Boots

[mrgrzeskowiak]

After a little research, and searching this forum, I'm a little lost...

For a Federal Cavalry impression, did an enlisted man wear boots with a 'knee flap' commonly known as officers boots? I have seen pictures of enlisten men and NCO's wearing these. A guy in my unit insists that they were used by enlisted men, and another insists that they were for officers only... and advice?

[John E. Tobey]

Re: Boots

If you're looking for the "issued" look, then you'd want to avoid the really tall boots. On the other hand, some troopers obviously preferred private-purchase footwear in lieu of the issue stuff -- and this footwear, of course, would have included the kind of boots you just described.

John Tobey

[Frenchie]

Re: Boots

If you want the "government issue" look, Fugawee's Artillery Driver or "ankle" boots are repros of the only GI boots available during the War. http://www.fugawee.com/,%20brogans.htm

[IowaYank]

Re: Boots

If you do choose to go with boots, my suggestion based on studying many pictures of cavalry troopers this last winter, is to not wear with the trousers tucked into the boots. This is a practice that I believe is highly overrepresented in the hobby in general. From studying photos of cav troopers it seems much more common to be wearing the trousers overtop of the boots. This is not only more common, it is also according to regulations.

[nick19thind]

Re: Boots

http://www.15thnewyorkcavalry.org/images_in_the_field.htm

There are many pictures here of soldiers in both boots and brogans

[IowaYank]

Re: Boots

Nick, yes you do see lots of boots, but it seems to me those pictures are almost all officers.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Boots

Hallo!


In brief and to over-generalize....
If I remember my mounted services...

In 1851 a 12 inch high boot was authorized for artillery drivers, which during the Civil War was the only "style" boot sometimes issued for the cavalry- and remained the pattern unti the 1872 boot came out?

Of course, "private purchase" is a possibility but with what a trooper was paid, it could be a tough choice to opt for... ;-)

Others' mileage will vary... thanks to Hollywood and Reenacting. ;-) :-)

Curt

[Andrew German]

Re: Boots

As with a good pair of boots, it's all in the details, including the time-period and the theatre of war being protrayed. "Brogans" may have been issued early in the war, but even then the few requisitions I've seen in the east specify boots. Yes, for inspection and dress parade in volunteer, and perhaps always in regular units, the trousers were to cover the boots--and on formal occasions were to be strapped under the boots, with boots, straps, and spurs polished.

As the troopers acclimated to the field conditions, and to winter camps with shin-deep mud, they often enough relied on sutlers or the folks at home to obtain tall and more weatherproof boots. And they often enough tucked their trousers into those taller boots. The 1st Maine and 10th New York regimentals both contain a number of mounted and in-the-field photos with troopers so shod.

I wear a pair of knee-flap boots (Missouri Boot and Shoe) because my great-granduncle in the 1st Pennsylvania (a sergeant) requested a pair of boots with double soles and tall enough to protect his knees. I have several CDVs from that unit showing enlisted men in similar boots.

And I can report from experience that when kneeling on the skirmish line or riding through brush, that extra height is a boon to the wearer--it's not just show. So if you're an early war soldier, or a recruit, or an impoverished soldier, go with low boots. Otherwise, it is not incorrect to use personal preference--but be sure to confine yourself to styles and construction techniques that can be documented to the war.

Andrew German

[Jerry Ross]

Re: Boots

Hello all,
While I own both a pair of tall boots and brogans. Fighting on foot is easier in brogans and cheaper. Those tall boots sure get heavy when your running back to your horse. I am getting to where I want to wear the brogans instead .Just my two cents.