Military Reenacting

Part II -Uniforms and Equipment
Company A, 69th NYSV (1861-1863)

The following is a list of required and optional items for our 69th NYSV Company A - early Civil War impression. Each item has a link that provides a detailed description and recommended vendors or 'sutlers' you can purchase them from.

Exercise care when reviewing these materials. Suppliers recommended for one item may not be recommended for others. Follow the list and consult with veteran members of the association before buying!

Uniform Clothing

Forage Cap
New York State Coat - Preferred for the Company A impression
Sack Coat - Acceptable for the Company A impression
Trousers
Suspenders/Braces
Issue Shirts or Private Purchase Shirts
Drawers
Socks
Footwear
Greatcoats

Leather accouterments

As a general rule, leathers were constructed of smooth-side out leather of sturdy quality with tight stitching sewn with pitch covered flax thread. While leathers should be somewhat shiny, high-gloss patent leather should be avoided.

Contractor marks on leathers are optional. If you chose to have them, C.S. Storms is one recommended maker mark. The C.S. Storms factory was located near the South Street Seaport and the factory produced many equipment sets for the Federal Army. In May 1862 Storms contracted for 4,000 sets of infantry equipments, and had a further contract for 15,000 .58 cal. & 30,000 sets of .69 cal. infantry accoutrements in Aug. 1862. He also had a NY state contract on June 30th 1863 for 2,000 accouterment sets. Between July 8th & Sept. 8th 1863, there were contracts for 8,000 additional accouterment sets. From Jan- May 1865, he had contracts for 11,500 cap pouches, 5,000 gun slings.

Source: American Military Goods Dealers and Makers 1785-1915" by Bazelon and McGuinn

Model 1857 .69 cal Cartridge Box
Cartridge Box Sling
Model 1839 Waist Belt
Cap Box
Bayonet Scabbard

Weapons and accessories

The appropriate Weapon is the single largest expense a reenactor will make for their chosen impression. A new reproduction musket and bayonet with appropriate modifications or defarbing will cost over $800. Original muskets and bayonets are still available and can cost anywhere from $1200 to over $5000. The information provided in this section is meant to be a guide. New members should take considerable time to do their own research, ask questions and talk to veterans before they make any musket or bayonet purchase.

Model 1842 Springfield, .69 caliber Smoothbore Musket
Model 1835 Bayonet
Defarbing your musket and bayonet
Cartridges
Percussion Caps
Musket Cleaning Kit

Individual Equipment

Model 1858 “Smooth-side” Canteen
Haversack
Issue Blanket
Rubber Blanket/Ground Cloth
Knapsack
Shelter half

Food and Cooking Items

Food preparation by the soldier varied depending on the circumstances he found himself. While in stationary camp he had the luxury of company cooks and a variety of cook pots and utensils. While on the march each soldier was responsible for carrying his own cookware, and he lightened his load considerably. Members should acquire personal cooking items, since heavier equipment is the concern of the quartermaster.

Tin cup
Canteen half/ Mess plate
Utensils
Peach can boiler
Frying Pan
Hardtack
Salt Pork
Coffee

Optional Items

Personal Items
Vests
Dress Coat
Dress Hat
Kepi

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Forage Caps - Preferred for all Impressions

Constructed from medium weight broadcloth with an enameled leather chin strap and visor. The 1858 pattern had a small disk with rounded duckbill visor. The 1861 pattern had a larger disk with more squared visor. The “McDowell” pattern had a small or large disk and a stiff crescent-shaped visor. All models had a welt around the crown/disk and were lined with brown or black polished cotton. Leather sweatbands were sewn in by hand.

Army regulations declared that only a company letter was to be worn on the cap. Regimental numbers are permitted, but not encouraged. Corps badges were not worn until the Spring of 1863 (Chancellorsville Campaign), and if worn must be the appropriate badge for the scenario.

No other insignia should be worn on the cap. This includes the infantry bugle, Irish harps or any other adornment. The one exception to this rule is a sprig of boxwood is worn at reenactments of the Battle of Fredericksburg or when portraying the Irish Brigade in a parade.

The preferred cap for the 69th is the M1858 L.J.&I. Phillips Co. Forage Cap, or M&G Pattern 1862 Forage Cap. You should always purchase a cap in person, as sizes can vary. Manufacturers that are highly recommended are Greg Starbuck and Nick Sekela. Their products may be found at one or more of the sutlers listed below.

