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Just a word or two of caution before you begin spending your hard earned Yankee dollars on a Confederate impression - Please do your research and/or talk to members of the company before you buy. You will surely create a better impression for less money if you do.
Confederate Uniform
Jacket:
Any gray wool or jean cloth Richmond Depot or commutation shell jacket will work as your first jacket. Frock coats are also permitted as a jacket that saw service through the entire war.
Pants:
Black wool is the preferred trouser for Company I soldiers but gray, brown, or sky blues are acceptable. You will likely need suspenders to hold them up. At least some of you will...
Brogans:
Period black or brown leather lace-up shoes (black preferred for first pair).
No boots. Boots are worn by officers only.
Hat:
Slouch hat - A black, brown/tan, or gray soft felt hat was common to the Confederate soldier. Please note the Confederate slouch hat is NOT a "cowboy hat". What we know today as the modern cowboy hat was a product of the late (post war) 19th Century and is not correct for American Civil War infantry uniforms.
Military Cap (aka Kepi) - Any style or fabric appropriate for the Army of Northern Virginia (gray wool or brown jean cloth). Federal blue, Artillery red, or Cavalry yellow kepis may be worn, but be advised that this choice will subject you to abuse and ridicule from Officers, NCO's, and your fellow soldiers and will likely lead to an unflattering nickname.
Other types of civil war period civilian hats are acceptable but please do your research before you buy.
Misc:
Cotton Shirt Civilian Pattern - Any period correct color or checkered will do.
A "Battle shirt" may be worn but please do your research before obtaining one.
Wool Socks
Optional:
Cotton or flannel undershirt and long drawers (shirt and pants are separate)
Period eye-wear (if possible)
Accoutrements
Rifle:
Most 3 band Civil War Era rifles are acceptable. Either a .577 caliber 1853 model Enfield or a .58 1855 or 1861 model Springfield are the most highly recommended. You may use a 1842 model .69 caliber Springfield if you like. If you have a functioning original you may use that as well.
You will need to buy a bayonet and scabbard based upon which rifle you purchased. Powder and caps may be purchased through the Company Clerk.
No sidearms are permitted.
Cartridge Box w/shoulder strap or belt loops:
Any Confederate or Federal issue style is fine. Black is preferred.
Belt w/Cap Box and Buckle:
Black leather. Buckle may be a Virginia state seal buckle. Georgia Frame or a rectangular C.S.A. buckle are also acceptable.
Haversack:
Tarred black, white canvas, matress ticking, or carpet haversack.
Canteen w/strap:
A metal smooth side or 'bullseye' canteen with a wool cover or no cover is correct. A second choice for a CS impression is a tin drum or wooden canteen, no cover.
Equipment
Mess Kit
Mess kit should include a metal plate or small sheet-metal frying pan, metal cup or mucket, and a knife, fork, and spoon. A folding fork/spoon/knife is period correct and not too spendy. Metal cups are more correct and less costly than a mucket.
Knapsack (backpack):
A Federal double pack, hardpack, Mexican War style (Kibbler) pack, or British Import knapsack is acceptable.
Blanket:
A Confederate wool blanket or Civilian coverlet would be the most common for a Confederate impression. However, Federal issue blankets were a prized commodity and are acceptable for your first purchase.
Rain coat/ground cloth:
Gum blanket or Oil Cloth
'A' Tent or Shelter half:
Some events are campaign style where tents are not used so shelter half or 'dog' tent is recommended for your first purchase.
You will need appropriate poles and stakes based on the tent you purchase.