Tent

[mrgrzeskowiak]

I own 2 '1864' shelter 1/2's. Are the brass grommets correct? and, Should the button holes be hand stitched... ? Also what kind of buttons should be on it?

[Suppelsa]

Re: Tent

I own 2 '1864' shelter 1/2's. Are the brass grommets correct? and, Should the button holes be hand stitched... ? Also what kind of buttons should be on it?

Mike,

1.No
2.Yes
3.Tin or Bone

[mrgrzeskowiak]

Re: Tent

ok thanks!!!!!!!!!!

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Tent

By the term "1864" shelter half, I'm not sure which type you are referring to, as there were several different types attributed to the depots in production at the time. According to the excellent book "The Federal Shelter Tent" by Fred Gaede (I would highly recommend getting this book for your library), shelter halves of this particular year were most likely the type IIIA and IIIB (his classification, not the Army's), and tents of these types were issued with bone, tin, or zinc buttons, depending upon the maker of origin. The halves were most likely machine sewn with all handsewn buttonholes and grommets, and again, depending upon type , may have had either two or three rope loops on the bottom edge to secure it to the ground. Metal grommets did not come about on the shelter half until just prior to the Spanish American War in the 1890's. Also bear in mind that the proper CW halves were constructed out of lightweight cotton drill and not the duck cloth or heavy canvas that seems popular with the "metal grommet sutler-row" variety half, so if that is what you currently have, I would highly recommend looking at several other current vendors like CJ Daley or EJ Thomas (two AC Approved Vendors) to get something a little more in line with what was available then.

[mrgrzeskowiak]

Re: Tent

The one I have is almost Identical to the one listed here:

http://www.blockaderunner.com/Catalog/catpg32.htm

Second one down on the page:cry_smile

[Garrett Silliman]

Re: Tent

Mike,

Although he would not promote his own work, Ross makes a real nice authentic shelter half as well. I would would highly recommend getting a correct one from him or the other vendors he mentioned. Most important thing though is to pick up a copy of Gaede's book on shelter 1/2 s - very interesting read and it will make you a more discerning consumer. Good Luck, Garrett

[Kevin O'Beirne]

Re: Tent

Mike,

The type of shelter half you're describing, as used by many reenactors in your region, is not "1864" or any other period, other than perhaps "Reenactor Model 1990". I could provide a description of what's "not correct" about most of the typical repros, but suffice to say there's a lot of things.

Brass grommets were not used on shelter halves in the Civil War, and most of the typical repros have canvas that probably weighs about three times as much, or more, than originals or the better repros. If you want "authenticity" you can't salvage one of those "mainstream" shelter halves and should really just ditch it and buy a "better repro" instead.

[Charles Heath]

Re: Tent

Mike,

Don't feel too bad. You aren't the first person to get burned on skinner's row, and you sure as heck won't be the last. The good news is a lot of fellows learned about campaigning and the associated fieldcraft with less than stellar gear -- back in the day. What you currently have is an excellent drop cloth for small painting projects, or perhaps a dust cover for a small drill press or push type lawnmower.

While the online articles, and offerings in such publications as The Hardcracker Handbook and Columbia Rifles Research Compendium are good reading, take the time to pick up a copy of The Federal Shelter Tent by Fred Gaede, as Ross recommended. After becoming an educated consumer, you'll appreciate the handwork that goes into a quality reproduction.

[mrgrzeskowiak]

Re: Tent

:cry_smileI removed the grommets and re-sewed all the button holes and grommets. I think it'll work for a little while.. then be a mower cover

[Spinster]

Re: Tent

Or.........cut all the edge stuff off, hem the canvas, utilize the various receipts around to paint a decorative period floor cloth, and call it Christmas :D

Your wife might even like it enough that she takes it for the house, and never notices when you buy a real shelter half.

[Kevin O'Beirne]

Re: Tent

Mike,

I kept my old shelter tent (yes, complete with end pieces and iron stakes) from "mainstream" days to use as a discussoin piece. I've shown it to folks like you who are working on understanding the differences in the "typical" repro kit and the "better stuff". It's one of the most eye-opening experiences for guys when I hand them my entire old Panther tent in one hand (weighing at probably 12 lbs minus the iron stakes) and my current shelter half which weighs in at 1.5 lbs. Then folks start to understand, a little better than before, just how soldiers lived on campaign...

If you're curious abou the differences, drop me an e-mail or call and I'd be glad to show you the differences between "my old kit" and the stuff I've used since about 1997, when I upgraded most of my kit.

[Milliron]

Re: Tent

What you currently have is an excellent drop cloth for small painting projects, or perhaps a dust cover for a small drill press or push type lawnmower

.


ROFLMFAO. Oh thank you Charles, it was just what I needed this afternoon. Priceless.