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About ten years ago I was asked by Bill Rambo to write some western CS cavalry guidelines for the Alabama Division. Recently, there was some new discussion to place these in use for another project and so I was asked if they could be again employed and, if I could also construct a similar Federal version. Of course, I agreed under the provision that I would be allowed to update the CS version. As for the Federal guidelines, I utilized that which we constructed for the 11th Illinois at Shiloh, “borrowed” from the effort that Zack Ziarnek had put together last fall as well as liberally incorporated some excellent information and generalities (both CS and US) from many other sources including a nice piece written by Bob McClendon, recent CS research by Will McDonald and, the always stellar information routinely floating around here on the Authentic Campaigner (I must also warmly tip my hat to so many others here and elsewhere that have done incredible research over the years who cannot be individually named.) Nevertheless, “no man is an island” so it still needs some tuning. Therefore, I am posting these guidelines (Federal and Confederate separate) here on the AC Cavalry “Camp of Instruction” Forum for open discussion and suggestions in the effort to make these as accurate as reasonably possible.
After consulting with Mark Choate we agreed these might also serve well in another capacity here on this forum. Once we have them well "seasoned" it is our intention to post them here in two permanent (with obvious updates) “stickies” as a place for veteran cavalry reenactors to refresh “context” and for newbies as a place to “start” for general information.
So, we humbly and respectfully seek guidance from the learned members of the entire AC forum for “tweaks” and, for pointing out the obvious sins of omission and commission.
NOTE: Please understand that “informed”, constructive comments and suggestions are invited and encouraged but please note ...this is meant to be “general” or P.E.C. (Period Everyday Common) in nature and,..... “brief”. Individual construction nuances/details and uncommon or obscure items will be noticeably absent for these above reasons. Please consider this when making recommendations. Also, lets please avoid rabbit hunts and stay on topic!
*A future effort here will attempt the same general framework for eastern ANV and Trans-Miss. Cavalry.
Ken R Knopp
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The following authenticity guidelines are "recommended" for use by Civil War cavalry reenactors who strive to achieve the best in authentic portrayals. These guidelines are general in nature or “Period Everyday Common” (P.E.C.) for western Federal and Confederate Cavalry (Note: NOT the Trans-Mississippi or eastern cavalry) and designed as a place for veteran cavalry reenactors to refresh “context” and for newbies to “start”.
It is universally acknowledged that variations or uncommon items are certainly authentic and acceptable when portraying particular units or individuals and at different places or times. Therefore, it is the recommendation of this writer that individuals be given some latitude to construct their own detailed criteria particular to the unit, geographic area and time period in which they portray. In these cases, it should go without saying that a thoroughly researched and documented study of relevant authenticity and subsequent manufacturing details is absolutely necessary. Nevertheless, since the intended goal with this effort is to raise the general authenticity standards to achieve that of the “norm” or typical western cavalryman, certain basic guidelines should be understood.
Remember: These recommended guidelines should be considered P.E.C. within the general framework of cavalry in the Western Armies and as a "standard" but, NOT ABSOLUTE IN DEFINITION. As this is inherently a “work in progress”, as new information or understanding comes to light they will of course, be updated.
Ken R. Knopp
Updated, Spring 2012
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GUIDELINES
FOR AUTHENTIC CS & US
CIVIL WAR CAVALRY REENACTORS
By Ken R Knopp
CONFEDERATE
TWO IMPRESSIONS:
1. Equipment, arms & clothing: Representing those in use by the "typical" or "common" Confederate “private” or non-commissioned cavalryman serving in the Western Armies of the "Early-war", "Mid-war" or "Late-war" periods.
2. Representing the officer’s equipments for the same theater and time periods as above. Please note that Confederate-made “officers” equipments, higher in quality and style from enlisted men's issues, were available from the arsenals for “purchase” by any commissioned officers and for all branches. In practice, equipment for field officer’s of the rank of Lieutenant and Captain (and sometimes Major) were also often quite similar to enlisted men’s (excluding captured equipment) sometimes with very few, if any, embellishments. Staff officer’s, surgeons, rear echelon officers and officer’s of the grade of Colonel and above usually had the access and financial means to purchase equipment of the highest quality or, the authority to impress the best captured equipment.
IMPORTANT NOTES ON EQUIPMENTS:
#1. Commercial civilian equipment were common purchases by the arsenals in the early war days or carried into service by troopers almost throughout the war. Unfortunately, common war-time patterns are easily misinterpreted today. Therefore, their use should be strictly authenticated.
#2 Militia and State issue equipments are not covered for two reasons. First, there were comparatively few well equipped Militia cavalry units in the South before 1861. Second, those units predating the war would have invariably used equipments similar to that used by the U.S. Dragoons, Mexican War, European armies or, more likely, a blend embellished military styles of privately purchased equipage. Research shows that independent State issue of equipage generally (with notable exceptions) lasted for only a short period from the spring of 1861 into 1862 and were highly inconsistent. In both cases, equipment patterns and issues are extremely difficult to document.
#3 British cavalry issue saddles and horse equipments of the period (1850's British Hussar’s patterns and British Universal Pattern of 1856) would be correct for officer’s impressions for all war-time periods after the fall of 1861 but not for private’s. Some individual items were imported in greater quantities and were more desirable than others.
#4 Leather: At the time of the war, methods for preserving or “tanning” leather had little changed for centuries. Hides were vegetable or vegetable-chrome tanned in those days. The urgent need for leather during the war frequently forced Southern tanners to short cut the process which often resulted in a poorly tanned product. Significant quantities were imported from England and even the northern states. Nevertheless, sporadic leather supplies quite often forced Ordnance facilities and their contractors to deviate widely from prescribed standards. It was common practice for arsenals to “abbreviate” skirts and “piece” together scraps for quarter straps, stirrup straps and reins.
The use of the different grades and descriptions of leather with their standard color differences was applicable in the manufacture of accoutrements, saddles and other horse equipment. Generally, russet and black bridle leather was used in making cartridge and cap boxes, belts, bridles and halters, and russet skirting leather for saddle skirts and sweat leathers. Harness leather, in both black and russet, was apparently used in high stress areas of saddles, such as billet straps, quarter straps, stirrup straps and of course, in harness making.
#5. Cloth equipments: With leather supplies short and inconsistent the bureau was forced to eke out its existing supplies or entirely replace leather with cloth. Some equipment could only be made from leather, but for many items cloth worked equally as well. The use of prepared cotton cloth as a replacement for leather on horse equipment had been growing in the South since early 1862. By mid-1863, this heavy cotton cloth, "domestic" was commonly used both East and West. Canvas duck or cloth stitched in three to four thicknesses, then “enameled” or varnished with one or more coats of linseed oil, was used for waist and cartridge box belts, bridle reins, cartridge boxes except the flap, ground cloths and later, saddle coverings, skirts and saddle bags. An embarrassing apology to be sure, but serviceable nonetheless.
#6. Hardware used on Confederate issue horse equipments were almost NEVER copies Federal patterns. For example, Confederate buckles were variations of cast horse-shoe shaped wrought-iron (occasionally brass) buckles or wire roller buckles and not the frame buckles so common to the M1859 McClellan saddlery. Others items such as foot staples do not appear to have been manufactured at all. Brass hardware was often used on officer’s equipment, but for private’s issue it was considered too valuable a commodity in the Confederacy to expend on hardware. Japanned hardware was an early war item only. Nickle or chrome plated hardware of any kind are post war and NOT permitted.
#6. For those making their own equipment, when exact descriptions or dimensions are lacking in this narrative the reader is referred to tables in the Federal Ordnance Manual of 1850, the Federal manual of 1861, or its near duplicate the Confederate Ordnance Manual of 1863.
#7. It would be well for the reader to understand that although the average trooper often brought civilian or “captured” Yankee equipment into service and even preferred some of them, the evidence strongly indicates “Confederate issue” into the ranks was more common than veteran’s reminiscences and folklore often lead us to believe. The surviving documentation for this assertion is abundantly clear. Voluminous requisitions to the arsenals from the field armies, Ordnance Bureau correspondence and cavalry inspection reports all show horse equipment were in great demand. In response to this need and in the face of overwhelming material shortages, the bureau continued to prioritize their manufacture. Finally, the sheer multitudes of equipment as reflected by bureau contracts, arsenal inventories and delivery vouchers leave no doubt that large numbers of saddles and horse furniture were being made, issued and therefore used, however reluctantly, by the Southern trooper.
