Good Quality Gaiters

[garretttcrooks]

Does anyone know where i can find a good pair of white canvas gaiters? They are crucial to my impression, and i dont want to spend 30 dollars on something i will use twice, then they fall apart. i need good heavy duty buckles, and good canvas. Does anyone know of a sutler that can produce such an item? Or if anyone wants to sell a pair, i can do that too.
Thanks

[Reliccrazy]

With the buckle type Jarnagins might be good. Since I think they get made in the shop in the USA, they should be very good as far as holding together.

For the US Army type, I'm not sure where you can find those now.

[skamikaze]

What is your impression? Depending on your answer, you may not need buckles at all. Federal Issue gaiters had loop ties and most zouave gaiters used button closures. NJ S****** makes the best federal issue ones I've seen. I've got a pair and love them.

[garretttcrooks]

we are the 114th SNY, we are required to wear white canvas gaiters with black leather buckles

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

This is a two part question/answer - do you want durable long lasting and secure, or do you want period correct (they are two different animals)? If the first is your wish, just about any mainstream sutler carries the buckled kind of heavy canvas (in a variety of colors history-be-damned). The only current major vendor carrying anything that resembles period correct leggings/gaitors in NJ Sekela, based upon an original pair, and they tie through grommets. They are substantially more than $30 though, but are much more correct for most impressions than the "fantasy gaitors" offered up by most mainstream purveyors

[garretttcrooks]

that is kind of a hard question to answer. our unit pirdes itself in being authentic, but all of the members wear the white canvas with black buckle gaiters

[PVT.THIB]

Garrett, I sent you a PM.
Thanks,
Jason

[BobWerner]

that is kind of a hard question to answer. our unit pirdes itself in being authentic, but all of the members wear the white canvas with black buckle gaiters

Don't read anything into this, but what type/style of gaiter (if any) did the original unit you are portraying wear? If it is not the type you are describing here, perhaps your group's members might want to reconsider their choice.

[Reliccrazy]

Well, if you look at a New york "I think?" unit at Harpers ferry, they ALL have buckle gaiters. I've seen and heard of rebs having the buckle type. The photos of Maine units with gaiters, they seem to be the type Sekela have though. Course those are the Federal issue I think.
So I wouldn't say sutlers have fanasty ones, though they aren't as common and more limited in which unit can use them. Though I have no idea if the fellows unit used the buckle or string type.

Sekela for Fed issue or Jarnagin for buckle type. Jarnagins might not always have the perfect cut, but there stuff LASTS.

[rollydoger]

Keep in mind that when looking at woodcuts, you don't know the color, just some details. This along with the photos of men in darker leggings with buckles, generally are the leather gaiters (as worn by such units as Berdans or several zouave units). There were also false leather boot tops to go over your brogans to make them look like you had boots. A few photos exist of these.
The best leggings out there for the US non-zouave, is from Sekela. I don't know of any big named vendor that offers the proper button up style. And if there is, then you'd probably have to tailor them to your leg. Gaiters that don't fit the leg look like 1980s leg warmers.
Again, do some research and make sure this is the item you need for your impression. And then you'd have to see how long did they wear them. Just because they were issued them when they enlisted/formed, does not mean they were worn through the war. In fact, may have only lasted a few months.
just my 2 pennies
Joe Blunt

[7thNJcoA]

The mans name is Scott Wallick and the 7th has been ordering his gaiters for a long time and they are in my opinion the best in the hobby! http://www.secondwi.com/thestore/scott_wallickfor_information_or_.htm

email him for recent prices and availability! I know members who have had pairs for many years and are still in great shape.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Well, if you look at a New york "I think?" unit at Harpers ferry, they ALL have buckle gaiters. I've seen and heard of rebs having the buckle type. The photos of Maine units with gaiters, they seem to be the type Sekela have though. Course those are the Federal issue I think.
So I wouldn't say sutlers have fanasty ones, though they aren't as common and more limited in which unit can use them. Though I have no idea if the fellows unit used the buckle or string type.

Sekela for Fed issue or Jarnagin for buckle type. Jarnagins might not always have the perfect cut, but there stuff LASTS.

