Wilson's Creek impressions: Arkansas State Troops/M.S.G.

[rebjeb04]

Here are a few pics of conjectural line officer impressions I have put together. Bored this afternoon The outdoor pic I am wearing a Beauregard field sign "wing-badge" like what was prescribed for officers, and N.C.O.'s at Manassas. These are pictured in EOG. I dont know the extent these were used or if at all, but I put one together on a friday night with old scraps of red silk taffeta and wool flannel.

Im trying to post this as a poll to see which impression suits Missouri State Guard line officer (Captain) the best. Don't know what order they will appear, but will label them as follows.
1.) Blue shell jacket
2.) Linen frock coat
3.) Battle-shirt

Thanks,

[Michael Comer]

Re: Wilson's Creek impressions: Arkansas State Troops/M.S.G.

An MSG line officer would more than likely be in civilian clothing at Wilson's Creek, perhaps with some remnants of pre-war militia clothing. Even Sterling Price was wearing all civilian clothing. In my readings and research I have only come across a couple of mentions of officers in any kind of military uniform and those mentioned are in remnants of militia clothing. So, if you are portraying an officer with a unit that is still in some militia clothing, I would think the blue jacket would be more fitting since most of the pre-war militia units were in blue although there were a few in gray. Although there is lot not known about the subject and there was certainly a wide variety of clothing being used that's just my two cents.

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Wilson's Creek impressions: Arkansas State Troops/M.S.G.

Not to sound rude, but I would not put a whole lot of weight with what the pole says. Not saying that it is wrong, but because it is based on personal opinion (mainly) and not documentation. I would however go with Mr. Comer and other research that can be gathered. I have some photos of Missouri State Guard pre-war militia uniforms, please send me a e-mail at akcampaigner@yahoo.com and I can send them to you.

All the best,

Andrew Kasmar

[rebjeb04]

Re: Wilson's Creek impressions: Arkansas State Troops/M.S.G.

Hello Andrew,
You and Mr. Comer are right. These impressions are conjectural, as the majority of impressions by anyone unless you are copying a particular person. The poll is really just to see what everyone likes the best, and not which one looks the most authentic. Also if anyone has any further info on the "wing-badges" or field signs worn at Manassas and if they ever amounted to anything or were ever used out west. Thanks for the comments boys, and look forward to seeing you there.

Here is an image I originally gleaned the 1851 shako and shell jacket from. John Thomas served with the Hempstead Rifles 3rd Arkansas State Troops at Wilson's Creek.

Thanks again

[Michael Comer]

Re: Wilson's Creek impressions: Arkansas State Troops/M.S.G.

Nice photo. Always nice to see Trans-Miss soldiers. Those gauntlets though make his hands look gigantic.

By the way, a while back you had posted some information about crescent usage among Trans-Miss troops. It got shut down because of some farbism but I thought you were going to reopen it with some documentation you had. I would be interested in seeing some of that if you are inclined to start another thread about it.

[rebjeb04]

Re: Wilson's Creek impressions: Arkansas State Troops/M.S.G.

Yep,
That was a while back. I'll try to post a pic of that tommorrow. I know off the top that the Louisiana boys "Crescent Regiment" wore them on their kepis. There was also a Kentucky officer that has one of these attached to his coat. His hands do look pretty big, but that may be accentuated by the form fitted 1840s'-50s' coat he is wearing. He is also carrying what looks to be a musician's sword. Always weird in the Trans-Miss.

[Archie R. Lib]

Re: Wilson's Creek impressions: Arkansas State Troops/M.S.G.

So Chris. What did you go with for WC?

[Pumpkinslinger]

Re: Wilson's Creek impressions: Arkansas State Troops/M.S.G.

The day I saw him he was in the outfit in the 3rd photo. Whether that was the only one he took I don't know. It was hard to miss that sweet shako!

[SoMD Swamprat]

Re: Wilson's Creek impressions: Arkansas State Troops/M.S.G.

That is a dandy shako! Who made it?