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Uniform and Accouterment Standards

The Western Federal Blues

The uniform does not make the man – the man makes the uniform!

Although we strive for authenticity in our appearance the attitude we maintain while in uniform is much more important. A willingness to truly represent the western fighting man of the American Civil War is our ultimate goal. The following information should be used as a guide for you uniform and accouterments.

These guidelines were taken from the Revised United States Army Regulations of 1861 *asterisk indicate acceptable substitutes or changes*
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   C O A T.

For Commissioned Officers

  1. All officers shall wear a frock-coat of dark blue cloth, the skirt to extend for two-thirds to three-fourths of the distance from the top of the hip to the bend of the knee; single-breasted for Captains and Lieutenants; double-breasted for all other grades.
  2. For a Colonel-the same as for Major-General, except that there will be only seven buttons in each row on the breast, placed at equal distances; collar and cuffs of the same material as the coat. *black velvet collars and cuffs are acceptable and common on commissioned officer’s coats.*
  3. For a Lieutenant-Colonel – the same as for a Colonel.
  4. For a Major – the same as for a Colonel.
  5. For a Captain – the same as for a Colonel, except that there will be only one row of nine buttons on the breast, placed at equal distances.
  6. For a First Lieutenant – the same as for a Captain.
  7. For a Second Lieutenant – The same as for a Captain.

 

For Enlisted Men

  1. The uniform coat for all enlisted foot men shall be of a single breasted frock, of dark blue cloth, made without plaits, with a skirt extending one-half the distance from the top of the hip to the bend of the knee; one row of nine buttons on the breast, placed at equal distances; stand-up collar, to rise no higher than to permit the chin to turn freely over it, to hook in front at the bottom, and then to slope up and backward at an angle of thirty degrees on each side; cuffs pointed according to pattern, and to button with two small buttons at the under seam.
  2. For Fatigue Purposes – a sack coat of dark blue flannel, extending half-way down the thigh, and made loose, without sleeve or body lining, falling collar, inside pocket on the left side, four coat buttons down the front.

 

B U T T O N S .

  1. For General Offices and Officers of the General Staff- gilt, convex, with spread eagle and stars, and plain border; large size, seven-eights of an inch in exterior diameter; small size, one-half inch.
  2. For all Enlisted Men – yellow, the same as is used by Artillery, &., omitting the letter in the shield.

 

T R O W S E R S .

  1. For Officers of the General Staff and Staff Corps, except the Ordnance-dark blue cloth, with gold cord, one-eight of an inch in diameter, along the outer seam. * Gold cord not necessary. *
  2. For all Regimental Officers-dark blue cloth, with a welt let into the outer seam, one-eight of an inch in diameter, of colors corresponding to the facings of the respective regiments. * Welt not necessary. *
  3. For Enlisted Men, Privates – plain, without stripe.
    * Regular infantry trousers were dark blue from 1858 – 1861, but the color was changed to sky blue on December 16, 1861. Regulation trousers were high in the waist and had full and round legs and tended to be cut loose and fitted well up over the stomach. One inch slits at the bottom helped to get the trouser legs over brogans.*

 

H A T .

  1. For Officers – of best black felt. The dimensions of medium size to be as follows:
    Width of brim, 3 ¼ inches.
    Height of crown, 6 ¾ inches.
    Oval at tip, ½ inch.
    |Taper of crown, ¾ inch.
    Curve of head, 3/8 inch.
  2. For Enlisted Men – of black felt, same shape and size as for officers, with double row of stitching instead of binding, around the edge. To agree in quality with the pattern deposited in the clothing arsenal.

 

F O R A G E  C A P S .

  1. For fatigue purposes, forage caps, of pattern in Quartermaster-General’s office; dark blue cloth, with a welt of the same around the crown, and yellow metal letters in front to designate companies.
  2. Commissioned officers may wear forage caps of the same pattern, with the distinctive ornament of the corps and regiment in front.

*Hats and caps are particularly important for an accurate Western impression. Union troops were issued two types of hats both are described above (the Hardee and forage cap.) Slouch hats were extremely popular among rugged western troops. “Western troops looked quite unlike our men. They wore large hats instead of caps.” 123rd New York Infantryman  All headgear must reflect a western appearance and be of a period correct style and material. Hat brass was not common on western soldier’s hats.

