Drum sling

[theotherguy]

Was that white horse collar the only thing issued for use by drummers. Was there any variation in style or length?

Jay Hollenbeck

[Smokey Toes]

Re: Drum sling

A quick look at the 1861 Revised Regulations shows that the drum sling will be:
1575. Drum-sling--white webbing; to be provided with a brass drum-stick carriage, according to pattern.
The pattern that the regulation specifies is the “horse collar” that you mentioned. It was made of white cotton webbing affixed to an adjustable leather keeper. But, similar to other articles of uniform and equipage, there is evidence of variations to “the rule” which we see in photographs. As you well know, the Federal Army had a working centralized, contract oriented supply system that provided a great deal of uniformity among Federal Troops. There is however evidence of soldiers wearing “over the shoulder” or “militia” slings (usually made of leather), canteen straps, and even rope. These variations can be attributed to any number of circumstances, from early war state surplus issue in the first case, to field modifications or necessity in the second case. Photographic evidence suggests that the predominant sling in widespread use (for the Federal Army) was the one specified in the regulation.
There is a great article written by David Poulin called “Field Music of the Civil War”, which examines this and most any other topic concerning Field Music and Field Musicians. More importantly, he lists the works he cited in a bibliography which could help you expand your research. http://www.1stnmvi.com/field_music_of_the_civil_war.htm

Best,

[ThehosGendar]

Re: Drum sling

There were quite a few slings of colored webbing in use:



I believe I have an image of one of these in use in the field from a LOC image. I'll have to slog through my collection again (I've been out of staring at them for past month and a half! Bloody finals and end of semester chaos!)

I also have an image of an over-the-shoulder sling. I'll have to dig that up, too.

[theotherguy]

Re: Drum sling

Thanks for the photos, If you have more I would be interested in seeing them. In your opinion what percentage of slings were of the over the shoulder type that you have seen in photos and/or museums/ collections etc?Would you say less than 10%?
Jay Hollenbeck

[fiferjackdoyle]

Re: Drum sling

I've looked at many photos over many years and spot a trend. The drummers who are older and are holding their sticks in a natural but correct pose, as opposed to stiffly posed, tend to use over the shoulder slings. "Drummer Boys" tend to have the horse collar. I infer from this that the older drummers had more experience and avoided the horse collar. Also, photos of drummers whose names are known and reputed to be good drummers, regardless of age, tend to use over the shoulder slings. Overall, however, the horse collar style is more prevelent.

Jack Doyle