Every couple of years this debate comes out, and for some reason, nobody has produced any images of buckled gaitors like the sutlers all love to sell these days, or even one original legging with multiple buckles. Why is this? Perhaps its because they did not exist in any substantial numbers but are alot easier to make in Pakistan and overseas, thus allowing sutlers to make more money. I'll back off my "fantasy" comments right about the time I see at least one original in a museum, private collection, or a clear documentable image, until then, I'll stick with the proper grommeted or buttoned gaitor, depending of course upon proper time and unit portrayal.

[RJSamp]

The mans name is Scott Wallick and the 7th has been ordering his gaiters for a long time and they are in my opinion the best in the hobby! http://www.secondwi.com/thestore/scott_wallickfor_information_or_.htm

email him for recent prices and availability! I know members who have had pairs for many years and are still in great shape.

Absolutely, have had mine since A135 in 1997. Gaiter-man Wallick.....

[garretttcrooks]

Well thanks guys for all the help! i have talked to the unit quartermaster about this subject, and we are trying to work it out. thanks

[skamikaze]

The buckle gaiters are easy to find and make and are usually pretty cheap, but as Ross said, are probably not authentic. The only original Gaiters I've see that have buckles are made of leather. Try to find quartermaster reports from the unit you portray. You may find that they did not have them at all, or were only issued them once. I would wait till you've done some research or found a photo before you get gaiters.

[7thNJcoA]

Most AoP units that wore gaiters wore the Wallick reproduced gaiter. (hence it being called the AoP gaiter) The iron brigade was most know for wearing them however many units did as well such as the 7th NJ, though some threw them in the fire by 1863 many held on to them throughout the war. Like many early war trends they did not stay a popular piece of gear but many accounts I have read are nothing but praise. They are great for walking through prickers and even keep your legs warmer at those chilly events. If they are properly fitted you do not even notice you are wearing them.

[Michael Dec]

Stony Brook has a used pair for $3 plus $6 shipping.

http://www.stonybrookcompany.com/page5a.html

Michael Dec

[pvt_jb]

"our unit pirdes itself in being authentic"

Not picking on you or your unit.

However, I see this on so many unit websites regardless of how very far from authentic they are on any of the three legs of the stool (Man, Methods, and Material). It is easy to say but not easy to do. Step one is to throw the unit tribal knowledge of the group out the window and read and research to find answers instead.

[garretttcrooks]

the captin has said that our unit was issued white canvas gaiters with leather buckles, so any one know where i can get a pair of good quality white buckle gaiters

[7thNJcoA]

maybe you should ask your Cpt. for some documentation if he is trying to be "authentic" a photo or some quartermaster documents would be some nice proof.

[pvt_jb]

I'm sure your captain said they were issued common tents for each man too. Again, forget the tribal knowledge of the group and do some research. Also consider the time of war. I'm not doubting they were issued gaiters (I'm doubting they were issued gaiters from India). I'm betting after some time in the field they were gone. So, not authentically correct for every scenario and event. Of course since your group prides itself on being authentic I'm sure they understand this.

Listen to the advice being given in this thread. You are not going to find a period correct white canvas with black buckle gaiters. If you are insistent in following the sheep of your group grab a pair off of skinner row and be done with it. This type of crap all comes from the same place so quality will be well...crap regardless of what sutler row vendor you hit.

[7thNJcoA]

like I said before ask for some documentation. If your Cpt. is as concerned with being authentic as you so state he will be happy you asked. If he can not provide it do the research yourself and help the unit out. But if you want to order those AoP gaiters (which I have seen in documentation and period photos) better do it now it takes a few weeks if he is busy. It seems that no matter what you say your unit is going to get pissed they may have to spend an extra $60 and say "shut up we already have our farb stockings lets keep them the public wont know!" :mad: grrrrrrr........

[skamikaze]

yes, PLEASE get documentation on the mysterious "black buckle" gaiters. I have never seen an original, or a photo of such. Doesn't mean they don't exist, I'm just very highly skeptical.

I'm willing to bet that your unit was issued standard gaiters (if they got them at all) and your reenacting group (if they are interested in authenticity) should try making a bulk order from a reputable vendor for good gaiters. Usually bulk orders make it cheaper.