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New York State Coat - preferred for our Company A impression

The New York State Coat was adopted in April 1861, as a replacement for the Frock Coat. It was a short close-fitting shell jacket consisting of a six piece body and tube-style sleeves of dark blue wool. The jackets fastened with eight large ‘Excelsior’ buttons, and most were half-lined in the breast with brown polished cotton stiffened with burlap. Some contractors also added an angled external breast "slash" pocket.

The jacket had a short standing collar fastened with a hook- and-eye and was piped in either light or medium blue cording. The sleeves were double stitched about the cuff and lined with white muslin. Though non- functional, two small ‘Excelsior’ buttons were sewn on the cuff as a purely decorative device. Shoulder straps (to hold the cartridge box sling and other equipment straps secure) were similarly piped, as was a left-side belt keeper. These features were fastened with small ‘Excelsior’ buttons.

The recommended New York State Coat is available from Orchard Hill Sutlery. Jo and Dan Houde, the owners of Orchard Hill Sutlery have a stock of Family Heirloom Weaver's wool available to make New York State Coats for 69th NYSV Members. Before you purchase a coat from Orchard Hill Sutlery, you should contact Andy Megill and he will confirm your status with the 69th NYSV Historical Association with Jo or Dan Houde.

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Sack Coat - acceptable for our Company A impression

Constructed of dark blue wool flannel with a diagonal weave, a two to four piece body and a two-piece sleeve. Correct patterns possess a short collar with faced lapels and cuffs. Sleeves should have a small scalloped vent in the rear of the cuff. A Sack Coat is closed with four US eagle buttons. Hand-sewn buttonholes are preferred but not required.

Lined Sack Coats were issued two (3,685,755) to one (1,809,207) for every unlined Sack Coat during the Civil War. Lined versions should have a one-piece body lining of linen, domet (cotton & wool blend) or wool flannel and a sleeve lining of muslin. The body lining can be of a solid color or a woven pattern. Unlined versions should have all seams flat-felled. Most original coats were issued in four sizes (1=36, 2=38, 3=40, 4=42).

The J.T. Martin coat was produced under contract throughout the war in both New York and Cincinnati, and is therefore a good generic pattern coat. Cincinnati Depot and New York Contract coats were a mix of machine sewn and hand stitching, while Schuylkill pattern coats were completely hand sewn.

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Trousers

Constructed from sky-blue kersey wool with a diagonal weave, a thin tapering waist band, narrow, three to five button fly, rear yoke with raised back, side pockets that start below the waist-band; right-side watch pocket; facing cuffs and a properly vented cuff. Trousers were machine or hand stitched, with the majority of the detail work to be done by hand, especially the buttonholes.

Preferred patterns are New York Contracts like Deering and J.T. Martin or Schuylkill Arsenal. Federal trousers were issued in four sizes only (1=32" waist x 31" inseam; 2=34" waist x 32" inseam; 3=36" waist x 33" inseam; 4=38" waist x 34" inseam).

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Suspenders/Braces

Suspenders were not issued by the Army, and were either purchased from sutlers or sent from home. If your trousers stay up without suspenders you do not need them.

Plain fabric suspenders of a period pattern are best. Be sure to avoid suspenders with clamp-like sheet metal fasteners, which were a post-war invention. While elastic saw limited use in suspender during the War, avoid 100% elastic suspenders. You can also use your waist belt or a canteen strap to hold up your trousers.

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Issue Shirts

The Issue shirt was the most commonly worn shirt of the war, and Union Casualties at Gettysburg were even identified through their Issue shirts. The shirts came in only one size (size 52), and had a fold down collar with a single tin button and functional cuffs fastened with a single tin button.

Most Issue shirts were constructed of undyed domet (wool) flannel. The Schuylkill Arsenal contracted with W.F. Hansell of Philadelphia, for 20,000 gray twill flannel shirts on August 19, 1862 and tan colored shirts have also been documented, so these colors are acceptable as well.

The issue shirt is extremely underrepresented in the hobby. Members are encouraged to purchase an issue shirt, but they are not a required item.

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Private Purchase Shirts

Civilian shirts were not issued and were most often sent from home. There is also evidence that soldiers purchased cloth from sutlers and made shirts for themselves and others. Civilian shirts should be carried as a backup to the issue shirt.