NOTE: The correct patterns, construction, leather (weight & color), cloth fabric (including buttons) and especially “correct” hardware is imperative! Do the research to find and employ just the right materials for your piece and for “you”!
REFERENCE PERIODS:
Early-war: 1861 to mid-1862
Mid-war: Mid-1862 to early-1864
Late-war: Early-1864 to the end of the war
CAVALRY HORSE EQUIPMENT
BRIDLE HEADSTALL & REINS: Leather or cotton web materials. For civilian bridles consider period civilian rosettes (correct leather, brass or silver)! NOTE: Officer’s bridle patterns employed finer leather and higher quality hardware.
Early-war: Period civilian patterns
Some Federal pattern (three or six buckle)
Some Dragoon model headstalls
C.S. issue halter-bridle headstall or three buckle headstall
Mid-war: C.S. issue halter-bridle headstall or three buckle headstall
Federal patterns (three buckle and some six buckle)
Fewer civilian and Dragoon headstalls
Late-war: C.S. issue halter-bridle headstall or three buckle headstall
Federal patterns
Civilian but few, if any Dragoon headstalls
REINS: Leather, Federal Pattern or.... C.S. copy (sewn or buckled to bit). Note: it was not uncommon for C.S. issue reins to be made of cotton webbing or, of stitched cotton cloth three-four layers thick, painted and/or simply varnished with a mixture of varnish and linseed oil.
BITS: No modern chrome or blackened iron.
Early-war: Period civilian patterns: curbs, snaffles, etc. (cast or hand forged) and few Dragoon models.
Civilian -made copies of Dragoon patterns or militia variances
Small amount of captured M1859 Federal bits
Mid thru late-war: Captured M1859 or M1863 Federal models.
Various C.S. issue (hand forged and cast) patterns including:
A. “Trooper’s” single, “loose ring” pattern bits with lip bar.
B. “Plain” bit, hand forged with a hole punched at top and bottom of cheek piece for bridle and reins.
C. Confederate hand forged and cast copies of Dragoon pattern bits.
Fewer but still common- period civilian patterns.
NOTE: CS Officer’s bit patterns include custom- made bits, Dragoon patterns, captured Federal officer’s or brass artillery bits and fine English imports.
**NOTES ON BITS: Bosses are optional on Federal military bits. Most U.S. bits would have an iron or brass curb chain and (optional) safe; C.S. bits would usually have a leather curb strap (curb chains were not made in the Confederacy). NO nickel or chrome plating on bits or curb chains. Brass sheathing was done on some officer’s bits, some civilian bits and certain patterns of Federal military bits but, it would have been uncommon for private’s to have them. The C.S. watering bit, while adopted and produced in small quantities was a simple snaffle bit. It was not universally manufactured, issued or used.
LINK STRAP: The Federal M1859 issue link strap utilizing either a long or short double-wire spring snap hook was a fairly common captured item but their routine employment by Confederate troops is speculative. Very few appear in the records of CS arsenals. However, those manufactured would likely have been made somewhat similar to Federal issue but with allowances for expedient Confederate hardware. Many Confederate horse holders likely tied the reins or leather leads to the next horse. Often, horses were simply tied to trees with horse holders on foot watching over them.
HALTER & LEAD:
Early War: Civilian & commercial halters were NOT a common item in the South prior to the war so military patterns would prevail. However, neck ropes were common particularly out west.
A few M1859 Federal “five ring” halters and leads
Some Confederate Single Ring Halters and Five Ring halters and leads
More common was the use of the halter-bridle combination.
Mid to Late War: Captured M1859 Federal “five ring” halter and lead
More Confederate versions of Five Ring or Single Ring halters and leads.
Neck Ropes
Most common was the use of the halter bridle
Note: Hardware used on Confederate halters were inconsistent and NEVER copies of Federal hardware. Hemp rope lead can be substituted for leather lead on Confederate halters.
SADDLES:
Early-war: Civilian models very common. Includes three piece English tree designs such as the Somerset and Half-Spanish. Four piece trees include Kilgore trees (similar to McClellans), Spanish and civilian Texas (Hope) tree variations. Period saddles include popular styles such as the American, Somerset, Spanish, Half-Spanish, California, Hope, Attackapas, Conestoga or Wagon saddles, and more, etc. Note: tree, skirt and seat configurations should conform to known pre-war styles and not post war cowboy or catalog embellishments.
A few Jenifer saddles (Patent and Confederate patterns)
A few Federal M1859 McClellan (not nearly as common as believed)
Variations of horned patterns (Texas) including such names as Sabine, Hope,
Attakapas, California and others.
Early Military saddle models:
A. Grimsley
B. Various Dragoon patterns
C. Campbell or Jones patterns
Mid-War: Jenifer saddle (Confederate patterns)
Captured Federal M1859 McClellan saddles or horned wagon saddles
Confederate McClellan saddle patterns (some with enameled canvas covering)
More “Texas” saddles (civilian and Confederate) patterns
Fewer early Federal military and civilian patterns.
Late War: Confederate McClellan (more with enameled canvas)
Texas saddles (some civilian but mostly Confederate ) patterns
Captured M1859 pattern Federal McClellan or horned wagon saddles.
Few other saddles of other civilian patterns
OFFICER’S SADDLES: Saddles made for officer’s varied in pattern but were generally of higher quality trees, materials and often embellished with leather covered seats, fine stitching, tooling, brass molding & decorative hardware, iron or brass stirrups, etc.
NOTES ON SADDLES: The prevalence and detailed appearance of CS “muley” pattern saddles remains clouded in obscurity. Their employment should be judicious. The Federal McClellan saddle tree and leather treatment should be configured to proper M1859 pattern specs. NO 1904 CONVERSIONS! Including the proper 1859 model tree with peaked-pommel and cantle appearances, rawhided covered, proper iron hardware ALL blued or Japanned black, indigo blue wool webbing cinch and (optional) surcingle, etc.
Confederate saddle patterns however, can be very ambiguous. Saddle construction at the western arsenals differed greatly from eastern patterns and among each other. It is recommended that the reader consult the book “Confederate Saddles & Horse Equipment” for a thorough understanding of the west’s Confederate saddle construction and optional patterns.
STIRRUPS:
All Periods: Various including...Leather covered “hooded” bent hickory or oak wood, three-inch tread. Some C.S. wood stirrups had “rounded” tops as opposed to “squared off” like the 1859 McClellan. Stirrups with and without hoods varied with saddle patterns and at different times of the war. *No embossing on hoods. Consider period iron or brass stirrups- especially with civilian saddles! Iron stirrups were common and should be of period civilian or CS patterns.
GIRTH (CINCH): All Periods: Confederate Issue Saddles utilized either of two basic girth systems: The English billet strap girth or the quarterstrap girth. The official pattern employed with western Confederate McClellans and most Texas saddles was the quarter strap system with a cinch (of leather or white cotton web) similar to the 1859 McClellan cinch. These cinches were usually made of white cotton webbing with a leather safe and iron ring on each end. This “sling girth” girthing system was employed like that of today using long latigos on both sides to adjust and tighten the saddle.
SURCINGLE: For Safety: the use of a surcingle is highly recommended!
Early in the war, western Confederate arsenals only occasionally issued surcingles with “privates” saddles however, this practice was soon ended entirely. Officer’s purchase saddles seem to have more commonly employed them throughout the war. It is not known what their patterns looked like but it can be assumed they would have been very similar to the Federal pattern except for the use of webbing, or layered cotton or linen rather than worsted wool.
SADDLE BLANKET:
Early War: It is likely very few of the "Official” Confederate wool saddle blanket pattern were produced. More common was the use of civilian blankets and the commercially produced Spanish Moss blanket.
Civilian pattern cotton or wool blankets. Materials, weave, style patterns and color dyes must be of the period.
Spanish Moss saddle blanket. Very common!
Few captured of 1859 Federal saddle blanket (see Federal Equipments)
Mid - Late War: The Spanish Moss saddle blanket was the most common blanket being made and issued by the arsenals to the western cavalryman.
