Patches

[Randy]

I've had this question for a while and I thought I'd put it out there and get some good feedback: ...Would it be an authentic detail to my impression if I were to sew a patch onto the knee of my trousers, or maybe onto the elbow of my jacket, shirt, etc? I've looked at lots of period pictures of CW soldiers and I have rarely come across one that shows a soldier with a patch sewn onto his trousers. This has puzzled me. I would think field-sewn patches would have been common, considering how rough campaigns would have been on clothing. Any thoughts?

[ephraim_zook]

Re: Patches

Hi,

Remember that soldiers were expected to look like soldiers -- neat, orderly, clean as circumstances permitted. In general the army would provide new clothes as soon as possible. Patches on clothes would have been a temporary and perhaps embarassing expedient at best, not something the men would have displayed with pride.

IMHO it would be an authentic addition to your impression only if you ripped your pants (for real) and hadn't gotten to the sutler for new ones yet.

Ron Myzie

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Patches

Hallo!

That can be a Flame Bait" kind of question... ;)

On the one hand, there are lads who sew a giant outside "hobo patch" type of patch in vividly contrasting material over a non-existing hole in a brand new uniform item.

And then on the other hand, there are lads who repair a hole acquired in the field with a period method repair from the underside using as similar a fabric piece as can be found.

Others' milage may vary....

Curt

[Charles Heath]

Re: Patches

Randy,

Wear that uniform often enough, and you will have reason to repair it for real, especially at stress points. There is no need to rush the process.

[Michael Comer]

Re: Patches

Looking at the photos is a good thing to do. If you are not seeing a lot of patches on those then that should tell you something.

Either, they are there but the soldier did such a good job of patching that they are not visible in the photo, or the patches are not there to begin with because the clothing has held up well or it is new enough from a recent issue that it has not been exposed to harsh enough conditions yet or the unit has not been in campaign situations for a while and their clothing is in good shape.

Like Charles said, wear it enough and you may get to do an authentic patch at some point. In the meantime, research how clothing was repaired/patched so that when the time comes you will have an authentic look. If you're not finding the photographic evidence for such a thing, then don't be in a big hurry to do it.

In my opinion, having a big hillbilly patch on your knee is not authentic.

[Joe Walker]

Re: Patches

I have seen many actual trousers with "patches". One that has large thigh patches is at the Texas CS musem. These were worn by a boy in a Virginia artillery unit when he was mortally wounded on the retreat out of Gettysburg. These trousers are also full-lenth lined. Unless you have seen original items, I suggest that respondents not comment on speculations.

[Charles Heath]

Re: Patches

I have seen many actual trousers with "patches".

Joe,

Of the last 50 pairs of original trousers you handled or viewed up close, just how many had huge, contrasting, Lil' Abner style "hillybilly" patches suitable for the Sunday funny pages?

[ohpkirk]

Re: Patches

And then on the other hand, there are lads who repair a hole acquired in the field with a period method repair from the underside using as similar a fabric piece as can be found.

Perhaps this boy should be informed that he patched up his sleeve incorrectly.

[BrianHicks]

Re: Patches

I have seen many actual trousers with "patches". One that has large thigh patches is at the Texas CS musem. These were worn by a boy in a Virginia artillery unit when he was mortally wounded on the retreat out of Gettysburg. These trousers are also full-lenth lined. Unless you have seen original items, I suggest that respondents not comment on speculations.

From the information provided, you might consider that the trousers you viewed were worn by an individual who appears to have, as ephraim_zook stated:

Patches on clothes would have been a temporary and perhaps embarassing expedient at best,

whom was mortally wounded before he could replace, or be issued a new pair of trousers.

As you can see... there may be more to consider when viewing an original item, than accepting as fact the first assumption that comes to mind.

[coastaltrash]

Re: Patches

Brian and Charles,
Joe Walker is actually extremely knowledgeable in the area of CS uniforms. He's could probably walk into a room of his house and view what very few ever get a chance to view. Personally, and by most written accounts we, at least in the west, are in a bit too good of condition as far as clothing. I know if it was a choice between a gapping hole in my uniform and a patch, I would install a patch, as it prevents further damage

[ohpkirk]

Re: Patches

For the members, and apparent Forum NCO's who do not know who Joe Walker is or what he has done for the 'hobby' let this serve as a FYI, what-have-you:

He was one of the original member's of the 20th Tennessee back in the day....one of the original 'hardcore' units.

He has amassed an impressive collection of original artifacts, not limited to battlefield pickups, but accoutrements and clothing (he owns the Columbus Depot Jacket that Fred Baker wrote about in the Civil War Historian last year).

He founded the first authentic unit in Texas, the 7th Texas, and it was under his guidance in this unit that I gained the knowledge of material culture and the importance of research in my endeavors.

Say what you will, but Joe is a man that when he states something per original items you can bet that it is damned near the Lord's truth.

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Re: Patches



How about patches on an interior garment?

[BrianHicks]

Re: Patches

Patrick, Cody,

Appreciate the info on Joe.

Perhaps you have read something in the post I made, which is not printed?

And please..... correct me if I'm wrong, but should we not consider the circumstances, time frame, etc. when trying to determine why a certain thing, is as it appears?

And by the way... I have not previously... nor in this post, questioned the voracity of the presence of patches on original items .

Rather.....I think we should consider: what are the circumstances that lead to a patching, vice replacement, or how long is a patched item retained before it is replaced. If we know this... then we can consider in a particular impression, if wearing an item that is patched is appropriate or not.

[coastaltrash]

Re: Patches

Brian,
That brings up another point as to why patches are not always in original images.

[Joe Walker]

Re: Patches

Theo Frank of NC had the most "patches" of any uniform I have ever seen. His outfit was for sale some time back, and I had the opportunity to to look it over. The trousers where really worked over. The MOC had some that were interesting.

I have seen about 50 pairs of trousers over the last 30 years, and the repairs with "patches" were not the "hillbilly" style and I didn't mean to imply that. The patches I have seen are well done, the one in FT Worth appears to blend in well with the color of the main material. Rebs and Yanks both appear handy with needle and thread. Obviously, a "patch" on a bright new garment would look quite farby.

Joe, thanks for providing first hand information on this subject. Please sign your full name to all posts as stated in the rules of the forum. - Mike Chapman