Civilian shirts came in a variety of styles. Fall down collars were worn as well as banded collars with or without a detachable collar. Shirts came with one, two or no pockets. The tails of period shirts were much longer than modern shirts.

Period shirts were pullovers, and a row of buttons did not extend more than halfway down the front of the shirt. Small china, glass, shell, mother of pearl, bone or wood buttons were used. Plastic or oversize wooden buttons are not proper, and should be replaced with more authentic ones.

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Drawers

Federal issue drawers were made primarily with canton flannel, though wool knit, cotton flannel and wool flannel were also used. They closed with two tin buttons. There is no known correct pattern for issue knit drawers, but several best estimates exist.

Correct pattern civilian drawers are also available and acceptable. Some drawers of the period were made from colored fabric, but white or natural fabric was the most common. The use of drawers reduces itching and chafing caused by uniform pants.

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Socks

Socks can be made of wool or cotton. They can be just about any period color or combination of colors (i.e. gray, blue, green and/or black). Modern rag wool hunting/ribbed socks are acceptable when first starting or on parade, but hand-knit wool socks are preferred in the field. Socks should be knit conforming to 1860s patterns, which include narrow ribbing (1” or less) at the top of the sock. High-quality cotton socks made on period machines are also available.

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Footwear

Jefferson Bootees (Brogans) were made on left and right lasts from waxed, flesh-side (rough-side) out leather. The soles were pegged or sewn using hand and machine stitching. The majority of shoes contracted by the Army of the Potomac had sewn soles. Heel-plates are optional, but recommended for better wear when walking on hard surfaces. Be advised that heel plates greatly reduce your traction on smooth surfaces. Leather/rawhide laces are proper to the period.

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Greatcoats

Constructed of sky-blue kersey with a diagonal weave, overcoats were single-breasted with a five-button front, a six-button cape ending at the elbow and a standing collar. Coats were lined with heavy cotton, jean cloth or wool, with an unfinished bottom and a single button adjustable strap in the back. Sleeves should also be lined with off-white muslin. Coats were issued in the same sizes as the sack coat.

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Model 1855 .69 cal Cartridge Boxes

The M1842 Springfield (.69 cal smoothbore) was the primary weapon of the 69th NYSV through the end of 1864, so the appropriate cartridge box is the Model 1855 .69 cal elongated ball cartridge box. This box is similar to the Model 1839 cartridge box, but it has an additional set of straps to enable it to be carried on either the box sling or the waist belt. Either box is acceptable. Contract markings for New York area suppliers (i.e. C.S. Storms) are optional.

For safety reasons, the cartridge box must have tins to prevent accidental ignition.

The “US” cartridge box plate helps the flap to fall back over the cartridge box tins and protect the cartridges from sparks. It should be attached to the box flap by punching two holes in the flap and securing the plate with a piece of leather shoelace. SNY state plates are prohibited.

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Cartridge Sling

The standard black waxed leather sling is required. The sling may be stamped with maker’s marks if desired (i.e. C.S. Storms). The cartridge sling “Eagle” plate should be attached by punching two holes in the sling and securing the plate with a piece of leather shoelace.

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Waist Belts

Regulations specified that the waist belt should be constructed of bridle or waxed flesh leather, be 1 7/8” to 2" wide and 42" in length from buckle to keeper. During the first three years of the Civil War, The Model 1839 waist belt were issued. These had a sewn leather loop on one end and were worn with a U.S. belt plate with “puppy paw” hooks on the back on the other end. The use of SNY plates is prohibited.

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Cap Boxes

The US “shield front” cap pouch is the preferred cap box for the 69th NYSV. It should be made of strong leather so it does not easily collapse and contain a pick loop, nipple pick and fleece.

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Bayonet Scabbards

The two-rivet bayonet scabbard for the Model 1835 bayonet is preferred for our Company A impression. It should be constructed of smooth-side out leather, hand-stitched and secured with two rivets.

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Model 1842 Springfield, .69 caliber Smoothbore Musket

The M1842 Springfield (.69 cal smoothbore) was the primary weapon of the 69th NYSV from the pre-War period until 1864 and therefore the preferred weapon for all members. The 1842 Springfield was produced at the government arsenals in Harper’s Ferry and Springfield, so lock plates from either arsenal are acceptable. All firearms must be in safe working order before taking the field and will be inspected at all events. Muskets should be well maintained and kept as bright as possible.

