UNIFORM and EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS:
1. Whereas the Texas Rifles are frequently called upon to do a western theater Confederate impression, at those times the Texas Rifles’ uniforms and equipment should parallel uniforms and equipment likely to have been used by troops in that theater of operations.
2. After the collapse of the Commutation System under which troops supplied their own clothing) in 1862, western theater soldiers would have received subsequent issues of uniforms and equipment from the various clothing depots in their area. Thus at the peak of the struggle, western theater Confederates would have received clothing and equipment produced within the western theater, limited captured Federal supplies, or goods imported from foreign sources.
3. We propose that the Uniform and Equipment Regulations offered below be secondary to the primary Texas Rifles impression of eastern theater soldiers. Members would not be required to obtain any of the following items. However, those Texas Rifles members desiring an authentic western theater impression are advised to adhere to these regulations. Western theater uniform and equipment items owned by current members, but not conforming to these regulations can be used until replaced. New recruits will be required to conform to all regulations in this document.
4.
The goal of these regulations is to maintain the Texas
Rifles as one of the premier organizations of its kind in the
I.
WEAPONS
The initial armament of many Confederate infantry units was
.69 caliber smoothbore
Recommended Weapons: Preference
#1 M1842 .69 caliber
Preference
#2 M1816 .69 caliber
Preference
#3 M1861 .58 caliber
Preference
#4 M1855 .58 caliber
Preference
#5 P1853 .577 caliber
Acceptable Weapons: M1863, M1864 .58 caliber US rifle-muskets
Discouraged Weapons: M1841 .54 or .58 caliber “Mississippi” Rifle
P1858
.577 caliber
Each weapon must be equipped with the appropriate bayonet, tompion and cleaning tools (such as
a worm and nipple wrench) and cartridge box. Cone protectors
for
II. ACCOUTREMENTS
The following items are recommended. Often, these accoutrements will allow the member to participate as either a Federal or Confederate soldier. Uniquely Confederate accoutrement items of issue can be added later as desired. Cartridge box caliber should match caliber of weapon.
Recommended Accoutrements:
Cartridge Boxes
Preference #1 M1857 .58 or .69 Cartridge Box unmarked & unriveted
Preference #2 Confederate manufactured early war Cartridge Box
Preference #3 M1857 .58 or .69 US Cartridge Box, early or pre-war stamps
Preference #4 M1839 (42) .69 Cartridge Box
Preference #5
When doing a Confederate impression the oval “
Cartridge Box Slings
Preference #1 M1857 Black “Waxed” Leather Cartridge Box Sling
Preference #2 M1857 Black Leather smooth-side out Cartridge Box Sling
Preference #3 Confederate Cartridge Box Sling, painted cloth
Preference #4 Confederate Cartridge Box Sling, unpainted cloth
Preference #5 Enfield Pattern black leather Sling
When doing a western theater impression, the cartridge box sling is optional on some boxes.
Waist Belt
Buckle
Preference #1 Confederate Georgia Frame Buckle
Preference #2 Confederate Forked Tongue Buckle
Preference #3 Roller Buckle
Preference #4 Pewter “CSA” Buckle
Preference #5 English “S” hook pattern Buckle
Preference #6 “
Waist Belt
Preference #1 Smooth or Waxed leather belt for frame or US oval buckle. No brass keeper.
Preference #2 Confederate Waist Belt, painted cloth
Preference #3 British pattern Waist Belt with “S” hook belt plate
The buckle you use may determine the waist belt style; make sure they are compatible
Musket Sling
Preference #1 M1839 US pattern russet leather Musket Sling
Preference #2 Confederate pattern linen Musket Sling
Using a musket sling is optional. Many Confederates probably did not have one at all.