 

C R A V A T O R S T O C K .
 

  1. For all Officers – black; when a cravat is worn, the tie not to be visible at the opening of the collar.
  2. For all Enlisted Men – black leather, according to pattern.

*Cravats and ties are generally a personal choice as long as they are a period correct pattern and fabric.*

 

B O O T S .
 

  1. For all Officers – ankle or Jefferson.
  2. For Enlisted Men of Artillery, Infantry, Engineers, and Ordnance – Jefferson, rights and lefts, according to pattern.

*Union soldiers were generally issued four pairs of boots a year. These ankle boots were generally referred to as brogans. They should be made with the rough side of the leather on the outside.*

 

OTHER ARTICLES OF CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT.

  1. Flannel shirt, drawers, stockings, and stable-frock – the same as now furnished.

    2. *Three shirts a year were generally issued. These shirts were made of flannel or coarse wool. Cotton shirts were not issued after 1852. The issued shirts had small turn over collars with a row of three buttons on the front up to the neck. Double breasted shirts were also popular and often worn over other shirts.* 

  2. Blanket – woolen, gray, with letters U.S. in black, four inches long, in the centre; to be seven feet long, and five and a half feet wide, and to weigh five pounds.
  3. Belts for all Enlisted Men – black leather.
  4. Cartridge-box-according to pattern in the Ordnance Department.
  5. Knapsack-of painted canvas, according to pattern now issued by Quartermaster’s Department; the great-coat, when carried, to be neatly folded, not rolled, and covered by the outer flap of the knapsack.
  6. Haversack-of painted canvas, with an inside sack unpainted, according to the pattern now issued by the Quartermaster’s Department.
  7. Canteen-of tin, covered with woolen cloth, of the pattern now issued by the Quartermaster’s Department.

T E N T S .

  1. For All commissioned Officers- wall tent, with a fly, pattern now issued by the Quartermaster’s Department.
  2. For all Enlisted Men – Sibley’s patent, according to the pattern now issued by the Quartermaster’s Department, at the rate of one tent to 17 mounted or 20 foot men. Sheet-iron stove will be issued with the tents in cold climates, or when specifically ordered.
  3. For Officers’ Servants and Laundresses – small common tent, old pattern.
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*Tentage or lack there of will be determined by the particular campaign we are portraying.*

Federal issue shelter tents will be used. There are several versions of this particular tent. Please refer to the recommended reading list.

 

Items that are anachronistic will not be allowed while on campaign with the
 Western Federal Blues.

  • No modern eyeglasses.
  • No modern bandannas.
  • No floppy “Hillbilly” hats.

 

H O R S E  F U R N I T U R E .

For General Officers and the General Staff

  1. Housing for General Officers - to be worn over the saddle; of dark blue cloth, trimmed with two rows of gold lace, the outer row one inch and five - eights wide, the inner row two inches and one - fourth; to be made full, so as to cover the horse's haunches and forehands, and to bear on each flank corner the following ornaments, distinctive of rank, to wit: for the Major General Commanding the Army - a gold embroidered spread Cagle and three stars; for other Major Generals - a gold - embroidered spread eagle and two stars; for a Brigadier General - a gold - embroidered spread eagle and one star.
  2. Saddle - cloth for General Staff Officers - dark blue cloth, of sufficient length to cover the saddle and holsters, and one foot ten inches in depth, with an edging of gold lace one inch wide.

    Surcingle - blue web.
  3. Bridle - black leather; bent branch bit, with gilt bosses; the front and roses yellow.
  4. Collar - yellow.
  5. Holsters - black leather, with gilt mountings.
  6. Stirrups - gilt or yellow metal.

 

HORSE EQUIPMENTS FOR THE MOUNTED SERVICE.

1. A complete set of horse equipments for mounted troops consists of 1 bridle, 1 watering bridle, 1 halter, 1 saddle, 1 pair saddle bags, 1 saddle blanket, 1 surcingle, 1 pair spurs, 1 currycomb, 1 horse brush, 1 picket pin, and 1 lariat; 1 link and 1 nose bag when specially required.

 

HEAD GEAR.