Captured 1859 Federal saddle blanket (see Federal Equipments)
Some civilian pattern cotton or wool blankets
Note: Large numbers of English grey and white wool blankets were imported. Many likely ended up as saddle blankets. Some "Numnahs" (British issue felt or wool pad) were imported, however, these were primarily “sold” to officers.
OFFICER’S SADDLE CLOTHS AND SHABRAQUES: The Shabraque is a fancy saddle cover that goes over the saddle and its rigging. It has slots cut for protrusion of the pommel and cantle. The saddle cloth while also decorative, is designed to go “under” the saddle but over the saddle blanket. Both saddle cloths and shabraques were an item for officer’s only and not issued to enlisted men. They were often swallow tail design, usually blue wool cloth often with fancy gold lace and gilt embroidery.
Antebellum military saddle cloths and shabraques designs were purchased early in the war. Fine English “saddle cloths” run through the Blockade were available for purchase by officer’s from the Confederate Arsenals throughout the war. In addition, many British wool felt numnahs were imported. Often, officers would purchase numnahs to go under his saddle cloth or sometimes to replace a blanket entirely.
SADDLE BAGS: Although a significant early war issue item, by early - mid 1863 few Confederate saddle bags were being made and issued. Most troopers would have discarded them as a heavy, useless item. Instead, employ a simple blanket roll or a valise. Confederate valises remain on Ordnance reports well into 1864. Confederate valises were made of wool, leather or painted cloth (or combination of both) with wooden ends.
All Periods:
Valises: C.S. issue (cylindrical, approx. 16-18 inches long with three billet straps) or, civilian patterns
Saddle Bags: C.S. issue patterns (Single strap "Y" or double strap patterns best) or period civilian variations. Federal M1859 McClellan issue or perhaps, pre-war militia (must be documented) and Dragoon patterns.
NOTE: Pommel holsters were a very commonly employed accoutrement for CS officers.
CRUPPER:
Confederate Issue: Copy of Federal pattern with Confederate style hardware. This item was manufactured by all of the Georgia Arsenals and issued to the Western Armies. However, it was generally considered a useless or unnecessary item and not extensively used by troopers.
Federal Issue: See Federal Equipments.
BREAST STRAPS: The breast strap or collar, was a regular item of issue with each set of horse equipment from several, but not all the western arsenals. Their official configurations are unknown but likely varied between the military “Y” collar and the simple breast strap. Leather was likely of scrap or pieced together russet skirting leather. Hardware varied and limited in use and, often crude in appearance compared to the Federal extant. Ornamentation was rare among troopers except by private purchase early war only.
CS Officers: Of higher quality. Purchased from Southern merchants and arsenals.
In the event a breast strap was not available but desired (or necessary with a horse of poor confirmation), it was common for soldiers of both armies to simply rig their issued or captured surcingle as a breast collar.
NOTE: No “brass heart” breast straps for enlisted men. These were not Federal issue but a “Yankee” private purchase item and therefore rare among privates. Officer’s use ONLY and then limited!
SPURS: Military style CS issue brass variants very common (Leech & Rigdon and the so-called “Richmond Arsenal” pattern were common CS spurs in the west). Also period civilian patterns and captured Federal M1859 pattern spurs are appropriate. Civilian spurs with strap slots are best. A few “button” spurs are found in period patterns (document!). NO post war cowboy or modern plated patterns or buckles!
NOSE BAG:
All Periods: C.S. Issue: Made in large numbers until late 1863! “Probably” similar to Federal issue. Captured 1859 Federal issue. See Federal equips.
PICKET PIN & LARIAT: Was not routinely manufactured at the western arsenals nor does it appear that it was an item of widespread use by the western cavalryman.
All Periods: Captured 1859 Federal pattern Pin w/ rope.
C.S. Issue: Pin has a one and 1/4 inch ring piercing at head of the pin instead of Federal figure-eight pattern pin. NOT Common!
ROPE: Often of imported manilla or British hemp rope.
GROOMING IMPLEMENTS: (Brush, currycomb, hoof pick)
CURRY COMB: (Only about 10% - 15% of CS trooper‘s had them); CS patterns; Federal patterns (see Federal equips.); English or civilian patterns.
BRUSH: Brushes of correct wood or leather backed Federal patterns; period civilian leather or wood back patterns.
ARMS: The mainstream cavalry reenactor is woefully ignorant and sometimes openly disdainful of the correct, “de-farbed” long arms- i.e. rifles and carbines. Many incorrectly grasp for the Sharp’s carbine and multiple pistol scenario with quick change cylinders for these pistols. These are unacceptable “reenactorisms”. For western Confederate cavalry, the rifle was the preferred weapon. As tactics evolved, cavalry increasingly fought as mounted infantry, dismounting to fight with long arms. The choice of weapon depend upon the unit portrayed, period of the war as well as other factors. All reproduction arms should be “de-farbed” to replace incorrect parts, remove modern maker’s marks, add correct period markings, bluing and refinish wood stocks or grips.
LONG ARMS:
Early war: Long arms were largely shotguns and hunting pieces brought from home or flintlocks converted to percussion pieces. By late 1861-1862, as the State issues and then the Ordnance Department came into being, Federal captures and imports were increasingly issued.
Mid-war: Even at this point some western cavalryman continued to go unarmed though in somewhat smaller percentages. Ordnance Department records indicate that of those armed, most western cavalrymen carried a wide variety of infantry long guns and carbines. At this point, they were increasingly supplied with captured Federal arms and by the Ordnance Department with a variety of arms and including, British and Austrian imports and, arms of their own manufacture.
Late war: Rifles of varying patterns in wide usage. Inspection Reports indicate there were increasingly more captured Federal breech loading carbines but only rarely Spencer's.
*Officer’s generally carried only pistols and sometimes sabers as a sign of rank.
LONG ARMS: (in no particular order):
Model 1853 Enfield rifle musket (three band)
Enfield rifle (also referred to as the "short" Enfield, the rifle was eight inches shorter than the Enfield rifle-musket)
US Model 1841 Mississippi rifle or CS re-make
US M1858 Springfield's
Belgian rifles
Austrian Lorenz .54 (very common!)
Shotguns - single and double barreled
Cook & Brother rifle (limited manufacture)
J.P. Murray Carbine or other CS makes
Federal Sharp’s, Maynard's; Halls, Smith’s, Burnside and Merrill carbines
Spencer carbines (late ware specific units only)
Various other patterns
PISTOLS: Documentation such as Ordnance Department records and a wide variety of Inspection Reports indicate that even at its peak, on average, less than 50% of western CS troopers carried pistols. Again, pistols are clearly over-represented by Confederate reenactors. The use of interchangeable cylinders is a reenactorism and should be banned!
Early War: Few pistols available other than officers and notable units.
Mid-war: More available now including imports such as French LaFaucheaux and British Kerr pistols and captured Federal pistols. Single shot horse pistols still in notable numbers.
Late War: More Federal pistols, more domestic makes and imported. Still, pistols were a luxury. Fewer than 50% of troopers had pistols at all!
Pistols (in no particular order) REMEMBER!:
.36 caliber Colt Navy (good, universal pistol)
.44 caliber Colt Army
.44 caliber Remington (mostly late war)
Single shot M1842 Aston “horse pistols” or other makes (quite common)
.44 caliber Kerr
French (LeFaucheaux Pistols) *Ex. Forrest came into a number of these in1864
.36 caliber Spiller & Burr (limited actual #’s)
.36 caliber Leech & Rigdon or Griswold & Gunnison (limited actual #’s)
Various other patterns
SABERS: Their use varied widely among units and time periods. Generally, during the early war period sabers were a rare luxury. By mid-war, most western Confederate cavalrymen often refused or discarded them. By late war, a few units were designated "saber companies” and held in reserve for shock effecting mounted charges. Private makers and the CS armories manufactured some sabers and swords and also imported sabers form Europe.
Common saber patterns (no particular order)
Model 1840 cavalry saber (wrist breaker)
Model 1860 light cavalry saber.