Bayonet Scabbard
Preference #1 M1857 US Gaylord pattern Bayonet Scabbard, two rivet or all sewn
Preference #2 Confederate pattern Bayonet Scabbard, all sewn, brass or tin tipped
Capbox
Preference #1 M1850 US pattern Capbox, shield or tapered front
Preference #2 Confederate pattern Capbox
II. Quartermaster Equipment
Recommended Quartermaster Equipment:
Knapsack
Preference #1 Texas Rifles Confederate/ Mexican War Pattern single bag Knapsack with russet leather straps, stenciled with company letter, soldier’s company number and regimental number
Preference #2 US M1853 “Double-Bag” Knapsack, early war version
Preference #3 Blanket Roll (no knapsack)
Preference #4 Isaac & Campbell British Knapsack
Preference #5 Any authentic period Knapsack
Haversack
Preference #1
Preference #2 Unpainted cotton duck Haversack with button closure
Tent
Preference #1 Gaede Type IIa pattern Shelter Tent Half
Preference #2 Gaede Type IIIb pattern Shelter Tent Half
The Texas Rifles is a “campaign style” unit; our shelter must be comfortably transportable in our knapsacks or in a blanket roll. Sibley and “A” frame tents are suitable only at static events. Wall tents for enlisted men are unacceptable. Many Confederates had no shelter on campaign.
Canteen
No Texas Rifles preference; any authentic period canteen is appropriate. Federal style canteens
should be covered, or re-covered, in Texas Rifles approved gray/brown jeans.
Rain Protection
Preference #1 Painted Oilcloth
Preference #3
Preference #1
Cooking and Eating Gear
Texas Rifles members must have an authentic period tin cup, tin plate, knife, spoon and fork. Each member needs access to authentic period cooking gear for food preparation. These items could include a sheet iron frying pan and a tin boiler. All cooking items must be of a size suitable to be conveniently carried by one man. No stainless steel or cast iron.
Blanket
Preference #1 Any authentic period blanket or coverlet
Preference #2 US pattern wool Blanket with “US” stitched into center
III.
Uniform
Recommended Uniform:
Jacket
Preference #1 Columbus Depot Jacket, Type I or Type
II, Sheep Grey wool/brown cotton jeans with French blue kersey collar &
cuffs,
Preference #2 Department of Alabama Depot Pattern Jacket (Mystery Jacket)
Preference #3 Generic CS Jeans Jacket with low collar, one piece sleeves & six piece body
Preference #4 CS Single Breasted – Jean Cloth Frock Coat
Preference #5 Any Authentic Period Civilian Sack or Frock Coat
Preference #6 US Pattern Sack Coat
Trousers
Preference #1 Trousers, any authentic period civilian trousers of cotton, wool, linen or wool/cotton jeans with porcelain, wood, metal or bone buttons
Preference #2 Trousers, US pattern sky blue kersey of the Schuylkill Arsenal or contractor design. Machine sewn and hand finished with black tin buttons.
Hats
Preference #1 Any authentic period slouch hat. No fedoras, outback or modern cowboy hats
Preference #2 Any authentic period civilian hat, including wheel, straw, mechanic’s, top and bowler hats.
Preference #3 CS Kepi or Forage Cap of wool, cotton or wool/cotton jeans.
Preference #4 US pattern dark blue Forage Cap
The western theater of the Civil War was not supported as well materially as the eastern theater. Insignia should be kept to a minimum, or not used at all. Avoid the use of leather drawstrings on slouch hats and animal parts.
Shirts
No Texas Rifles preference,
however white muslin shirts are over represented in the ranks. Although the CS
authorities issued shirts, no standard style, or fabric has been identified.
Many Confederate soldiers were outfitted with donated shirts and/or civilian
shirts from home. These shirts were either made from homespun cotton or
manufactured print patterns. They were frequently colorful and pleasing to the
eye, as dictated by the fashion of the day. Small glass or porcelain buttons of
many varieties and colors were used most often. Metal, bone and wood buttons
are over-represented.
Socks
No Texas Rifles preference; any authentic period sock made of 100% wool, cotton, or wool/cotton blend.
Shoes
Preference #1 Confederate pattern shoes
Preference #2 Any authentic period working class shoes
Preference #3 US pattern black leather Brogan shoes with leather laces
Braces (Suspenders)
No Texas Rifles preference; any authentic period non-elastic suspender is appropriate. Suspenders were not an item of issue to soldiers.