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Model 1835 Bayonet

The Model 1842 Springfield Musket was designed to utilize the Model 1835 Bayonet and is the preferred bayonet for all members. The Model 1835 Bayonet is a socket-type Bayonet with locking ring and a blade that is 18 inches long. The key feature of this model is that the blade has squared shoulders near where it attaches to the neck of the bayonet.

It is best to purchase your bayonet with your musket to ensure they match. Original bayonets can be purchased for a price slightly higher than reproductions. Originals are made of a better quality steel and can be found in very good condition.

For safety purposes, a functional locking ring is required for all Bayonets.

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Defarbing your musket and bayonet

Reproduction muskets and bayonets come with a variety of modern markings on them and are often have anachronistic errors due to their modern manufacture. Fortunately there are a number of companies that will correct or remove these anachronisms and put period appropriate markings on a them. This process is called "Defarbing" and often requires a skilled and knowledgeable gunsmith. John Zimmerman can defarb both muskets and bayonets and apply the proper markings. You can also purchase defarbed muskets and bayonets directly from John Zimmerman

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Musket Cleaning Kit

Black powder weapons leave a heavy reside when fired, and require immediate cleaning to prevent corrosion. Period implements (musket worm/wiper) should be used in the field, while modern implements (cleaning rod, cleaning jag, brass brush and bore scrapper) should be used once the event is over. As a minimum, each Soldier should have a nipple wrench and worm/wiper, plus cleaning patches in his cartridge box; and a nipple pick in his cap pouch. Each Soldier should also carry some oil in an appropriate container, either olive oil or mineral oil would be period correct. We also recommend a small piece of fine emery cloth for light rust removal.

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Cartridges

Federal issue cartridges were made of white or brown paper and were tied at the ends with a piece of linen thread. This paper was unbleached and resembled modern day newsprint in weight. Since Civil War paper was acid-free and do not discolor over time, existing original cartridges are good indicators of how original cartridges appeared. Once rolled, cartridges were packed at the arsenals into bundles of ten, wrapped with coated paper to make them water-resistant and bound with string. An eleventh paper tube containing twelve caps was included in each bundle.

Since most of us lack the time to hand roll cartridges per the originals(much less bundle them), a good deal of latitude exists in this area. While instructions for assembling cartridges are located on the web, most members find pre-rolled cartridge tubes to be the best option. Cartridge bottoms should be either folded or tied. For safety reasons, tubes shall never be closed with tape or staples.

.69 cal rounds should contain no more than 80 grains of FFFg black powder. No Pyrodex or smokeless powder should be used. Cartridges shall not be carried loose in the cartridge box – proper tins are required.

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Percussion Caps

The Model 1842 Sprinfield Smoothbore Musket used a Percussion Cap ignition system. Percussion caps are small formed brass tubs, lined with fulminate of mercury. When placed over the cone or nipple of a musket and struck by the hammer, a short, hot flame was produced capable of setting off a powder charge. An eleventh cartridge tube with twelve caps was included in each package of 10 Cartridges.

Caps are available through more sutlers. Most caps are made of brass and have four wings around the cap. Although they are available, you should avoid copper caps with six wings due to their tendency to disintegrate when struck. Enough caps should be brought to both fire rounds and clear the barrel during safety inspections.

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Model 1858 Smooth-side Canteen

The Model 1858 smoothside canteen is the preferred style to be carried by the rank and file. The 69th NYSV was supplied with canteens from the New York depots.

New York depot canteen was a smooth-side canteen with a russet leather strap, a brass or white metal chain and a hole for the chain in one of the strap brackets.

The issue canteen had a pewter spout and cork stopper, and was covered with kersey, jean cloth, or blanket material. These coverings were most often brown, tan or gray, with a smattering of dark blue covers. Brown wool or satinette or grey jean cloth is preferred for the 69th NYSV. See Coates’ article in the bibliography for further information.

Original canteens were made from hot-dipped tin. If properly drained and air-dried after each event a tin canteen will not rust, but many suppliers line their canteens with beeswax to reduce the chances for corrosion. Other members use stainless steel canteens, but the stainless steel canteen must be concealed with a proper wool cover to hide this anachronism.

