50th New York Engineers Work Detail Uniform

[B.Wheelz]

I am currently working on finishing my Eastern Theater impression for the 50th NY Engineers, Sappers and Pioneers. One of the unique uniforms they wore for details building bridges, earth works, etc., I am currently researching and working with the Corps of Engineers historians on this. The Liberty Rifles have done a lot of great research on this as well.



1. Overshirt - made of wool with paper buttons.
2. Overalls - Duck 10oz
3. Hat:
a. Tarred Mechanics Cap - these were pretty popular with engineers
b. civilian headwear,
c. kepi, forge cap, note: these had engineer insignia.
d. issued hardee with engineer insignia.
4. Shoes: they wore issued brogans but also had civilian shoes.
5. Issued fatigue blouse or sack coat, civilian coats. Some had corps badges or engineer insignia on them.

Recommended Reading: These are the basic level ones.
Manual for Engineer Troops
FM 21-05 Engineer Soldiers Handbook
An Elementary Course on Military Engineering

Helpful links
1. https://dmna.ny.gov/historic/reghist...0thEngMain.htm
2. https://www.libertyrifles.org/resear...ers-petersburg

[Dan Kohli]

Re: 50th New York Engineers Work Detail Uniform

After searching a bit earlier this year, I was not able to find the pattern for the overalls. May I ask where did you find the pattern? I think I somehow over looked some source.

[James Brenner]

Re: 50th New York Engineers Work Detail Uniform

I seem to recall Bruce Catton's book, Reflections on the Civil War had a section devoted to engineer operations during the Peninsula Campaign. It's been 30+ years since I've read the book and no longer have a copy. It's not available on The Google so it's quite possible I'm mistaken. On second thought, maybe it's the sketchbook that I'm remembering in the book.

It's true: growing old isn't for the faint of heart.

Jim

[Dan Kohli]

Re: 50th New York Engineers Work Detail Uniform

Thanks, I probably didn’t look deep enough in to it. Though I don’t know if says more about my attention span or how obscure it is.

[B.Wheelz]

Re: 50th New York Engineers Work Detail Uniform

Hi, so the pattern is handsewn and uses the 1870s overall pattern from Past Patterns, it is the closest to the original that could be found. It is made from 10 oz duck clothe, with 100% handsewn using heavy linen thread. The overshirt is from Wambaugh and White using their wool fabric and is copied from an original in the collections of the Army Corps of Engineers. Under the overalls, you would wear your issued trousers and underclothing. Under the shirt, you would wear an issued or civilian undershirt.

[Dan Kohli]

Hi Mr. Wheelz,
I just got the castle insignia for the head gear, and was wondering how exactly did you fix it to your kepi.

Daniel Kohli

[B.Wheelz]

Daniel Kohli, there are a couple of ways. You can use a punch and insert it into the hat that way and then use a piece of leather to attach the bar inside. Another way is to sew it in the hat which can take some work but won't put holes in the hat. Either way, you can end up with some holes in the hat.

[Dan Kohli]

Ok, thank you Mr. Wheelz for the information on the ways to attach the insignia.

Daniel Kohli