Accessories
Items which are useful, but not required by the Texas Rifles, include the following:
Federal or Confederate Overcoat Spare pair of Socks
Cotton or linen long Drawers Spare shirt
Period Hatchet for cutting fire wood Wool shirt for cold weather events
Housewife (sewing kit) for in-the-field repairs Vest
Texas Rifles Authenticity
Committee
Tommy Attaway
Mike Covington
Phil Sozansky
Nancy Tucker
Texas Rifles
Motivations:
A
group of people who were interested in the soldiers and civilians of the Civil
War founded the Texas Rifles in 1987. They created this organization with the
benefit of membership in other reenacting groups like the Confederate Guard.
From the first days of the unit, the Texas Rifles have been motivated by
authenticity. Captain Scott Swenson’s articles titled, “Let’s Chat About Your
Hat” and the research of dozens of other reenactors led the Rifles to adopt many
progressive hobby reforms into the company. For example we were one of the first
units to adopt a jean/wool shell jackets. We banned wedge tents and began to
sleep in dog tents or under the stars at nearly all events. This mentality is
now called “campaign style reenacting” and we were one of the first groups to
adopt this motivation for our company. Although members have come and gone and
we have been associated with several battalions, the Texas Rifles have been able
to keep their identity as a company. This has lead to a strong “esprit de corps”
for Company G. Our reputation as an authentic unit has become well known. The
following list sums up our beliefs:
·
our primary impression is
Eastern Theater Confederate Infantry
·
we serve as federal troops
when called upon
·
we are a campaign style
unit, but we have a mixed schedule of events in which some events are not
physically demanding
·
marching, drilling, and
authenticity show us a truer look of life for the infantry
·
if you can’t carry it, don’t
bring it!
·
Hope for the best, plan for
the worst, never quit
·
Correct and strict drill
insures our safety in the field
·
We lead by
example
·
By improving our physical
impression we hope to improve our mental impression
·
The proper uniform and the proper attitude make a good
soldier
·
We are a “progressive”
reenactment style unit, meaning we continually strive to
improve
Becoming a Texas Rifle
Recruit:
As
a recruit you will be trained as a private soldier learning the actual military
drills and commands from the official manuals of the Confederate Army. Military
discipline in reenacting is based on cooperation between the men, nco’s , and
the officers. Our officers are elected annually and our non-commissioned officer
staff is appointed by ability and experience. The leadership of the Texas Rifles
can boast of decades of collective experience in the hobby. As a prospective
member, you will be heartily welcomed and quickly make friends among veterans
and recruits alike.
To
become a Texas Rifle, you must attend at least two maximum effort events within
one year ( This does not include our January Winedale muster). You will be
assigned a sponsor to help you with whatever questions and needs you have during
your time as a recruit. This time period allows you to meet the members of our
unit, and make sure this hobby is for you. After you have attended the required
number of events, the company will vote on your membership. To help you ease
into reenacting, we can usually cloth, arm, and equip you from our members extra
equipment. As you can afford items, we encourage you to begin putting together
your impression. As a rule we would like you to be equipped within about a year.
Should any borrowed equipment become lost or damaged while in your possession,
you will be held financially responsible for those items. Members of the Texas
Rifles pay dues of $12 /year (Recruits do not pay dues).
For
more information about our unit, visit our website at Texasrifles.org This will give you access to our
newsletter, schedule of upcoming events, and links to other good websites.
Please complete the enclosed
application and mail it to Sergeant Frank Marek of the Texas Rifles (address
below under Sutlers).
Recommended
Sutlers:
Blockade Runner
1027 Bell Buckle/Wartrace
Rd.
Wartrace TN, 37183
http://www.blockaderunner.com/
file:///C:/Texas%20Rifles/blockaderunner@midtnn.net
Phone (voice): 931-389-6294
24 Hr Fax: 931-389-0486
C
& D Jarnagin Co.
