Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

[billmatt04]

Painted ground cloths

Hello all,
I am considering purchasing a painted ground cloth but had a few questions first. I used the search option, but my questions were not completely answered. To begin with, about what time in the war were these contract painted blankets/ponchos issued? How common were these compared with gum blankets? Would it be more appropriate for a western federal impression to have a painted or gum blanket? I was really hoping to get my hands on a Daley blanket but was too late. Do any of you know where I could get a good quality painted blanket aside from Daley? Sorry to bombard you all with these questions but if I am going to spend my money on something I want it to be right. Thanks again!

Sincerely,
Matthew Cassady
104th Illinois Vol. Inf.

[3alabama]

Re: Painted ground cloths

I would wait if you can and get one from Chris Daley. I believe he has more cloth on order. I would call him and ask him how long the wait would be.

[CJDaley]

Re: Painted ground cloths

I would wait if you can and get one from Chris Daley. I believe he has more cloth on order. I would call him and ask him how long the wait would be.

Sorry folks, but that's the last of the cloth for this year. More to arrive in 2005.

For those who have placed an order before they went out of stock, they'll arrive this week. The first batch were tacky and I've treated them with talc and they'll be in the mail by Wednesday.

[tenthmo]

Re: Painted ground cloths

I just bought a piece of unbleached canvas, approx. 3feet by 6feet, from the fabric store and painted it myself using flat enamel paint.

[BrianHicks]

Re: Painted ground cloths

I just bought a piece of unbleached canvas, approx. 3feet by 6feet, from the fabric store and painted it myself using flat enamel paint.

Robert,

I'm afraid that simply painting a piece of Canvas with enamel paint, doesn't quite meet the standards for an authentically created reproduction.

I'd encourage you to do some research into how original ground cloths were painted, and then try to recreate that method as close as possible.

You can start with the recipes found here:

http://www.geocities.com/union_guard/oilcloth_and_painted_accoutermen.htm

[KittyK]

Re: Painted ground cloths

I just wanted to caution people that the original ground cloths were made with linseed oil, which is highly flammable, and can spontaneously combust. Feel free to flame me for saying this, but I think that in this instance, I'm not willing to put myself in danger by being period-appropriate. (If you don't believe me, go to Google and type in "linseed oil" and "flame".)

Sincerely,
Kitty Kolb

Robert,

I'd encourage you to do some research into how original ground cloths were painted, and then try to recreate that method as close as possible.

You can start with the recipes found here:

http://www.geocities.com/union_guard...ccoutermen.htm

[Yellowhammer]

Re: Painted ground cloths

Kitty,

This topic has been covered ad nauseum on these forums. Do a search and check out some of the previous discussions.

Robert,

Brian is quite right. You should take his advice.

All,

In addition to Mr. Daley's Federal cloth, Tim Welch at LD Haning makes a very nice CS painted ground cloth.

[JerseySkilletLicker]

Re: Painted ground cloths

Andrew Martin also makes an excellent ground cloth with or without hand stitched grommets. He is a member of these forums.
I also sell the fabric and the grommets to do it yourself.

[David Lanier]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

I use a blanket roll for mid- to late-war Confederate and a double-bag knapsack for Federal (Irish Brigade). When we do Sherman's "bummers" at the NC capitol and Averasboro, I wear a blanket roll.

Cpl. David Lanier
Co. I, 6th N.C. State Troops
CWPT, SCV

[KentuckyReb]

Re: Painted ground cloths

I bought one off Joseph myself some time ago and I've been pleased with it.

[SouthernRifle]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

I use a pack about 75% of the time. If we're doing a non-specific event, or a living history. I'll choose a year, take the pack and equipment that they would most likely have had at that particular time and lay out a spread for the 'tators to come and ask questions about. I usually get it packed up in time for first call and I'll wear it on the field.
Now if we're doing a specific event, I go with what we do know they had at the time. So far, we've only found that the 3d Alabama had packs at one point in the war, from mid '62 to mid '63. They picked up frame packs discarded by members of the NYS Militia at Seven Pines. Other than that time period, I'll take a blanket roll.
Now, if I'm falling in with another unit, I'll use the Kibbler, just because it looks "kewyl" when worn over a Ricmond 2.

Rob Weber

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Re: Painted ground cloths

After making several oilcloths myself...using the period recipee...I can tell you that as long as you do it in a well ventilated area...and keep the cloth stretched out...the hazards of doing it yourself are not that great. There are several threads on here discussing the period treatment which involves, linseed oil, lampblack, turpentine, and japan dryer. Feel free to PM me for more information or advice.

Paul B. Boulden Jr.

RAH VA MIL '04

[riverratmess]

ANV being issued carpets

I was reading the other night in Don Trionani's (sp?) book on CW uniforms and it was brought up that the Confederate depots in Richmond ran out of blankets to issue the troops and issued them carpets instead? Does anyone have any other info on this on have an idea where one might be purchased for an impression?

Much thanks

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: ANV being issued carpets / CARPET BLANKETS

My guess is they are coverlet or similar patterns that were used as rugs and runners.

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1534&highlight=CARPET+BLANKETS

Look at the FHW carpet page and you will see coverlet patterns.

http://www.familyheirloomweavers.com/cat/Coverlets+and+Runners.html

[markj]

Re: ANV being issued carpets

For your perusal and edification:

Jackson MS "Weekly Mississippian," 12 November 1862

An Appeal to the Ladies of Jackson and surrounding Country.

The following named gentlemen have been appointed agents of the Government to aid in procuring covering for our soldiers. They therefore earnestly appeal to the ladies to cut up their yarn carpets, 2 1/4 yards in length [81 inches], 1 1/2 [yards] [54 inches] in width, bind, hem, or whip the edges, to keep from raveling, whipping is most easily done. Send them to the house of Geo. Fearn & Co. with the name attached, where the party will be liberaly [sic] paid. Thread will be furnished there to those who may not have it. We want blankets and comforts, and must have them, or our men must suffer.--
Will all the ladies again go to work and [at] that immediately?

T. W. CASKEY,
GEO. FEARN,
W. P. HARRIS,
C. B. DICKSON,
THOS. GREEN,
REESE HATCHER.

Note: Jackson County, Mississippi furnished companies to, among other regiments, the 13th and 18th Mississippi.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger