New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

[GreencoatCross]

I just wanted to give some praise to Tim Sheads of S&S Sutler for an absolutely stunning Federal issue blanket! I first saw these in person at Manassas and understood right away that I was going to own one. The color, weight, and coarseness of yarn composition/weave make this blanket, IMO, the hands-down best reproduction currently available.

Tim was also able to fill a split-decision order for a half-dozen army hat pins. The attention to detail in the stampings surpasses that of some originals I've seen, and they are far beyond the quality of most "sutler row" hat pins that are usually flimsy, poorly stamped, and tarnished.

[Kanawha Riflemen]

Re: New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

Yes, I will second that with the Federal blankets that Tim Sheads has in stock. I seen these up close and I too in a week or two will own one.

John A. Miller
South Mountain State Battlefield
Monterey Pass Battlefield

[prestontoprail]

Re: New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

If you don't mind me asking, is it of the "grey" like variety or the "brown" like variety?

[cprljohnivey]

Re: New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

Family Heirloom Weavers was making them for Tim correct?

[GreencoatCross]

Re: New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

Preston, I would describe it as closer to gray-brown than most currently available reproductions that are tan, brown, or green-brown. Wonderfully coarse mixed wool yarn that has not been carbonized, so it has some vegetable matter and a little bit of light colored shoddy. The stripes are dark brown but not very pronounced, and the "US" is the 3-line chain stitched variety.

Family Heirloom Weavers did make these for Tim. Pat had several rolls of blankets at the mill and more on the loom, so they will be in good supply!

[mike44thva]

Re: New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

Originally Tim had some (I think 25) made with the black stripe and had both at Manassas.

[Huck]

Re: New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

I saw the federal blanket when I was at Manasass, I thought it looked very close to the "NPS" federal blanket made 30 some years ago. if I didnt have 2 County Cloth Federal blankets and a Wis Vet, I would have been all over this one.

[mike44thva]

Re: New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

When I was at Tim's shop in Gettysburg he pulled out his NPS blanket and put it side by side with his, and while both are nice, I'd take Tim's any day. Just my ¢¢.

[GreencoatCross]

Re: New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

Here is a photo of the new blanket from S&S.

[dixieflyer]

Re: New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

Thanks for the image Brian. I t look similar to my NHS blanket in weave, but totally different color. I sure wouldn't mind having one, but I have a blanket problem. ;)

[Iron Scout]

Re: New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

Folks,

Not that I can add much to this discussion but I purchased one of these immediately when in S&S' shop at Manassas. My favorite aspect of this wonderful reproduction is it's weight...nearly five pounds which makes it perfect for a saddleblanket. Some may cringe at the thought but good, thick, authentic blankets are hard to come by these days for such use. I would highly recommend one of these for anyone in the market......PS...don't try to mount with the stirrups turned in that manner as it may cause an issue!!

Regards,

Neill Rose
Palmetto Guards
Iron Scouts

[adamandnicole]

Re: New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

What was the price on the blanket?

Adam Dickerson

[J.H.Berger]

Re: New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

And what the exact weight? Is the nap slightly raised or unfinished?

[Pvt. McKiven]

Re: New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

Well that is great!! I've been needing to get a good blanket for awhile. Will they be at Wilson's Creek??

Patrick McKiven

Appalachian Possums Mess

[BobRoeder]

Re: New Federal Issue Blanket by Tim Sheads, S&S Sutler

Hello,

I just received my blanket from Tim (ordered it Tues afternoon). It is exactly what I was looking for after selling off my "Abe Thomas" a while ago and then around the same time finding out Waterside Woolens (Keagy-Noble blanket) disappeared.

To try to answer a few questions - my blanket measures 6' W x 85" L (tag says 68x86). It is slightly fulled (tighter weave/thicker than my "Julius Jones"), the cut ends do not unravel easily. I chose the greyish-brown w/ black stripes. Feels medium-rough texture (if that description means anything to anyone). The "US" is nicely chain-stitched in the center.

All said, and for whatever my word is worth, I'm very happy with the blanket. And, as many have already said/know, Tim is a heck of nice guy to deal with. Also, Tim's website needs to be updated; I just checked and it still says the Fed issue blankets are "Temporarily out of stock", but he definitely said there are plenty available when I spoke with him.

Cheers,