Various Confederate imports and domestic-made patterns
ACCOUTREMENTS: Common CS issue from mid 1861 to the end of the war. Predominantly of russet, black or combination leather colors- some enameled cloth usage. Correct hardware paramount! Federal “captured” items would be common but not necessarily predominant in the mid to late war period. Consider a “mix and match”. Be careful to only use “manufacturer identified” items in their proper geographic area, context and time period. British import accoutrements were available and are certainly acceptable but should be judiciously employed within constraints of time, unit issues and avoiding “over-kill”.
WAIST BELT: CS issue (with CS plate variants, roller buckles, frame buckle variants) of leather and sometimes enameled cloth or web; Federal issue variants including infantry belts and cavalry saber belts; English imports. Saber belts were generally a rare item in western cavalry commands except many officers! Consider using belts with proper western theater brass plates (various), single or double horse shoe or roller buckles, brass or iron framed or wish bone buckles.
CARTRIDGE BOX: CS issue infantry contract makers or Federal issue infantry/cavalry carbine variants; English imports. CS manufactured cavalry carbine boxes were extremely rare. CS pistol boxes virtually non-existent! Consider using the infantry patterns including shoulder belts! Inspection reports indicate they were plentiful in every CS cavalry command (25% to 96% of effective men). Patterns include “issue”, Atlanta, Selma , Macon, Baton Rouge Arsenal, G.N. Wyman (Augusta); Magee and George (N.O.) , and many others.
CAP BOX: Typical CS issue patterns, contract makers or Federal issue infantry variants.
CARBINE SLING: CS issue variations include hand forged iron or brass frame buckles with brass tips and Federal issue. Consider narrow russet leather variations; English web; Spanish Moss and even rope. Correct hardware is paramount!
SLEEPING BLANKET: Confederate issue, civilian (homespun, coverlets, carpet blankets, etc.); Federal issue variants, English imports.
HAVERSACK: Inspection reports indicate about 48% of troopers did NOT carry one! Most common: CS issue unpainted or painted cloth or, Federal issue.
CANTEEN: Again, Inspection reports indicate about 52% did NOT carry one however, common sense dictates that we should. CS issue wood or tin variants; Federal issue or occasional British imports. Canteen should be carried on your person not slung from the saddle.
OIL CLOTH: CS issue enameled cloth or rubberized Federal issue.
CLOTHING: Proper period cloth and construction with hand sewn buttonholes. Don’t settle for Sutler Row cut outs. Research and buy quality correct patterns the “first time”! Consider employing a lot of civilian clothing patterns and colors into your impression for all time periods of the war including frocks, sack coats, trousers, vests, shirts, cravats, hats and shoes. Generally, except for early war, troopers should stay away from fancy piping, cording and trim. Buttons varied! Use period buttons in their proper context including coin buttons, wood, Mother of Pearl, etc.
HAT: Slouch hat (of civilian period patterns and construction). Flat, round, low or high crown; beehive, top hats, Mechanics hats; a few Kepis. Slouch hats should have edge trim, period lining and period sweat band. Study period styles and creases. Don’t copy other reeanctors!! Pick out a hat that fits your face, your personality and your head! NO cowboy conversions, avoid hat brass and NO stampede strings (not period or common)!!
FROCK, SACK COAT OR JACKET: Military or civilian frock coat: (generally early to mid-war or officers). Single breasted. All generally of jean cloth, cassimere, satinette, linen, etc.
Sack Coats: Very common! Civilian and issue variations.
Shell Jackets: Commutation or AOT issue infantry shell jacket patterns from Atlanta, Columbus Depot, etc.
TROUSERS: Civilian; CS issue. All generally of jean cloth, cassimere, satinette, linen, etc. Consider civilian colors and patterns. NO double seated trousers!
SUSPENDERS: Proper period construction. Woven cotton web, embroidered tape, leather, ticking, etc. No elastic! Proper period buckles (no nickel plating).
SHIRT: Civilian homespun or purchase. Civilian patterns and colors in checks, stripes, plaids, solids made of proper material with bone, china, or mother of pearl buttons; Federal issue.
FOOTWEAR: Brogans (CS or Federal issue, pegged or sewn); Boots (Federal artillery pattern or civilian patterns of proper construction); Civilian shoes. Brogans and shoes should be more common than boots. NO Old West/Cowboy Shooter boots!
SOCKS & DRAWERS: From home or issue (Commutation). Socks: proper wool or cotton (no elastic). Drawers of cotton flannel, osnaburg, cotton muslin. Proper military or civilian pattern. Nobody sees it but, you “feel” it!
VESTS: Proper period construction either “lay down” civilian style collar or military “stand up” collar. Consider plaids, stripes & colors. Correct civilian buttons best.
NECK TIES: silk cravats, printed or solid. Tied in period fashion.
OVERCOATS: Various period civilian patterns; with or without capes, hooded “Weller” type coat, blanket overcoats, dyed Federal greatcoats.
OTHER EQUIPMENT (CS & US):
CUP: Cs & Federal issue variants.
EATING UTENSILS: TIN PLATE (or canteen half),
FORK, POCKET KNIFE.
TOOTH BRUSH (bone or wood).
BOTTLES: Glass or ceramic. Period patterns only.
EYE WEAR: Period glasses with straight or curved arms and no nose pads. NO modern glasses WHATSOEVER!
HOUSEWIFE: For extra needles, thread, buttons. Numerous period designs.
PERIOD EXTRAS: Huck Towel; period soap; handkerchiefs (NOT bandanas); tin containers; knit wool gloves; sleeping cap; pocket watch, tobacco, etc.
TOBACCO USE: Tobacco should only be allowed in period form (pipe or cigar). If you regularly smoke modern cigarettes and must have that modern form of treated tobacco, bring loose cigarette tobacco to smoke in a pipe. No modern cigarettes accepted.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS & COURTESIES: Keep modern items, i.e. car key, medicines, contact lens wash, etc., hidden in a poke sack and only take it out discreetly AWAY from the sight of others. NO earrings or visible tattoos (Need we say any of this?)
HORSES (CS & US): Regulating the breeds, behavior and health of horses owned by individual reenactors is a difficult, thankless and possibly litigious undertaking. Still, some guidelines must be adopted and strictly enforced for the safety and health of other horses, reenactors, spectators and property.
The “ideal” cavalry mount for both Federal and Confederate cavalry forces should be a gelding (mares are acceptable but discouraged. ‼ABSOLUTELY NO STALLIONS!) not less than 14.2 nor more than 17 hands tall. He should be well broke to the walk, trot, canter and gallop. All other gaits are inappropriate for cavalry.
Most of the refined breeds of horses in America today were not in existence during the war period. In addition, for the most part, the high quality feed, veterinary care and the muscular-skeletal development of today's horses far exceed anything possible back then. Therefore, it is not possible to authentically mount every reenactor cavalryman. While solid colors (except white) are PREFERRED all breeds and colors are acceptable except obvious departures from the norm such as Donkey's and little Pony's, Pinto's, Paint Horses, and spotted Appaloosa breeds with DISTINCTIVE breed representative coloring,(i.e. blankets, spots etc,). Mules on the other hand are acceptable and should even be encouraged in reasonable numbers. When it comes to horses, judicial leniency by the leadership should be applied.
The coat, mane and tail of the cavalry mount should be left natural. Long bridle paths are incorrect and should be left very short, if clipped at all. Roached manes were rare. In the interest of safety, horses that kick, bite, buck, rear, are skittish or have other behavior problems are unacceptable in the cavalry ranks. Furthermore, while correcting undesirable behavior in horses is considered by horseman as routine maintenance, discretion and moderation are paramount. Excessive punishment or abusive treatment will NOT be tolerated. Due to the common nature of equine behavioral problems these issues must be routinely administered and enforced by commanders at all levels.
HEALTH: Health issues are another difficult subject to address. Rather than provide a lengthy list of common equine maladies it is better to simply require that all horses be of good health, sound and properly shod. Again, due to their nature these issues must be routinely administered and evenly enforced by commanders at all levels.
Each horse MUST have had a current health certificate not more than 60 days old written by a qualified, licensed Veterinarian and an official, negative Coggins test taken in the twelve months preceding the event activity. Proper State and Veterinarian certified documentation is required as proof and MUST be presented to event organizers or Division Command upon demand. THIS MUST BE MANDATORY For the healthe of all event animals, the failure to provide proper Coggins documentation or meet minimum health and behavior standards will result in IMMEDIATE dismissal from the event. NO EXCEPTIONS!