  1. All the leather is black bridle leather, and the buckles are malleable iron, flat, bar buckles, blued.
  2. Bridle - It is composed of 1 headstall, 1 bit, 1 pair of reins.
  3. Headstall - 1 crown piece, the ends split, forming 1 cheek strap and 1 throat lash billet on one side, and on the other, I cheek strap and 1 throat lash, with I buckle, .625 inch, 2 chapes and 2 buckles, .75 inch, sewed to the ends of cheek piece to attach the bit; I brow band, the ends doubled and sewed form 2 loops on each end through which the cheek straps and throat lash and throat lash billet pass.
  4. Bit - (shear steel, blued) - 2 branches, S shaped, pierced at top with an eye for the cheek strap billet, and with a small hole near the eye for the curb chain, terminated at the bottom by 2 buttons, into which are welded 2 rings, I inch, for the reins; I mouth piece, curved in the middle, its ends pass through the branches and are riveted to them; I cross bar, riveted to the branches near the lower ends; 2 bosses, (cast brass,) bearing the number and letter of the regiment and the letter of the company, riveted to the branches with 4 rivets; I curb - chain hook, steel wire, No. 10, fastened to the near branch; 1 curb chain, steel wire, No. 11, curb - chain links 0.7 inch wide, with 1 loose ring in the middle, fastened to the off branch by a S hook, coldshut; 1 curb strap, (leather,) fastened to the curb chain by 2 standing loops.
  5. 1 curb ring for bit No. 1 replaces the curb chain and curb strap. They are of two sizes: No. 1 has an interior diameter of 4 inches; No. 2, of 3.75 inches. The number is marked on the outside of the swell. No. I is the larger size.
  6. There are four bits, differing from each other in the arch of the mouth piece, and in the distance from the mouth piece to the eye for the cheek strap. The branches are alike below the mouth piece. No. 1 is a Spanish bit, No. 2 is the next severest, and No. 4 is the mildest. Height of arch is 2¼ inches in No. 1, 2 inches in No. 2, 1 ½ inch in No. 3, and ½ inch in No. 4. The distance between the branches is 4.5 inches in all the bits.
  7. Reins - 2 reins sewed together at one end, the other ends sewed to the rings of the bit.

 

W A T E R I N G  B R I D L E .

  1. The watering bridle is composed of 1 bit and 1 pair of reins.
  2. Bit (wrought iron, blued) 2 mouth - piece sides united in the middle by a loop hinge: their ends are pierced with 2 holes to receive 2 rings 1.7 inches diameter for the reins. 2 chains and toggles, 3 links, each 1 inch X 0.55 inch, welded into the rein rings.
  3. Reins - 2 reins sewed together at one end, the other end sewed to rings of the bit.

 

H A L T E R .

  1. 2 cheek pieces, sewed at one end to 2 square loops 1. 6 inches diameter, and the other to 2 cheek rings 1.6 inches diameter; 2 standing loops for the toggles of the watering bridle sewed to the cheek piece near to the square loops; 1 crown piece sewed to the off cheek ring, 1 buckle 1 1/2 inches, and chape sewed to the near cheek ring; 1 nose band, the ends sewed to the square loops; 1 chin strap, the ends sewed to the square loops and passing loose through the hitching - strap ring.
  3. 1 throat strap, folded on itself making two thicknesses and forming at top a loop for the throat band to pass through, and embracing in the fold at the other end 1 bolt which holds 1 hitching - strap ring; 1 throat band passes loose through the loop in the throat strap, and is sewed to the cheek rings; 1 hitching strap 6½ feet long, 1 buckle 1.25 inches, and 1 standing loop, 1 billet sewed to the buckle end by the same seam which holds the buckle.

 

S A D D L E .

  1. All the leather is black bridle or harness leather, and the buckles are blued malleable iron.
  2. The saddle is composed of 1 tree, 2 saddle skirts, 2 stirrups, 1 girth and girth strap, 1 surcingle, 1 crupper.

 

S A D D L E  T R E E .