Try and find quartermaster reports, you may be surprised with what you find.

[hconverse]

the captin has said that our unit was issued white canvas gaiters with leather buckles, so any one know where i can get a pair of good quality white buckle gaiters

Garrett,

There have been lenthy discussions by many different people in many forums/arenas about the gaiters that were worn by Union troops during the war. During the discussions(some going back 15 years or more) and researching of gaiters, the most common forms of gaiters were the AOP(canvas and leather) or those of the canvas button variety each of which can be attributed to specific units. If you would like I can send you copies of some of this research.

I know of only three vendors who have produced the AOP gaiter with any accuracy over the years, Don Rademacher, Scott Wallick and NJ S****** . The latter two are still producing these gaiters. Scott Wallicks gaiters are based on pair that resided in the Milwaukee Public Museum and were attributed to a soldier in the Iron Brigade. I have owned a pair of Scott's gaiters for the last 14 years and they a good reproduction. NJ S****** offer's this type of gaiter on his website with the period correct buckle.

Both will give you many years of service for approximately the same price.

Scott Sonntag
Citizen's Guard - 2nd WI Co A
Hard Head Mess

[44thGa]

It seems as if y'all wear the gaiters for both Union and Confederate :confused: How authentically minded are y'all again?

[PVT.THIB]

I think this all comes back to the statement Curt made about one's "mental picture" of what is correct and incorrect.

[garretttcrooks]

we use the gaiters only for our union impression

[Jim of the SRR]

I'm sure your captain said they were issued common tents for each man too. Again, forget the tribal knowledge of the group and do some research. Also consider the time of war. I'm not doubting they were issued gaiters (I'm doubting they were issued gaiters from India). I'm betting after some time in the field they were gone. So, not authentically correct for every scenario and event. Of course since your group prides itself on being authentic I'm sure they understand this.

Listen to the advice being given in this thread. You are not going to find a period correct white canvas with black buckle gaiters. If you are insistent in following the sheep of your group grab a pair off of skinner row and be done with it. This type of crap all comes from the same place so quality will be well...crap regardless of what sutler row vendor you hit.

I have to agree with Jeremy on this. He brings out some good points. First, if you wearing the same impression to EVERY reenactment you attend, then you are NOT concerned with authenticity. Because, the same unit would not only not appear at every scenario being reenacted at an event, but even the units look would change depending upon the time or campaigne being portrayed.
I for one don't really agree with specific unit impressions for a unit because it is too limiting for the wide variety of time frames and campaigns we are trying to portray at each differing event.

Jim Butler
SCAR www.geocities.com/scar_civilwar
SRR www.geocities.com/saltriverrifles

[Bill_Cross]

Most AoP units that wore gaiters wore the Wallick reproduced gaiter. (hence it being called the AoP gaiter) The iron brigade was most know for wearing them however many units did as well such as the 7th NJ, though some threw them in the fire by 1863 many held on to them throughout the war.
I have seen so few photos of AoP men wearing gaiters. The photographic evidence doesn't seem to be there, but perhaps you have some images you can share?

I had a pair of Scott's gaiters when I was in the 7th NJ. The unit wore them to all events.

[Silas]

we use the gaiters only for our union impression

Doesn't seem that way from a recent photo of your company as posted on your company's webpage :
http://www.angelfire.com/la3/gardnercamp/Unit_Pictures/thumbnails/600x450/IM000654a.jpg
The caption below the photo says, "Here we are as the 18th La....What a change in getting to wear Confederate Gray. This was at Port Hudson, March 2009". Here's a link to the page : http://www.angelfire.com/la3/gardnercamp/Unit_Pictures/index.album/here-we?i=42&s=1

There are several photos on said pages which contain a blue/gray, Confederate-ish company wearing sutler grade gaiters. Seems that gaiters are a standard item for your company when wearing the dark blue coat or the light gray jacket.

[garretttcrooks]

sorry... i m new to the unit, and that is the reason that i started this forum. to find gaiters, not to be scrutinized about the authenticity of my unit.. thanks

[Silas]

You made a positive representation that gaiters were only used for your company's Federal impression, but photo evidence - as linked from your company's own pages - says otherwise.