**Given the limited time frame at events, complaints filed on equine health, safety or behavioral issues are to be adjudicated at the discretion of individual commanders with event organizers or Division command reserving final jurisdiction. Rejection or expulsion of a horse and/or rider from an event “for any reason” is entirely at the discretion of the individual event organizers or Division Command.
THE END
After consulting with Mark Choate we agreed these might also serve well in another capacity here on this forum. Once we have them well "seasoned" it is our intention to post them here in two permanent (with obvious updates) “stickies” as a place for veteran cavalry reenactors to refresh “context” and for newbies as a place to “start” for general information.
So, we humbly and respectfully seek guidance from the learned members of the entire AC forum for “tweaks” and, for pointing out the obvious sins of omission and commission.
NOTE: Please understand that “informed”, constructive comments and suggestions are invited and encouraged but please note ...this is meant to be “general” or P.E.C. (Period Everyday Common) in nature and,..... “brief”. Individual construction nuances/details and uncommon or obscure items will be noticeably absent for these above reasons. Please consider this when making recommendations. Also, lets please avoid rabbit hunts and stay on topic!
*A future effort here will attempt the same general framework for eastern ANV and Trans-Miss. Cavalry.
Ken R Knopp
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The following authenticity guidelines are "recommended" for use by Civil War cavalry reenactors who strive to achieve the best in authentic portrayals. These guidelines are general in nature or “Period Everyday Common” (P.E.C.) for western Federal and Confederate Cavalry (Note: NOT the Trans-Mississippi or eastern cavalry) and designed as a place for veteran cavalry reenactors to refresh “context” and for newbies to “start”.
It is universally acknowledged that variations or uncommon items are certainly authentic and acceptable when portraying particular units or individuals and at different places or times. Therefore, it is the recommendation of this writer that individuals be given some latitude to construct their own detailed criteria particular to the unit, geographic area and time period in which they portray. In these cases, it should go without saying that a thoroughly researched and documented study of relevant authenticity and subsequent manufacturing details is absolutely necessary. Nevertheless, since the intended goal with this effort is to raise the general authenticity standards to achieve that of the “norm” or typical western cavalryman, certain basic guidelines should be understood.
Remember: These recommended guidelines should be considered P.E.C. within the general framework of cavalry in the Western Armies and as a "standard" but, NOT ABSOLUTE IN DEFINITION. As this is inherently a “work in progress”, as new information or understanding comes to light they will of course, be updated.
Ken R. Knopp
Updated, Spring 2012
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GUIDELINES
FOR AUTHENTIC CS & US
CIVIL WAR CAVALRY REENACTORS
By Ken R Knopp
CONFEDERATE
TWO IMPRESSIONS:
1. Equipment, arms & clothing: Representing those in use by the "typical" or "common" Confederate “private” or non-commissioned cavalryman serving in the Western Armies of the "Early-war", "Mid-war" or "Late-war" periods.
2. Representing the officer’s equipments for the same theater and time periods as above. Please note that Confederate-made “officers” equipments, higher in quality and style from enlisted men's issues, were available from the arsenals for “purchase” by any commissioned officers and for all branches. In practice, equipment for field officer’s of the rank of Lieutenant and Captain (and sometimes Major) were also often quite similar to enlisted men’s (excluding captured equipment) sometimes with very few, if any, embellishments. Staff officer’s, surgeons, rear echelon officers and officer’s of the grade of Colonel and above usually had the access and financial means to purchase equipment of the highest quality or, the authority to impress the best captured equipment.
IMPORTANT NOTES ON EQUIPMENTS:
#1. Commercial civilian equipment were common purchases by the arsenals in the early war days or carried into service by troopers almost throughout the war. Unfortunately, common war-time patterns are easily misinterpreted today. Therefore, their use should be strictly authenticated.
#2 Militia and State issue equipments are not covered for two reasons. First, there were comparatively few well equipped Militia cavalry units in the South before 1861. Second, those units predating the war would have invariably used equipments similar to that used by the U.S. Dragoons, Mexican War, European armies or, more likely, a blend embellished military styles of privately purchased equipage. Research shows that independent State issue of equipage generally (with notable exceptions) lasted for only a short period from the spring of 1861 into 1862 and were highly inconsistent. In both cases, equipment patterns and issues are extremely difficult to document.
#3 British cavalry issue saddles and horse equipments of the period (1850's British Hussar’s patterns and British Universal Pattern of 1856) would be correct for officer’s impressions for all war-time periods after the fall of 1861 but not for private’s. Some individual items were imported in greater quantities and were more desirable than others.
#4 Leather: At the time of the war, methods for preserving or “tanning” leather had little changed for centuries. Hides were vegetable or vegetable-chrome tanned in those days. The urgent need for leather during the war frequently forced Southern tanners to short cut the process which often resulted in a poorly tanned product. Significant quantities were imported from England and even the northern states. Nevertheless, sporadic leather supplies quite often forced Ordnance facilities and their contractors to deviate widely from prescribed standards. It was common practice for arsenals to “abbreviate” skirts and “piece” together scraps for quarter straps, stirrup straps and reins.
The use of the different grades and descriptions of leather with their standard color differences was applicable in the manufacture of accoutrements, saddles and other horse equipment. Generally, russet and black bridle leather was used in making cartridge and cap boxes, belts, bridles and halters, and russet skirting leather for saddle skirts and sweat leathers. Harness leather, in both black and russet, was apparently used in high stress areas of saddles, such as billet straps, quarter straps, stirrup straps and of course, in harness making.
#5. Cloth equipments: With leather supplies short and inconsistent the bureau was forced to eke out its existing supplies or entirely replace leather with cloth. Some equipment could only be made from leather, but for many items cloth worked equally as well. The use of prepared cotton cloth as a replacement for leather on horse equipment had been growing in the South since early 1862. By mid-1863, this heavy cotton cloth, "domestic" was commonly used both East and West. Canvas duck or cloth stitched in three to four thicknesses, then “enameled” or varnished with one or more coats of linseed oil, was used for waist and cartridge box belts, bridle reins, cartridge boxes except the flap, ground cloths and later, saddle coverings, skirts and saddle bags. An embarrassing apology to be sure, but serviceable nonetheless.
#6. Hardware used on Confederate issue horse equipments were almost NEVER copies Federal patterns. For example, Confederate buckles were variations of cast horse-shoe shaped wrought-iron (occasionally brass) buckles or wire roller buckles and not the frame buckles so common to the M1859 McClellan saddlery. Others items such as foot staples do not appear to have been manufactured at all. Brass hardware was often used on officer’s equipment, but for private’s issue it was considered too valuable a commodity in the Confederacy to expend on hardware. Japanned hardware was an early war item only. Nickle or chrome plated hardware of any kind are post war and NOT permitted.
#6. For those making their own equipment, when exact descriptions or dimensions are lacking in this narrative the reader is referred to tables in the Federal Ordnance Manual of 1850, the Federal manual of 1861, or its near duplicate the Confederate Ordnance Manual of 1863.
#7. It would be well for the reader to understand that although the average trooper often brought civilian or “captured” Yankee equipment into service and even preferred some of them, the evidence strongly indicates “Confederate issue” into the ranks was more common than veteran’s reminiscences and folklore often lead us to believe. The surviving documentation for this assertion is abundantly clear. Voluminous requisitions to the arsenals from the field armies, Ordnance Bureau correspondence and cavalry inspection reports all show horse equipment were in great demand. In response to this need and in the face of overwhelming material shortages, the bureau continued to prioritize their manufacture. Finally, the sheer multitudes of equipment as reflected by bureau contracts, arsenal inventories and delivery vouchers leave no doubt that large numbers of saddles and horse furniture were being made, issued and therefore used, however reluctantly, by the Southern trooper.
NOTE: The correct patterns, construction, leather (weight & color), cloth fabric (including buttons) and especially “correct” hardware is imperative! Do the research to find and employ just the right materials for your piece and for “you”!