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Haversacks

Federal haversacks were machine-sewn with flat-felled seams and painted black with a linseed oil-based paint that slightly seeps through the cloth. A removable cotton or linen inner bag with two or three hand-sewn buttonholes is included to keep foods separate and allow limited washing of the inside of the bag. The haversack should have a sewn black leather strap secured with a japanned metal (black lacquer) roller buckle to close its main flap.

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Knapsacks

The 1855 double bag knapsack was a standard Federal item. Knapsacks were constructed of linen or cotton canvas and were relatively small, with the main bag being closed with four flaps and two buckles and the other "envelope-type" bag being closed with two rawhide or cloth tape ties. Straps should be short and made with black medium weight leather. All cloth parts should be painted with black boiled linseed oil based paint. When a knapsack becomes worn it may be retouched with a 50/50 mixture of black oil based paint and boiled linseed oil.

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Shelter half

The average soldier carried one shelter half, regardless of rank or special circumstances. This half should be an early Civil War pattern consisting of three panels, bone buttons, hand-sewn buttonholes and hand-sewn grommets. Shelter halves were buttoned together to form a two-man shelter tent during inclement weather. In clear weather they were used as an extra top blanket or used as a sun screen.

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Issue Blanket

Federal blankets weighed just under 6 lbs and were constructed of heavy woven wool cloth with unhemmed edges. Blankets had two broad dark stripes near each end running parallel to the short sides of the blanket. Federal blankets have been incorrectly divided into “Emergency Issue” and “Standard Issue” based on color. The term Emergency Issue refers to blankets procured in the early months of the War that came in variety of sizes, colors and quality. After this emergency period, regulation blankets were issued in brown, gray, and a variety of shades in between. Most blankets had bits of shoddy (remnant wool of various colors) woven into the fabric. The initials "US" were stitched into the blankets to discourage theft, but this practice was not universally observed. The initials are therefore optional.

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Ground Cloth/Rubber Blanket

The ground cloth was made of painted or rubberized cloth with small brass grommets approximately 5/8" in diameter along the outer edges. Large grommets and shiny vinyl finishes should be avoided. In the early war period the infantry was issued the ground cloth, and during storms infantrymen would tie their ground cloths around their shoulders with a piece of leather lace to ward off the rain. Canvas oilcloths painted with black linseed oil based paint (similar to that of haversacks or knapsacks) were issued until November of 1861. After that time rubberized ground cloths (patented by Goodyear) were the standard. The rubberized ground cloth is preferred, though the oilcloth provides some variety for early war scenarios.

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Canteen Half / Mess Plate

Soldiers were issued a stamped tin plate for their meals that saw service in a variety of functions. Many soldiers, however, found the plate cumbersome, and used a canteen half as a plate instead. Canteen halves were versatile and could be used as a plate, a frying pan, or a cover to a coffee boiler. The plate or canteen half was carried in the haversack or knapsack. It is improper to carry the canteen half strapped to your canteen.

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Utensils

A variety of utensils were available to the U.S. soldier. Some were constructed entirely of metal, while others had wooden handles. Forks most often had three sharp tines, while knives were broad and flat with a rounded end. Some soldiers did without spoons entirely and scooped food with the flat of their knife instead.

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Tin cup

Soldiers were issued a large tin cup also known as a ‘dipper’. These were used both to prepare and drink water, coffee and soup. Cups came in a variety of width and heights, and nearly any size is acceptable. Some find a smaller cup easier to store in the haversack, while others prefer the carrying capacity of a larger cup.

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Peach can boiler

Soldiers who wanted a vessel larger than their tin cups often took a tin can and added piece of bailing wire as a handle. These boilers are much easier to work with and preferred by some members.

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Frying Pan

Frying pans were useful items for cooking the meat ration. Some soldiers used a canteen half and a stick, while others would pool their money and purchase a sheet metal frying pan to be used by three or four of them. Cast iron is too heavy, so stick with a sheet metal pan. These can often be found at antique stores or at certain sutlers.

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Hardtack

Hardtack crackers were one of the primary staples issued as rations to the Union Army. Flour (cracker meal) and water were mixed together, formed into squares and baked until all water was removed from the bread. Homemade hardtack doesn’t quite capture the texture of the original hardtack, and G.H. Bent hardtack is downright tasty.

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Salt Pork

Salt Pork was one of the primary meats issued as rations to the Union Army. It consisted of cuts of pork cured and shipped in a brine solution. It is not available commercially in this day and age. A common substitute used by reenactors is dry cured bacon. It keeps well during a weekend and is equally acceptable for frying at breakfast or boiling for dinner. You will not be able to find it at many grocery stores, however many farmers markets do have it available.

