Leather Neckstock

[Andrew Kasmar]

Hi,

I am looking for information on when Federal soldiers where issued, and or used leather neckstocks. I would think that it would be more of a early war/garrison thing, but I am not sure. If there is a thread already on this subject, please let me know. Thanks

Andrew

[AZReenactor]

Re: Leather Neckstock

At least in the posts out here in the far West, the regulations requiring neck stocks as part of the uniform appear to have been followed well into the war and possibly well into 1866. When forming the 1st CA Infantry and Cavalry in mid-late 1861, neck stocks (as well as the army hat, brass, and feather) were specifically included as part of the equipment required for each man. When marching out from Yuma Arizona in the spring of 1862 (across the dessert to arrive at El Paso in the Fall of of 1862 general orders were issued allowing soldiers the option of wearing a cravat in lieu of the leather neck stock on the march. In late 1862-63 it was being noted on inspection reports when there was an inadequate supply of neck stocks for the men, or if they appeared for inspection without them. There is a photo from 1866 of a Sgt. of the California Volunteers on duty in Arizona with what appears to be either a neck stock or wide dark colored cravat.

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Leather Neckstock

Hi,

Thanks for the info. I think I would want to go with a cravat on a long march:wink_smil.


Andrew

[GreencoatCross]

Re: Leather Neckstock

Funny you should mention this, because I am on the hunt for a neckstock after looking closely at this series from the Library of Congress:

http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/...temp/~pp_iE5L:

I've attached some choice close-ups of a few men from the 9th and 10th Veteran Reserve Corps who are wearing neckstocks. Of course these appear to be formal poses so you probably won't find many or any men in the field wearing stocks.

[GreencoatCross]

Re: Leather Neckstock

Almost forgot:

TITLE: Washington, District of Columbia. Company F, U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps at Washington Circle

CALL NUMBER: LC-B817- 7910[P&P]

REPRODUCTION NUMBER: LC-DIG-cwpb-04310 (digital file from original neg.)

RIGHTS INFORMATION: No known restrictions on publication.

MEDIUM: 1 negative : glass, wet collodion.

CREATED/PUBLISHED: Apr. 10, 1865.

This is just the first in the series. Undeniably late-war.

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Leather Neckstock

Hi,

Brian, thanks for posting the pictures.

Andrew

[Shantyman]

Re: Leather Neckstock

US marine 1959 regulations

"All Marines were to wear black neck-stocks, hence the nickname "Leather-Necks." These stocks, the purpose of which was to make the Marine hold his head erect, were made of black leather. A surviving stock of the era is thirteen and one-half (13 ½) inches long and two (2) inches wide. The back of this stock had a smaller strip of leather; ½ inch wide that was sewn onto the back of the stock and kept closed with a small brass buckle. Photographic evidence shows, however, that the neck-stock was rarely (if ever) worn, except with full dress."

http://www.navyandmarine.org/historicalref/usmc_uniforms/index.htm

[GreencoatCross]

Re: Leather Neckstock

Is there anyone out there who makes a CW period neckstock other than Dell's Leatherworks?

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Leather Neckstock

Sent you a PM on that Brian.

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Leather Neckstock

Hi,

I bought mine from Ross. It is really cool looking, but I do not think that I would want to wear it in the field.:D

Andrew

[AZReenactor]

Re: Leather Neckstock

Is there anyone out there who makes a CW period neckstock other than Dell's Leatherworks?

I know Don Smith of TMD makes em.

[Ltkris81]

Re: Leather Neckstock

When I began in re-enacting with a fife and drum corps I was told that a neck stock was used as punishment for the young musicians trained on Governor's Island or somewhere to make them keep their heads up when they played. I purchased one in Billy's shop in Gettysburg a few years ago for fun that was made from black enameled leather and tied in the back instead of a leather strap. I bought it on a whim as sort of a novelty. When I wore it to an event with this fife and drum corps I was asked what i did wrong to deserve the punishment :).

My question is are there any examples of neck stocks that tied around the back rather than a strap? I think they look bloody cool but are rather a pain in the field.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Leather Neckstock

Yes, there are examples, but all prior to the 1820's. The British used some that were crosshatched leather with ties in the back, as well as the Continentals during the Revolution. The US Army used them later in the War of 1812 (some with very ornamental motifs like eagles embossed on them) through the 1820's. I believe that with the new uniforms in 1821 came about some changes in the Ordnance and Quartermaster Corps as well, and the neckstock appears to be one of those changes, going to buckles instead of ties (but there are examples of buckled stocks going back into the late 1700's as well).

[Ltkris81]

Re: Leather Neckstock

I figured it was probably an earlier pattern but the guy whom I wore it for, who used to tell me to go to the local thrift store to find my shirts and "brogans" (black leather sunday shoes :)) wouldn;t know the difference. I will just have to buy me one from Dell's or Don Smith.... Darn.... :P. Thanks for the info!

[Masich]

Re: Leather Neckstock

This is my first attempt at posting images--hopefully you'll see a picture (or a link to a picture) of two reproduction leather neck stocks--exact copies based on six original specimens in museums and private collections. Considering that the stocks were made by different contractors, there was remarkable consistency in all specimens examined.