REFERENCE PERIODS:
Early-war: 1861 to mid-1862
Mid-war: Mid-1862 to early-1864
Late-war: Early-1864 to the end of the war
CAVALRY HORSE EQUIPMENT
BRIDLE HEADSTALL & REINS: Leather or cotton web materials. For civilian bridles consider period civilian rosettes (correct leather, brass or silver)! NOTE: Officer’s bridle patterns employed finer leather and higher quality hardware.
Early-war: Period civilian patterns
Some Federal pattern (three or six buckle)
Some Dragoon model headstalls
C.S. issue halter-bridle headstall or three buckle headstall
Mid-war: C.S. issue halter-bridle headstall or three buckle headstall
Federal patterns (three buckle and some six buckle)
Fewer civilian and Dragoon headstalls
Late-war: C.S. issue halter-bridle headstall or three buckle headstall
Federal patterns
Civilian but few, if any Dragoon headstalls
REINS: Leather, Federal Pattern or.... C.S. copy (sewn or buckled to bit). Note: it was not uncommon for C.S. issue reins to be made of cotton webbing or, of stitched cotton cloth three-four layers thick, painted and/or simply varnished with a mixture of varnish and linseed oil.
BITS: No modern chrome or blackened iron.
Early-war: Period civilian patterns: curbs, snaffles, etc. (cast or hand forged) and few Dragoon models.
Civilian -made copies of Dragoon patterns or militia variances
Small amount of captured M1859 Federal bits
Mid thru late-war: Captured M1859 or M1863 Federal models.
Various C.S. issue (hand forged and cast) patterns including:
A. “Trooper’s” single, “loose ring” pattern bits with lip bar.
B. “Plain” bit, hand forged with a hole punched at top and bottom of cheek piece for bridle and reins.
C. Confederate hand forged and cast copies of Dragoon pattern bits.
Fewer but still common- period civilian patterns.
NOTE: CS Officer’s bit patterns include custom- made bits, Dragoon patterns, captured Federal officer’s or brass artillery bits and fine English imports.
**NOTES ON BITS: Bosses are optional on Federal military bits. Most U.S. bits would have an iron or brass curb chain and (optional) safe; C.S. bits would usually have a leather curb strap (curb chains were not made in the Confederacy). NO nickel or chrome plating on bits or curb chains. Brass sheathing was done on some officer’s bits, some civilian bits and certain patterns of Federal military bits but, it would have been uncommon for private’s to have them. The C.S. watering bit, while adopted and produced in small quantities was a simple snaffle bit. It was not universally manufactured, issued or used.
LINK STRAP: The Federal M1859 issue link strap utilizing either a long or short double-wire spring snap hook was a fairly common captured item but their routine employment by Confederate troops is speculative. Very few appear in the records of CS arsenals. However, those manufactured would likely have been made somewhat similar to Federal issue but with allowances for expedient Confederate hardware. Many Confederate horse holders likely tied the reins or leather leads to the next horse. Often, horses were simply tied to trees with horse holders on foot watching over them.
HALTER & LEAD:
Early War: Civilian & commercial halters were NOT a common item in the South prior to the war so military patterns would prevail. However, neck ropes were common particularly out west.
A few M1859 Federal “five ring” halters and leads
Some Confederate Single Ring Halters and Five Ring halters and leads
More common was the use of the halter-bridle combination.
Mid to Late War: Captured M1859 Federal “five ring” halter and lead
More Confederate versions of Five Ring or Single Ring halters and leads.
Neck Ropes
Most common was the use of the halter bridle
Note: Hardware used on Confederate halters were inconsistent and NEVER copies of Federal hardware. Hemp rope lead can be substituted for leather lead on Confederate halters.
SADDLES:
Early-war: Civilian models very common. Includes three piece English tree designs such as the Somerset and Half-Spanish. Four piece trees include Kilgore trees (similar to McClellans), Spanish and civilian Texas (Hope) tree variations. Period saddles include popular styles such as the American, Somerset, Spanish, Half-Spanish, California, Hope, Attackapas, Conestoga or Wagon saddles, and more, etc. Note: tree, skirt and seat configurations should conform to known pre-war styles and not post war cowboy or catalog embellishments.
A few Jenifer saddles (Patent and Confederate patterns)
A few Federal M1859 McClellan (not nearly as common as believed)
Variations of horned patterns (Texas) including such names as Sabine, Hope,
Attakapas, California and others.
Early Military saddle models:
A. Grimsley
B. Various Dragoon patterns
C. Campbell or Jones patterns
Mid-War: Jenifer saddle (Confederate patterns)
Captured Federal M1859 McClellan saddles or horned wagon saddles
Confederate McClellan saddle patterns (some with enameled canvas covering)
More “Texas” saddles (civilian and Confederate) patterns
Fewer early Federal military and civilian patterns.
Late War: Confederate McClellan (more with enameled canvas)
Texas saddles (some civilian but mostly Confederate ) patterns
Captured M1859 pattern Federal McClellan or horned wagon saddles.
Few other saddles of other civilian patterns
OFFICER’S SADDLES: Saddles made for officer’s varied in pattern but were generally of higher quality trees, materials and often embellished with leather covered seats, fine stitching, tooling, brass molding & decorative hardware, iron or brass stirrups, etc.
NOTES ON SADDLES: The prevalence and detailed appearance of CS “muley” pattern saddles remains clouded in obscurity. Their employment should be judicious. The Federal McClellan saddle tree and leather treatment should be configured to proper M1859 pattern specs. NO 1904 CONVERSIONS! Including the proper 1859 model tree with peaked-pommel and cantle appearances, rawhided covered, proper iron hardware ALL blued or Japanned black, indigo blue wool webbing cinch and (optional) surcingle, etc.
Confederate saddle patterns however, can be very ambiguous. Saddle construction at the western arsenals differed greatly from eastern patterns and among each other. It is recommended that the reader consult the book “Confederate Saddles & Horse Equipment” for a thorough understanding of the west’s Confederate saddle construction and optional patterns.
STIRRUPS:
All Periods: Various including...Leather covered “hooded” bent hickory or oak wood, three-inch tread. Some C.S. wood stirrups had “rounded” tops as opposed to “squared off” like the 1859 McClellan. Stirrups with and without hoods varied with saddle patterns and at different times of the war. *No embossing on hoods. Consider period iron or brass stirrups- especially with civilian saddles! Iron stirrups were common and should be of period civilian or CS patterns.
GIRTH (CINCH): All Periods: Confederate Issue Saddles utilized either of two basic girth systems: The English billet strap girth or the quarterstrap girth. The official pattern employed with western Confederate McClellans and most Texas saddles was the quarter strap system with a cinch (of leather or white cotton web) similar to the 1859 McClellan cinch. These cinches were usually made of white cotton webbing with a leather safe and iron ring on each end. This “sling girth” girthing system was employed like that of today using long latigos on both sides to adjust and tighten the saddle.
SURCINGLE: For Safety: the use of a surcingle is highly recommended!
Early in the war, western Confederate arsenals only occasionally issued surcingles with “privates” saddles however, this practice was soon ended entirely. Officer’s purchase saddles seem to have more commonly employed them throughout the war. It is not known what their patterns looked like but it can be assumed they would have been very similar to the Federal pattern except for the use of webbing, or layered cotton or linen rather than worsted wool.
SADDLE BLANKET:
Early War: It is likely very few of the "Official” Confederate wool saddle blanket pattern were produced. More common was the use of civilian blankets and the commercially produced Spanish Moss blanket.
Civilian pattern cotton or wool blankets. Materials, weave, style patterns and color dyes must be of the period.
Spanish Moss saddle blanket. Very common!
Few captured of 1859 Federal saddle blanket (see Federal Equipments)
Mid - Late War: The Spanish Moss saddle blanket was the most common blanket being made and issued by the arsenals to the western cavalryman.
Captured 1859 Federal saddle blanket (see Federal Equipments)
Some civilian pattern cotton or wool blankets
Note: Large numbers of English grey and white wool blankets were imported. Many likely ended up as saddle blankets. Some "Numnahs" (British issue felt or wool pad) were imported, however, these were primarily “sold” to officers.