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Coffee

Coffee was the third staple issued as a ration to the Union Army. Soldiers revered and coveted their Coffee ration above all others for its qualities to revive their spirit and warm their bones. It was issued as raw beans, roasted beans and ground. One variety today that uses the same processes as in the past is Eight O'clock Coffee that is available at most grocery stores as whole roasted beans or ground.

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Personal Items

Personal items should be purchased with an eye for authenticity and are best purchased with the guidance of a more experienced member. Categories of items are as follows.

Hygiene: toothbrush (bone with bristles), comb (bone or wood), shaving equipment (if used at all), hand mirror (small and unadorned), soap container, handkerchiefs and hand towel (plain fabric dishtowel)

Uniform care: Housewives (small roll-up kits with needles, thread, and buttons were very common)

Wallets: of the period were either fancy leather billfolds or simple cloth pouches that closed with a button. Either is acceptable. Dell’s Leather Works is a good source for leather wallets.

Illumination: Candles and matches were issued in camp, but seldom used or need in the field. Between campfires and moonlight, most people could get around without a light source. Heavy wooden lanterns were only used in permanent camp, though a few metal lanterns saw limited service.

Correspondence: Soldiers often carried writing implements, envelopes, paper, stamps and even diaries. Excellent reproductions are available from Sullivan Press

Watches: Civil War era watches were key wound and relatively expensive. It would be rare for a private to wear one in camp, much less the field. If carried, watch chains should conform to period styles. Consult our expert Andrew Megill for all watch-related questions.

Tobacco: Tobacco use was generally limited to pipes or cigars. Cigarettes were a novelty and typically smoked only by high society gentlemen and women. If you do smoke cigarettes, keep them concealed.

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Vests

Vests were not issued by the government and were privately procured. The average soldier did not wear one, though some found they provided extra warmth during the cooler months. A variety of fabrics were used on the front of the vest, including many colors of wool or embroidered(!) fabric. Vests commonly had a raised or shawl collar, and closed with a variety of buttons (military cuff buttons, coin buttons or glass). The back of the vest was most often polished cotton or muslin, and the rear tie-straps were secured with a two-pronged metal buckle.

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Dress Coat/Frock Coat

Dress or Frock Coat had a nine-button front, two-button functional cuff, brown or black polished cotton interior, white cotton lining for sleeves, and two small pockets in the skirt that extended mid way between the hip and the knee. They were trimmed with worsted wool cord or wool welt. They were issued with raw bottoms and they came in the same sizes as the sack coats.

Prior to the start of the Civil War, the 69th NYSM was issued Dress Frock Coats that were piped in red for artillery, had red epaulets and were longer in the skirt than the standard Federal issue. After the 69th NYSV was raised in October of 1861, historical evidence shows that Dress Coats were seldom worn by 69th NYSV soldiers during the Civil War. The 69th NYSV Historical Association discourages the wearing of Dress Coats unless appropriate for a non-69th NYSV scenario. Only officers and senior NCO’s should even consider buying one.

Authentic frock coats have always been in scarce supply and high demand. Pattern, cloth and construction of this item are time consuming and expensive endeavors, and an authentic coat can cost anywhere from $300 to $600. Use extreme care when selecting these coats, as many are made with incorrect material and crude workmanship. In short, wear a sack coat instead.

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Dress Hat (Hardee Hat)

Constructed of black fur felt with a 3 1/4" wide brim with a double row of stitching around the edge, a crown 6 1/4" high and a black ribbon 1/2" wide. Inside trimmings were to be of the black japanned leather, three inches deep, sewed to but not through the hat.

The dress hat was not issued to the 69th NYSV in the field, since the forage cap was standard issue. There is photographic evidence, however, that the hat saw limited use in the ranks. The dress hat would also be appropriate in certain other scenarios (i.e. Iron Brigade scenarios).

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Kepi's

There is no evidence Kepi's were worn by members of the New York Regiments of the Irish Brigade. At this time, the military directors have elected to prohibit Kepi's in the ranks when portraying the 69th NYSV. Use of the kepi may be permitted when representing other regiments or when portraying the 69th NYSM at First Bull Run. Recommended suppliers are the same as for the Forage Cap.

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