P.O. Box 1860--or--UPS: 103
Franklin Street
Corinth, Mississippi
38834-1860
file:///C:/Texas%20Rifles/cjarnagin@bellsouth.net
Phone (662) 287-4977 *Fax
(662) 287-6033
Clearwater Hat
Company
1007 Clearwater
Road
Newnata/Timbo, AR
72680
http://www.clearwaterhats.com/
(870)
347-2252
Chris Graham
(suspenders)
1420 E. Vineyard
Rd.
Hayesville, North Carolina
28904
(704)
389-6126
Company Quartermaster
(defarbed reproduction Enfield M1853 muskets)
258
Zimmerman St.
North Tonawanda, New York
14120-4509
members.bellatlantic.net/~vze3jhwa/
file:///C:/Texas%20Rifles/t.schultz5@verizon.net
(866) 693-3239 (ask for
Terry)
Dirty Billy’s
Hats
20
Baltimore St.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
17325
http://www.dirtybillyshats.com/
717-334-3200
Evergreen Acres Farms
N2784 Camp Riversite Road
Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085
http://Evergreenacresfarm.com/homepage.html
(920) 564-3101 or (920) 893-0683
Fall Creek
Suttlery
P.O. Box
92
Whitestown, IN
46075
file:///C:/Texas%20Rifles/FC%20Sutler%20@aol.com
(765) 482-1861 and (765)
482-1848 fax
Frank J. Marek (uniforms and
military caps)
P.O. Box
1953
Dayton, Texas
77535
936-257-1323
Frazer Brothers
(sutler)
5641 Yale Blvd.
Suite
125
Dallas, Texas
75206
http://www.frazerbrothers.com/
214-696-1865
Jersey Skillet Licker
(sutler)
John Keahey (uniforms,
equipment, military & civilian caps)
2810 W. Pebble
Beach
Missouri City, Texas
77459
281-261-0665
John
Zaharias
P.O
Box 31152
St.
Louis, Missouri 63131
314-966-2829
John G. Zimmerman Defarbed
Civil War Muskets (& Pistols)
P.O. Box 1351 (1195
Washington St.)
Harpers Ferry, WV.
25425
(304)
535-2558
Kathy Kleiman
(socks)
10264 Eaglenest
Ct.
Fairfax, Virginia
22032
file:///C:/Texas%20Rifles/dortheadix@aol.com
703-323-1219
Mattimore Harness
(boots)
509
S. Second St.
Laramie, Wyoming
82070
file:///C:/Texas%20Rifles/tom@civilwarboots.com
Call evenings only 307-745-8460
Mickey
Black
6378 US 601
Salisbury, North Carolina
28147
http://www.salisburyemporium.com/mickeyblacksocks.htm
file:///C:/Texas%20Rifles/mickey@salisburyemporium.com
(704)
637-3331
Missouri Boot & Shoe
Company (Robert Serio) (shoes, leather goods
accoutrements)
951
Burr Crossing Road
Neosho, Missouri
64850
http://www.missouribootandshoe.com/index.asp
(417)
451-6100
Orchard Hill Sutlery
417 Esperance Road
Esperance, NY 12066
http://www.orchardhillsutlery.com/
518-875-9981
Sam
Doolin (wooden canteens)
1670 Lewis
St.
Lakewood, Colorado
80215
Tim
Allen (hats)
1429 Becket
Rd.
Eldersburg, Maryland
21784
file:///C:/Texas%20Rifles/tahats@starpower.net
(410) 549-5145 (call between
7-9PM EST)
Tim
Bender Hats (TP & H Trading Co.)
121
Carriage Drive
Birdsboro,PA
19508
http://groups.msn.com/timbendershats/timbendershats.msnw
file:///C:/Texas%20Rifles/timbendershats@groups.msn.com
file:///C:/Texas%20Rifles/tph_trading@msn.com
(610) 582-0327
Wisconsin Veterans Museum
(research archives & resources)
30
W. Mifflin St.
Madison, Wisconsin
53703
http://museum.dva.state.wi.us/
file:///C:/Texas%20Rifles/Veterans.Museum@dva.state.wi.us
(608)
267-1799