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Cleburne’s Division would like to make it known that this event is open to everyone regardless of your level of authenticity. We believe that if a man is willing to spend money to purchase a uniform, accoutrements, and the various other articles necessary to reenact the we are happy to have him at this event. No one will be turned away from this event or shunned due to the quality or authenticity level of his attire and equipage. On the same hand we strive to encourage our fellow reenactors to pay attention to the men around you and find ways that you can afford to improve your impression and the overall impression that we present to the public. We are living historians and we provide a vital link to our nation’s past for the spectators who come to watch an event. We should do our best to continually grow when affordable and within our abilities. If you see a fellow who’s gear you like, ask him questions and see if there are things he has done that you could do as well but also believe that Cleburne’s Division will not abide or condone condescending or disrespectful behavior between fellow reenactors over authenticity.
Below we have compiled some authenticity standards that would be correct for the period in question. If you can attain these standards please do so but do not feel that you cannot attend if your gear does not match what is listed below. Come and enjoy yourself and fall in with people of like mind. Cleburne’s Division will be glad you came.
Information regarding Federal impressions and guidelines for the event have been set by Gen. Terry Crowder, Division Cavalry Brigade, First Federal Division and may be found elsewhere on this site.
Authenticity Standards (CSA) Mid-War, Summer 1864
SACK COATS & SHELL JACKETS
Columbus Depot Jacket: The 6-piece body, with 1-piece full sleeves tapering to the cuffs. The body pieces curve into a short rounded "tail" in the center of the back on most of the jackets. The jacket must be made of jean cloth. The collar and straight cuff trim about 2-1/2 inches wide of medium or indigo blue kersey weave wool. The linings were made from a white or unbleached cotton tabby weave osnaburg. Two styles of the basic pattern have been identified, the "Type I," with interior pockets in the lining, and the "Type II," with one external pocket, set into the body of the jacket.
TROUSERS
Trousers may vary greatly, Confederate issue trousers to captured Federal trousers. During the War soldiers went through trousers faster than any other uniform item. Trousers were the most common issue to soldiers. You may use Federal Foot trousers, or civilian pattern trousers. We are not looking for a uniform look. Your jacket and trousers do not have to match.
HATS
A fur or wool felt civilian hat, properly lined and blocked, and correctly made kepis are acceptable, but should be in the minority. It is encouraged that these be made of jean or Satinette, or Imported English Cloth. No hat brass, and ornaments strongly discouraged and no hat cords, please. The following are discouraged- Hillbilly hats, hat blanks (unfinished hats), along with decorations including bones, feathers, plumes, Irish harps, Masonic symbols and all such insignia. Also, discouraged are ethnic hats like Scottish tams.
SHIRTS & BRACES
Civilian pattern shirt out of woven wool/cotton/linen and cotton/canton flannel drawers is preferred. No modern shirts of any kind, T-shirts & under shirt. Braces (Suspenders) in the 19th Century trousers were worn across the belly button area. Men did not wear belts to hold their pants up. Instead they wore braces.
SHOES & SOCKS
US or CS issue brogans or civilian footwear are acceptable.
Rubber soles, modern shoes, 3 piece boots, moccasins and cowboy boots are prohibited. Gaiters are also discouraged for this event.
Socks must be period pattern cotton of wool. No modern socks should be worn. Bring 3 pairs of civilian or CS issue socks. Wool or cotton socks from period patterns. No modern boot socks.
ACCOUTERMENTS
Belts: Roller buckle, Georgia frame buckle, fork tongue buckle or snake buckle belts are preferred. Captured Federal Oval plates are also appropriate. Oval CS should not be widely used. The Belt can be either black or russet color.
Cartridge Box and Shoulder Strap:
For a mid war impression you should stick with a Model 1855 .58 caliber cartridge box. You may use a Confederate Cartridge Box with a CS box plate or a Federal box with a US box plate. A CS Cartridge may be black or russet. If you carry an Enfield, you may opt for an Enfield Cartridge Box. Avoid Embossed US or CS Cartridge Boxes. These were not used until late in the war. The shoulder strap should match the box.
Cap Box: The cap box may be either russet of black. Avoid embossed cap boxes because they were not used until late in the war.
Canteens: Confederate soldiers carried various types of canteens throughout the war. Federal Model 1858 smooth side Model 1862 Bulls eye Canteens are appropriate. Tin Drum Canteens are accepted.
Haversacks: Confederate soldiers can carry a Federal Tarred Haversack, Confederate Issue linen or cotton Haversacks. Homemade bed ticking or carpet haversacks are also appropriate.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Blanket: US Issue blanket or civilian pattern blanket or coverlet is preferred. US double bags are accepted. Standard- Blanket Roll, wound tight to wear high on torso, blanket should be US issue or civilian pattern. No East German Blankets, or any modern blankets.
Gum Blankets: (Ground Cloths): Soldiers often carried rubber blankets or tarred ground cloths. It was used as a ground cloth to keep him dry, or as a poncho in rainy weather.
Shelter halves: While on campaign, soldiers did not carry tents. A lucky soldier possessed a shelter half. The men could string the shelter halves together or individually hang the shelter halves in the trees to create a shebang. The shelter half should be made of Cotton drill and not canvas. The cotton drill is much thinner and easier to carry in your blanket roll or knapsack. The grommets should be sewn and not brass.
Firearms: 3 band muskets, such as, 1861 Springfield, or 1853 Enfield with a well-fitting bayonet. Weapons must be in good working order. Banned weapons include: Zouave Rifles, Hawken Rifles or any other modern black powder weapon. Pistols are to be carried those with the rank of 2nd Lt and above. A cavalry impression will not adhere to this rule. No feathers or rags or cloth of any type is to be attached to the musket in any manner. No edged weapon of any style should be carried on the battlefield besides the proper bayonet for your musket in an acceptable tipped scabbard. We would like to minimize puncture style wounds while at this event. No feathers, rags or cloth of any type is to be attached to the Musket in any manner.
Ammunition: Ammo will be inspected and must conform to the following;
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- Black Powder only, NO PIRODEX
- Rolled in white or off white paper
- No staples, glue, penny wrappers, or newspaper
- 70 grains maximum
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ABSOLUTELY NO LIVE ROUNDS WILL BE ALLOWED ANYWHERE ON THE EVENT PROPERTY.
All participants, without exception, will undergo a full weapons inspection including inspection of firearms, cartridge boxes, bayonets and cap pouches. Anyone failing to participate in a scheduled safety inspection will not be allowed to take the field in the interest of the safety of fellow reenactors.
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