OFFICER’S SADDLE CLOTHS AND SHABRAQUES: The Shabraque is a fancy saddle cover that goes over the saddle and its rigging. It has slots cut for protrusion of the pommel and cantle. The saddle cloth while also decorative, is designed to go “under” the saddle but over the saddle blanket. Both saddle cloths and shabraques were an item for officer’s only and not issued to enlisted men. They were often swallow tail design, usually blue wool cloth often with fancy gold lace and gilt embroidery.
Antebellum military saddle cloths and shabraques designs were purchased early in the war. Fine English “saddle cloths” run through the Blockade were available for purchase by officer’s from the Confederate Arsenals throughout the war. In addition, many British wool felt numnahs were imported. Often, officers would purchase numnahs to go under his saddle cloth or sometimes to replace a blanket entirely.
SADDLE BAGS: Although a significant early war issue item, by early - mid 1863 few Confederate saddle bags were being made and issued. Most troopers would have discarded them as a heavy, useless item. Instead, employ a simple blanket roll or a valise. Confederate valises remain on Ordnance reports well into 1864. Confederate valises were made of wool, leather or painted cloth (or combination of both) with wooden ends.
All Periods:
Valises: C.S. issue (cylindrical, approx. 16-18 inches long with three billet straps) or, civilian patterns
Saddle Bags: C.S. issue patterns (Single strap "Y" or double strap patterns best) or period civilian variations. Federal M1859 McClellan issue or perhaps, pre-war militia (must be documented) and Dragoon patterns.
NOTE: Pommel holsters were a very commonly employed accoutrement for CS officers.
CRUPPER:
Confederate Issue: Copy of Federal pattern with Confederate style hardware. This item was manufactured by all of the Georgia Arsenals and issued to the Western Armies. However, it was generally considered a useless or unnecessary item and not extensively used by troopers.
Federal Issue: See Federal Equipments.
BREAST STRAPS: The breast strap or collar, was a regular item of issue with each set of horse equipment from several, but not all the western arsenals. Their official configurations are unknown but likely varied between the military “Y” collar and the simple breast strap. Leather was likely of scrap or pieced together russet skirting leather. Hardware varied and limited in use and, often crude in appearance compared to the Federal extant. Ornamentation was rare among troopers except by private purchase early war only.
CS Officers: Of higher quality. Purchased from Southern merchants and arsenals.
In the event a breast strap was not available but desired (or necessary with a horse of poor confirmation), it was common for soldiers of both armies to simply rig their issued or captured surcingle as a breast collar.
NOTE: No “brass heart” breast straps for enlisted men. These were not Federal issue but a “Yankee” private purchase item and therefore rare among privates. Officer’s use ONLY and then limited!
SPURS: Military style CS issue brass variants very common (Leech & Rigdon and the so-called “Richmond Arsenal” pattern were common CS spurs in the west). Also period civilian patterns and captured Federal M1859 pattern spurs are appropriate. Civilian spurs with strap slots are best. A few “button” spurs are found in period patterns (document!). NO post war cowboy or modern plated patterns or buckles!
NOSE BAG:
All Periods: C.S. Issue: Made in large numbers until late 1863! “Probably” similar to Federal issue. Captured 1859 Federal issue. See Federal equips.
PICKET PIN & LARIAT: Was not routinely manufactured at the western arsenals nor does it appear that it was an item of widespread use by the western cavalryman.
All Periods: Captured 1859 Federal pattern Pin w/ rope.
C.S. Issue: Pin has a one and 1/4 inch ring piercing at head of the pin instead of Federal figure-eight pattern pin. NOT Common!
ROPE: Often of imported manilla or British hemp rope.
GROOMING IMPLEMENTS: (Brush, currycomb, hoof pick)
CURRY COMB: (Only about 10% - 15% of CS trooper‘s had them); CS patterns; Federal patterns (see Federal equips.); English or civilian patterns.
BRUSH: Brushes of correct wood or leather backed Federal patterns; period civilian leather or wood back patterns.
ARMS: The mainstream cavalry reenactor is woefully ignorant and sometimes openly disdainful of the correct, “de-farbed” long arms- i.e. rifles and carbines. Many incorrectly grasp for the Sharp’s carbine and multiple pistol scenario with quick change cylinders for these pistols. These are unacceptable “reenactorisms”. For western Confederate cavalry, the rifle was the preferred weapon. As tactics evolved, cavalry increasingly fought as mounted infantry, dismounting to fight with long arms. The choice of weapon depend upon the unit portrayed, period of the war as well as other factors. All reproduction arms should be “de-farbed” to replace incorrect parts, remove modern maker’s marks, add correct period markings, bluing and refinish wood stocks or grips.
LONG ARMS:
Early war: Long arms were largely shotguns and hunting pieces brought from home or flintlocks converted to percussion pieces. By late 1861-1862, as the State issues and then the Ordnance Department came into being, Federal captures and imports were increasingly issued.
Mid-war: Even at this point some western cavalryman continued to go unarmed though in somewhat smaller percentages. Ordnance Department records indicate that of those armed, most western cavalrymen carried a wide variety of infantry long guns and carbines. At this point, they were increasingly supplied with captured Federal arms and by the Ordnance Department with a variety of arms and including, British and Austrian imports and, arms of their own manufacture.
Late war: Rifles of varying patterns in wide usage. Inspection Reports indicate there were increasingly more captured Federal breech loading carbines but only rarely Spencer's.
*Officer’s generally carried only pistols and sometimes sabers as a sign of rank.
LONG ARMS: (in no particular order):
Model 1853 Enfield rifle musket (three band)
Enfield rifle (also referred to as the "short" Enfield, the rifle was eight inches shorter than the Enfield rifle-musket)
US Model 1841 Mississippi rifle or CS re-make
US M1858 Springfield's
Belgian rifles
Austrian Lorenz .54 (very common!)
Shotguns - single and double barreled
Cook & Brother rifle (limited manufacture)
J.P. Murray Carbine or other CS makes
Federal Sharp’s, Maynard's; Halls, Smith’s, Burnside and Merrill carbines
Spencer carbines (late ware specific units only)
Various other patterns
PISTOLS: Documentation such as Ordnance Department records and a wide variety of Inspection Reports indicate that even at its peak, on average, less than 50% of western CS troopers carried pistols. Again, pistols are clearly over-represented by Confederate reenactors. The use of interchangeable cylinders is a reenactorism and should be banned!
Early War: Few pistols available other than officers and notable units.
Mid-war: More available now including imports such as French LaFaucheaux and British Kerr pistols and captured Federal pistols. Single shot horse pistols still in notable numbers.
Late War: More Federal pistols, more domestic makes and imported. Still, pistols were a luxury. Fewer than 50% of troopers had pistols at all!
Pistols (in no particular order) REMEMBER!:
.36 caliber Colt Navy (good, universal pistol)
.44 caliber Colt Army
.44 caliber Remington (mostly late war)
Single shot M1842 Aston “horse pistols” or other makes (quite common)
.44 caliber Kerr
French (LeFaucheaux Pistols) *Ex. Forrest came into a number of these in1864
.36 caliber Spiller & Burr (limited actual #’s)
.36 caliber Leech & Rigdon or Griswold & Gunnison (limited actual #’s)
Various other patterns
SABERS: Their use varied widely among units and time periods. Generally, during the early war period sabers were a rare luxury. By mid-war, most western Confederate cavalrymen often refused or discarded them. By late war, a few units were designated "saber companies” and held in reserve for shock effecting mounted charges. Private makers and the CS armories manufactured some sabers and swords and also imported sabers form Europe.
Common saber patterns (no particular order)
Model 1840 cavalry saber (wrist breaker)
Model 1860 light cavalry saber.
Various Confederate imports and domestic-made patterns
ACCOUTREMENTS: Common CS issue from mid 1861 to the end of the war. Predominantly of russet, black or combination leather colors- some enameled cloth usage. Correct hardware paramount! Federal “captured” items would be common but not necessarily predominant in the mid to late war period. Consider a “mix and match”. Be careful to only use “manufacturer identified” items in their proper geographic area, context and time period. British import accoutrements were available and are certainly acceptable but should be judiciously employed within constraints of time, unit issues and avoiding “over-kill”.
