Equipment Needed to Participate with
the 49th Indiana
Buying the
clothing and equipment is the most important step you will take as a member. By
moving cautiously in choosing what to buy you may save yourself money, and
aggravation. Never act on impulse. This hobby can be expensive if you have to
buy something twice because you bought the wrong thing the first time. Before
you buy it's best to consult with the veterans on what to buy. It is important
that you do this. This is probably the only way to ensure you are getting
authentically correct reproductions of items of good quality. Investing money
in quality material will mean that your items will last longer and save you
money over time. You can purchase most of your equipment at a 'Sutler's' Kind
of a traveling store that set up tents and booth's at various events. One such
sutler Fall Creek Suttlery can be found on
the Web, check him out for updated price lists!
Some guidelines to consider:
You will not need a sword or pistol so cross these off your list right
now.
Do not use original Civil War equipment. The original stuff costs a lot.
You may accidently damage a family heirloom. Leave the original equipment
safely at home.
Try not to cut corners when assembling your impression. Yard sales and
modified clothing will not usually work well with the 49th. We are proud of our
authenticity and wish to maintain our fine reputation. Again, if your not sure,
ask a veteran, we will be happy to help!
When portraying a Civil War soldier think about your overall appearance.
If you wear glasses you will have to get 19th century frames with prescription
lenses (many of us have done this) or get contact lenses. When in the field do
not wear a wristwatch or other jewelry. Some of us wear Civil War type
underwear at events, you might too, but if you wear modern underwear it must
not be visible during the event. This includes T-shirts. Civil War period
stockings were wool or cotton of natural colors. Thermal or hunting socks with
stripes should not be worn. Brogans are something else you will need,
workboots, and modern shoes do not look right.
The following groups of uniform parts and equipment (with approximate
prices) are listed in recommended order of purchase.
- GROUP 1 - Your basic
uniform
- Civil War period
shoes (brogans) $95
- Sky blue kersey
trowsers and suspenders $92
- Four button sack
coat $85
- Slouch Hat or
similar $40-$75
- Period shirt $35
GROUP
2 - Your basic equipment - Leather gear $108
cartridge/cap boxes, belts & straps
- Haversack (food
bag) $27
- Canteen (metal with
wool cover) $50
- Eating utensils
(knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup) $30
- Musket (1861 model
Or - Musket (
- Bayonet and Scabbard
$55
- Gum blanket
(rubberized ground cloth) $50
- Wool blanket (
- Shelter tent half
$30 (you'll need two halves, or plan on splitting with a pard)
- GROUP 3 - Optional
items you might eventually get
- Winter greatcoat $210
- Frock coat $200
- Vest $85
- Underdrawers $22
- Soft knapsack $100
Remember, these items are optional. You can
still participate with the 49th even if you do not have these items.
As you can see this list is not cheap, so check
with the veterans first. You can possibly borrow equipment from others and save
money until you are ready to buy everything you need. There are a lot of
knapsack stuffers that everyone is constantly buying to upgrade their
impressions. Items like tobacco plugs, writing paper and pens, odd food items,
and tote bags make great presents for Christmas, birthdays, etc. Keeping a good
Civil War impression is an ongoing activity for all of us!
I would also like to take this time to thank
Ward Williams for his artistic renderings presented here, Thanks Ward!
-- Last updated on 11/1/06 --
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