Shelter tent (dog tent) or “A” frame tent

Other equipment:

Wool or cotton period socks, Double bag knapsack, rubberized or painted ground cloth, grey U.S. Army blanket, greatcoat, drawers, pocket knife, white dress gloves, wool gloves, personal effects, ect.

New recruits should ask an NCO or Officer before making purchases in order to acquire the proper equipment and not get bogged down with inferior or unnecessary equipment. Existing members should seek to upgrade their equipment whenever possible. When inferior equipment wears out, seek to replace it with higher quality equipment approved by an NCO or Officer. All members should have the equipment on the above list.