Equipment

The Fatigue Blouse

The Fatigue Blouse aka the Sack Coat gained its popularity during the civil war for its lightweight and durability. The lowly 4-button Sack coat was pretty much the same threw out the whole war except for some minor differences in the style. It was either Lined or unlined and has a left breast pocket on the inside. The Sack coat was used for everything from every day work to fighting in the field.

The Forage Cap

The Forage cap is probably the most well known piece of uniform carried by the average Union Soldier. They called it a Forage cap because while foraging the cap could be turned upside down and the large crown of the cap made a good basket for holding their foraged goods. Later in the War brass would be most commonly worn on the Caps to identify the wearers company, regiment, corp. ect.....

Shirts

The shirt of a Union soldier could be almost any style. They were issued a shirt made of dommit flannel in a gray or blue color. They also had Contract issue shirts. Most soldiers just used a Civilian shirt that they brought from home. The buttons where mostly made of wood, glass, bone, or mother of pearl also paper back tin buttons.

Trousers

The trousers of a Union soldier where domenitly sky blue. They where made of a heavy 21 oz wool. They had two types of trousers the William Dearing pattern and the Schuylkill Arsenal pattern.

Under Drawers

Like the shirt, under drawers could be a issued item. A lot of soldiers did bring their own from home also. They where made of a off-white canton flannel which has a very soft interior and a durable exterior.

Shoes

The soldiers shoe aka brogan is completely leather with a leather sole tacked or sewn. On the heel would commonly be a heel plate, which resembles a horseshoe. The most common pattern is the Jefferson bootee.

Leathers

When we say leathers we refer to 4 things. First is the .58 cal Cartridge box 1857 pattern with shoulder sling. Next is the Waist belt this holds your Cap pouch and bayonet. On each the shoulder sling, cartridge box, and waist belt you have a plate. Each plate is made of brass and stamped. On the belt and box the plate is stamped U.S , on the sling it is stamped with the brass eagle. The Cap Pouch should be of the M1858 and the bayonet scabbard should be of the 2 rivet or 7 rivet Gay Lord variety.

Canteen

The canteen was made of tin. Usually Smooth side or bulls eye. Sling should be a russet leather and the cork should be attached by twine. This would be a fine example of the Philadelphia Contract canteen. It is hot tin dipped to prevent rusting on the inside of the canteen. The canteen sits on top of the haversack and both are worn to the left at hips length.

Double Bag Knapsack

The double bag knapsack was basically made in the same manner as the haversack. It too is painted with black tar. Here is where the soldier would keep he’s blankets, clothing, ect… The two straps on the top could be used to hold either a blanket roll or a great coat .

Blankets

There where two types of blankets that a soldier would carry. First is the wool blanket. This was either gray or tan in color. Made of wool and around 4 ½ to 5 pounds.In the middle of the blanket it would be customary to have U.S sewn into it. This is a soldiers best friend at night time because it’s the only thing that will keep him warm. Next is the gum blanket. This is made from vulcanized rubber and used to keep our soldier dry. Its used for a ground cloth or doubles as a poncho.

Shelter Tent

The shelter tent aka the dog tent. A very small two man canvas tent. It was carried in halves. Each soldier would have a half and at night would team up with a comrade and button it together at the top. Both sides of the tent are fully open. Either Type IIB or IIIA should be used.

Haversack

The haversack is issued to every soldier. It was a canvas bag painted with a black tar to waterproof it. It was used to hold the soldiers rations and some other small things like a frying pan, eating utensils, or a house wife sewing kit.