Federal in Full Gear

[Clark Badgett]

Re: Federal in Full Gear

The rifle musket does not appear to be bright. In fact the coloration on it has lead me to believe it was still in the blued state. Bright metal contrast significantly with the wood, while the blued metal is as dark aas the wood. Another clue is the lockplate which is noticeably lighter than the barrel and bands, and we know that case hardened steel looks more washed out than bluing.

[1stMaine]

Re: Modern Greece Enfields

Steve and Garrison--
The report that I have by Leslie Bright refers to Enfield "rifles" and "carbines." Due to the accompanying illustrations and the dimensions given, I think that today we would probably refer to these weapons as "rifled muskets" and "rifles," respectively. [This report came out in 1977.] Bayonets for both types of these guns were recovered.
I don't know any more details about the slings. What can you tell us, Garrison?

Neal

Comrades,

Issue No. 4, Vol. X May-June 1983 of the North South Trader has an excellent article on English accouterments imported by Massachusetts. The article has several images accompanying it, and there are some of the 44th and 6th Mass. regiments where English-pattern slings with "D" buckles are plainly visible on the Enfield.
Of interest as well is the facsimile of Plate 15 of Captain Martin Petrie's contemporary book "Equipment of Infantry" which depicts the accouterments and weapons of the Rifles, Guards, and Line regiments of 1865.
The illustration shows the two patterns of bayonet frogs, one with a belt and buckle to secure the scabbard, and the other sans belt. The plain one is labeled as "buff" while the belted one is clearly labeled as "black leather'. The same with the waistbelt. The belt with the snake buckle is clearly labeled as black leather, whereas the buff belt uses a spoon and wreath buckle. Likewise, the cartridge box belt as well as the rifle slings are divided into buff and black leather, with the rifle-musket sling using the "D" buckle being black, the buff sling having no apparent buckles.
If the moderators will permit it, I would gladly scan the image and post it. I am just uncertain as to the copyright of a 139 year old drawing in a 21 year old publication, especially when the images are credited to other sources :sarcastic
Anyway, the images certainly show enfields with English pattern slings.

respects,

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Federal in Full Gear

Wasnt there an article titled some thing along the lines of What I Like About This Image in the Company Wag several years ago?

In regards to his musket, if you look at the barrel bands you will notice that it retains its original blue finish. Many Enfields look birght in period images due to the fact period cameras picked up the color blue, and the way light reflects off the steel. Ever seen a person with blue eyes in a period photo?

[DaveGink]

Re: Federal in Full Gear

Hi Zach,

Please refer to my note about potential copyright infringement underneath your other posted image.

Best wishes,

Mark Jaeger

Hi Mark, I couldn't find the post you spoke of, so my comment here may be out of context or has already been addressed...

Zach's Posting this picture (and crediting the source) is 'fair use' under Copyright Law (Title 17, Chapter 1, section 107). Fair Use permits posting copyrighted works for purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching and research.

[Lone Guard]

Re: Federal in Full Gear

I'd like to chime in agreement about this fellow being a new recruit. If you look at his canteen sling, it is actually buckled underneath one of his knapsack straps. Anyone who had been on the march for more than a month would know your canteen is always outside of everything cumbersome.

It is possible though, that the photographer, or maybe the soldier, were in a hurry for some reason, and the soldier just quickly threw on his equipment.

Something else I just noticed, the shoulder straps on his knapsack do not appear to be scalloped. I thought all (I know, dangerous word to use) double bags had scalloped ends on their shoulder straps. Please feel free to correct me.

[TKlas]

Re: Federal in Full Gear

Wasnt there an article titled some thing along the lines of What I Like About This Image in the Company Wag several years ago?

In regards to his musket, if you look at the barrel bands you will notice that it retains its original blue finish. Many Enfields look birght in period images due to the fact period cameras picked up the color blue, and the way light reflects off the steel. Ever seen a person with blue eyes in a period photo?

Robert and all,

Yes there was an artilce called "Why I like this image" written by Bob Braun of the 33rd Wisconsin and the Mudsills that used to be on their website. The copy I have of the article dates a 1994 copyright. A good read even in 2006.

Best Regards,