  1. Wood (beech) - 1 pommel made of 2 pieces framed together at top and glued; 1 cantle formed of 2 pieces like the pommel; 2 side bars (poplar) each made of 3 pieces glued together; they are glued to the pommel and cantle, and fastened by 2 rivets, 2 burrs, and 4 nails, the burrs let in on the underside; 1 strap mortise in the pommel, 3 strap mortises in the cantle.
  2. There are three sizes of trees, varying in the length of the seat. The number is marked on the pommel ornament.
     No. 1.       11 inches length of seat.       15 per cent.
     No. 2.       11½      “              50      “
     No. 3.       12      “      “         35
  3. Iron. - 1 pommel arc 0. 1 inch thick, with three small holes on top, fastened to the side bars by 4 rivets; 1 pommel plate 0. 1 inch thick, semi - circular, fastened to the front of the pommel by 4 rivets; 1 cantle arc 0.1 inch thick, with three small holes on top, fastened to the side bars by 4 rivets; 1 cantle plate 0.1 inch thick fastened to the rear of the cantle by 4 rivets; 2 stirrup loops hinged in 2 holdfasts which are fastened to the side bars by 6 rivets.
  4. The tree is painted with one Coat of white lead. It is covered with best quality kip skin raw hide, put on wet, sewed with thongs of the same and held in place by stitches through the wood along the junction of the pommel and cantle with the side bars. The seams are made on the edges of the side bars where they will not chafe the horse or rider.
  5. 2 crupper rings, held by staples driven into the front ends of side bars; 2 foot staples for coat straps fastened to the front of the pommel by 4 brass screws, ¾ inch; 2 crupper rings, (japanned black,) fastened by staples driven into the rear ends of side bars; 2 foot staples, fastened to the rear of cantle by 4 brass screws, 3 inch; 1 guard plate, 1 pommel ornament, shield - shaped, (sheet brass,) fastened to the pommel, each by 3 brass screw pins; 6 guard plates, fastened to the cantle by 12 screw pins; 2 foot staples, fastened on the back strap by 4 brass screws, .3 inch; 1 saddle - bags stud, fastened on the back strap to the cantle are by 2 copper rivets.
  6. Two saddle skirts, (thick harness leather,) fastened to the side bars by 38 brass screws, ¾ inch; 2 stay loops for the saddle - bag straps sewed to the rear edge of the skirts.
  7. Two stirrups, (hickory or oak,) made of one piece bent, the ends separated by I transom and fastened by 2 iron rivets, each, 4 burrs; 2 leather hoods, fastened to the stirrups by 12 copper rivets and burrs distance of hood from rear of stirrup 6 inches; 2 stirrup straps, 2 brass buckles, 1.375 inches, 2 sliding loops, pass through the stirrup loops and through a hole cut in the skirts; 2 sweat leathers, each has 2 standing loops.
  8. Girth - 2 girth straps pass over the pommel and cantle arcs, to which they are fastened by 4 copper rivets and 4 burrs; they are fastened to the side bars by 4 brass screws, ¾ inch; the ends are sewed into 2 D rings, 1.85 inches; 2 girth billets, sewed to the straight side of the D rings; 1 girth, 4.5 inches, blue woolen webbing; 1 chape, 1 buckle, 2 inches, I standing loop, and 1 safe on the off end; and 1 chape, 1 buckle, 1.5 inches, 1 D ring, 1.85 inches, 1 standing loop, 1 safe on the near side; 1 standing loop on the middle.
  9. Six coat straps, 6 buckles, 0.625 inch, and stops. They pass through the mortises in the pommel and cantle and the foot staples.
  10. One carbine socket, 1 strap, 1 buckle, 0.75 inch, sewed to the socket. The socket is buckled to the D ring on the off side of the saddle.
  11. One surcingle, 3.25 inches, blue woolen webbing; 1 chape, 1 buckle, 1.5 inches, I standing loop on one end, and 1 billet on the other; 1 billet lining sewed over the end of webbing to the billet; 2 standing loops near the buckle end.
  12. Crupper - 1 dock, made of a single piece and stuffed with hair, the ends sewed to the body of the crupper; 1 body, split at one end, has sewed to it 1 chape, 1 ring, 1.25 inches, 2 back straps - each has one buckle, 0.75 inch, and 2 sliding loops - they pass through the rings of the side bars and the ring on the body of the crupper.