WAIST BELT: CS issue (with CS plate variants, roller buckles, frame buckle variants) of leather and sometimes enameled cloth or web; Federal issue variants including infantry belts and cavalry saber belts; English imports. Saber belts were generally a rare item in western cavalry commands except many officers! Consider using belts with proper western theater brass plates (various), single or double horse shoe or roller buckles, brass or iron framed or wish bone buckles.
CARTRIDGE BOX: CS issue infantry contract makers or Federal issue infantry/cavalry carbine variants; English imports. CS manufactured cavalry carbine boxes were extremely rare. CS pistol boxes virtually non-existent! Consider using the infantry patterns including shoulder belts! Inspection reports indicate they were plentiful in every CS cavalry command (25% to 96% of effective men). Patterns include “issue”, Atlanta, Selma , Macon, Baton Rouge Arsenal, G.N. Wyman (Augusta); Magee and George (N.O.) , and many others.
CAP BOX: Typical CS issue patterns, contract makers or Federal issue infantry variants.
CARBINE SLING: CS issue variations include hand forged iron or brass frame buckles with brass tips and Federal issue. Consider narrow russet leather variations; English web; Spanish Moss and even rope. Correct hardware is paramount!
SLEEPING BLANKET: Confederate issue, civilian (homespun, coverlets, carpet blankets, etc.); Federal issue variants, English imports.
HAVERSACK: Inspection reports indicate about 48% of troopers did NOT carry one! Most common: CS issue unpainted or painted cloth or, Federal issue.
CANTEEN: Again, Inspection reports indicate about 52% did NOT carry one however, common sense dictates that we should. CS issue wood or tin variants; Federal issue or occasional British imports. Canteen should be carried on your person not slung from the saddle.
OIL CLOTH: CS issue enameled cloth or rubberized Federal issue.
CLOTHING: Proper period cloth and construction with hand sewn buttonholes. Don’t settle for Sutler Row cut outs. Research and buy quality correct patterns the “first time”! Consider employing a lot of civilian clothing patterns and colors into your impression for all time periods of the war including frocks, sack coats, trousers, vests, shirts, cravats, hats and shoes. Generally, except for early war, troopers should stay away from fancy piping, cording and trim. Buttons varied! Use period buttons in their proper context including coin buttons, wood, Mother of Pearl, etc.
HAT: Slouch hat (of civilian period patterns and construction). Flat, round, low or high crown; beehive, top hats, Mechanics hats; a few Kepis. Slouch hats should have edge trim, period lining and period sweat band. Study period styles and creases. Don’t copy other reeanctors!! Pick out a hat that fits your face, your personality and your head! NO cowboy conversions, avoid hat brass and NO stampede strings (not period or common)!!
FROCK, SACK COAT OR JACKET: Military or civilian frock coat: (generally early to mid-war or officers). Single breasted. All generally of jean cloth, cassimere, satinette, linen, etc.
Sack Coats: Very common! Civilian and issue variations.
Shell Jackets: Commutation or AOT issue infantry shell jacket patterns from Atlanta, Columbus Depot, etc.
TROUSERS: Civilian; CS issue. All generally of jean cloth, cassimere, satinette, linen, etc. Consider civilian colors and patterns. NO double seated trousers!
SUSPENDERS: Proper period construction. Woven cotton web, embroidered tape, leather, ticking, etc. No elastic! Proper period buckles (no nickel plating).
SHIRT: Civilian homespun or purchase. Civilian patterns and colors in checks, stripes, plaids, solids made of proper material with bone, china, or mother of pearl buttons; Federal issue.
FOOTWEAR: Brogans (CS or Federal issue, pegged or sewn); Boots (Federal artillery pattern or civilian patterns of proper construction); Civilian shoes. Brogans and shoes should be more common than boots. NO Old West/Cowboy Shooter boots!
SOCKS & DRAWERS: From home or issue (Commutation). Socks: proper wool or cotton (no elastic). Drawers of cotton flannel, osnaburg, cotton muslin. Proper military or civilian pattern. Nobody sees it but, you “feel” it!
VESTS: Proper period construction either “lay down” civilian style collar or military “stand up” collar. Consider plaids, stripes & colors. Correct civilian buttons best.
NECK TIES: silk cravats, printed or solid. Tied in period fashion.
OVERCOATS: Various period civilian patterns; with or without capes, hooded “Weller” type coat, blanket overcoats, dyed Federal greatcoats.
OTHER EQUIPMENT (CS & US):
CUP: Cs & Federal issue variants.
EATING UTENSILS: TIN PLATE (or canteen half),
FORK, POCKET KNIFE.
TOOTH BRUSH (bone or wood).
BOTTLES: Glass or ceramic. Period patterns only.
EYE WEAR: Period glasses with straight or curved arms and no nose pads. NO modern glasses WHATSOEVER!
HOUSEWIFE: For extra needles, thread, buttons. Numerous period designs.
PERIOD EXTRAS: Huck Towel; period soap; handkerchiefs (NOT bandanas); tin containers; knit wool gloves; sleeping cap; pocket watch, tobacco, etc.
TOBACCO USE: Tobacco should only be allowed in period form (pipe or cigar). If you regularly smoke modern cigarettes and must have that modern form of treated tobacco, bring loose cigarette tobacco to smoke in a pipe. No modern cigarettes accepted.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS & COURTESIES: Keep modern items, i.e. car key, medicines, contact lens wash, etc., hidden in a poke sack and only take it out discreetly AWAY from the sight of others. NO earrings or visible tattoos (Need we say any of this?)
HORSES (CS & US): Regulating the breeds, behavior and health of horses owned by individual reenactors is a difficult, thankless and possibly litigious undertaking. Still, some guidelines must be adopted and strictly enforced for the safety and health of other horses, reenactors, spectators and property.
The “ideal” cavalry mount for both Federal and Confederate cavalry forces should be a gelding (mares are acceptable but discouraged. ‼ABSOLUTELY NO STALLIONS!) not less than 14.2 nor more than 17 hands tall. He should be well broke to the walk, trot, canter and gallop. All other gaits are inappropriate for cavalry.
Most of the refined breeds of horses in America today were not in existence during the war period. In addition, for the most part, the high quality feed, veterinary care and the muscular-skeletal development of today's horses far exceed anything possible back then. Therefore, it is not possible to authentically mount every reenactor cavalryman. While solid colors (except white) are PREFERRED all breeds and colors are acceptable except obvious departures from the norm such as Donkey's and little Pony's, Pinto's, Paint Horses, and spotted Appaloosa breeds with DISTINCTIVE breed representative coloring,(i.e. blankets, spots etc,). Mules on the other hand are acceptable and should even be encouraged in reasonable numbers. When it comes to horses, judicial leniency by the leadership should be applied.
The coat, mane and tail of the cavalry mount should be left natural. Long bridle paths are incorrect and should be left very short, if clipped at all. Roached manes were rare. In the interest of safety, horses that kick, bite, buck, rear, are skittish or have other behavior problems are unacceptable in the cavalry ranks. Furthermore, while correcting undesirable behavior in horses is considered by horseman as routine maintenance, discretion and moderation are paramount. Excessive punishment or abusive treatment will NOT be tolerated. Due to the common nature of equine behavioral problems these issues must be routinely administered and enforced by commanders at all levels.
HEALTH: Health issues are another difficult subject to address. Rather than provide a lengthy list of common equine maladies it is better to simply require that all horses be of good health, sound and properly shod. Again, due to their nature these issues must be routinely administered and evenly enforced by commanders at all levels.
Each horse MUST have had a current health certificate not more than 60 days old written by a qualified, licensed Veterinarian and an official, negative Coggins test taken in the twelve months preceding the event activity. Proper State and Veterinarian certified documentation is required as proof and MUST be presented to event organizers or Division Command upon demand. THIS MUST BE MANDATORY For the healthe of all event animals, the failure to provide proper Coggins documentation or meet minimum health and behavior standards will result in IMMEDIATE dismissal from the event. NO EXCEPTIONS!
**Given the limited time frame at events, complaints filed on equine health, safety or behavioral issues are to be adjudicated at the discretion of individual commanders with event organizers or Division command reserving final jurisdiction. Rejection or expulsion of a horse and/or rider from an event “for any reason” is entirely at the discretion of the individual event organizers or Division Command.
THE END
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