  13. Saddle bags, (bag leather.) - They are composed of 2 pouches and 1 seat; the ends of the seat are sewed to the pouches. Each pouch has 1 back, sewed to the gusset and upper part of inner front with a welt; 1 gusset, sewed to the back and to 1 outer and 1 inner front with a welt; 1 flap sewed to the top of the back and to the seat by 2 seams; 1 flap billet, sewed to the point of the flap; 1 chape and 1 buckle, 0.625 inch, sewed to the outer front; 1 billet, 1 buckle, 0.625 inch, sewed to the chape. The seat is sewed to the pouch by the same seams which join the flap to the back of the pouch. It has 2 holes for the foot staples and 1 hole for the saddle - bag stud; 2 key straps, sewed to the seat near its ends; 4 lacing thongs for the pouches.
  14. Saddle blanket. - To be of pure wool, close woven, of stout yarns of an indigo - blue color, with an orange border 3 inches wide, 3 inches from the edge. The letters U. S., 6 inches high, of orange color, in the centre of the blanket. Dimensions: 75 inches long, 67 inches wide; weight, 3.1875 pounds; variation allowed in weight, 0.1875 pounds.
  15. Spurs, (brass) - 2 spurs, 2 rowels, 2 rivets, 2 spur straps, 19 inches long, 2 roller buckles, 0.625 inch, 2 standing loops.
     Length of heel for No. 1,            3½ inches; for No. 2, 3¼ inches - - inside meas.
     Width of heel            “                        3¼             “             “             3            “            “
     Length of shank to centre of rowel, 1 inch.
     Diameter of rowel, 0.85 inch.
  16. One horse brush - 1 body, (maple,) Russia bristles; I cover, glued and fastened to the body by 8 brass screws; 1 hand strap, fair leather, fastened to the sides of the body by 6 screws; 2 leather washers under the heads of screws. Dimensions: Body 9.25 inches long, 4 inches wide, 0.5 inch thick; cover 0.1 inch thick; bristles project 0.9 inch; hand strap 2 inches wide.
  17. One curry comb - iron, japanned black. The pattern of “ Carpenter's, No. 333. “ 1 body, (sheet iron, 0.4,) the top and bottom edges turned at right angles, forming two rows of teeth; 3 double rows of teeth, riveted to tile body by six rivets; 1 cross bar, riveted across the top by 2 rivets; 1 handle shank, riveted to the body by 3 rivets; 1 handle, (wood) turned and painted, passes over the shank and is held by the riveted end of the shank; I ferrule, sheet iron. Dimensions: Length, 4 inches; width, 4.75 inches; thickness, 0.75 inch; length of handle, 4 inches; weight, 0.84 pound.
  18. One picket pin, (iron, painted black.) - The parts are: the body, the neck, the head, the swell, the point; 1 lariat ring around the neck, 8 - shaped, the larger opening for the lariat. Dimensions: Length, 14 inches; diameter at swell, 4 inches; from point, 0.75 inch; at neck, 0.5 inch; at head, 1 inch; lariat ring, 0.2 inch wire, welded, interior diameter 1 inch; weight of pin, 1.29 pounds.
  19. One lariat. - Best hemp 1 1/4 - inch rope, 30 feet long, of 4 strands; an eye spliced in one end, tile other end whipped with small twine; weight, 2.38 pounds.
  20. One link – 1 strap, embracing in the fold at one end 1 spring hook, and at the other 1 buckle, 0.75 inch, and 1 billet.
  21. One nose bag - same as for Light Artillery.

 

Anachronistic horse equipment will not be allowed while on campaign with the
 Western Federal Blues.

 

  • Absolutely no western saddles.
  • Absolutely no nylon equipment of any type will be allowed.

 

Recommended Reading List

Schuyler, Hatley & Graham Illustrated Catalog of the Civil War Military Goods, Dover Publications, Inc. New York

Arms and Equipment of the Union, Time Life Books, Alexandria, Virginia

Columbia Rifles Research Compendium: Second Edition, Compiled by John E. Tobey, A Publication fro the Watchdog Quarterly, Inc., Warren, Michigan

The Federal Civil War Shelter Tent, by Frederick C. Gaede, O’Donnell Publications, Alexandria, Virginia

American Military Saddles 1776-1945, by R. Stephen Dorsey and Kenneth I. McPheeters
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