As for authencity, I could have written something far more strong than Confederate-ish, but refrained. I continue to refrain. I will note that if you are sensitive about scrutiny, you might not want to post links to your unit or commence discussions about "frab".

[garretttcrooks]

in all truthfullness, i have not fallen in with the unit when it was confederate, i wouldnt know if they used gaiters with that impression or not. I have only been a member of this unit for only 4 months.. so honest mistake

[Cpt Boone]

I know of only three vendors who have produced the AOP gaiter with any accuracy over the years, Don Rademacher, Scott Wallick and NJ S****** . The latter two are still producing these gaiters. Scott Wallicks gaiters are based on pair that resided in the Milwaukee Public Museum and were attributed to a soldier in the Iron Brigade. I have owned a pair of Scott's gaiters for the last 14 years and they a good reproduction. NJ S****** offer's this type of gaiter on his website with the period correct buckle.

Folks,

You can post Nick Sekela's full name here. The * is an automated function on the AC.

[lincolnsguard]

Gibbon's horse wore gaiters, didn't it?

I'd have to say, save ZU ZU units, in the nawth at least, gaiters were gone by the end of the Chancellorsville Campaign. Decoration was done, the gubment was more interested in producing goods that helped it's men fight.

I've never seen an original pair from a Confederate, documented to any time period but 1861-early '62(commutation system or before). Think about it. Did the Cornfederacy have the time and money to spend on producing "extras" to uniform it's troops?

IMHO, gaiters are more a product of the re'nacterism than historical documentation.

I know this for sure. The 83rd PA was issued them with their Chassaur(sp) uniforms but, never wore them, several of the Iron Brigade regiments, hated them and refused to wear them even at the threat of death, and pre Chancellorsville photos of the 110th PA shows less than 1/3 of the men wearing them.

Yes, I owned a pair. Wore them for one LH at Chancellorsville for one day and sold 'em(Sekela, and very well made). They were a pain in the a$$ to put on and off and, they made my feet and legs hot. Had I been a CW soldier, they'd have gotten tossed in the bushes after I used them for "sink" duty. :D

[7thNJcoA]

You are correct in saying that they didn't last long. From my reading on the 7th NJ by Gettysburg most men tossed theirs but a few still had them. They were liked for certain reasons but hated for many more. We only wear them now if we have read that members wore them during a certain battle and if we portray a different unit we of course will not wear them since most units did not have them. The governor of NJ wasted a lot of money getting these for most NJ troops.

[Pvt Schnapps]

Apropos of nothing, I suppose, the General Orders governing the cost of clothing, camp and garrison equipage do not list leggings until G.O. 202 of December 9, 1862, at which time the price is given at $1.25 for leather and $0.75 for linen.

They remain on the annual price list for G.O. 364 of November 12, 1863, and G.O. 220 of July 1, 1864 (they finally got around to updating it in time for the beginning of the fiscal year), by which latter time the price had risen to $1.65 for leather and $0.95 for linen, which may actually have been a bit less than the rate of inflation.

According to Meigs' end of war accounting, the QM department procured a total of 177,307 pairs over the course of the war. He didn't distinguish leather from linen for this count.

This doesn't include any early war purchases by states or other sources (e.g., the 34th Mass. bought white gloves using their regimental fund).

In an army of three million, 177,307 would not have gone very far and, though it still came to quite a lot, it pales next to other items, like the 745,815 leather stocks (!).

[Silas]

Between stocks and "socks," which is over and which is under represented in the hobby?

[7thNJcoA]

the answer has to be on a unit to unit basis lol

[mississippian]

I have researched the "Tramp Brigade" of South Carolina troops and have found that 5 pairs of leggings were issued to each company of the 22nd South Carolina on November 10th 1863, while the regiment was in the Charleston SC area. For what reason, who knows. But at least some C.S. troops were still wearing leggings as late as the fall of 1863.

Will MacDonald

[Pvt Schnapps]

Between stocks and "socks," which is over and which is under represented in the hobby?

Twenty million issue stockings were procured during the war, but they weren't nearly as durable, so your guess is as good as mine.

I never get tired of reading Meigs :)

[garretttcrooks]

ok .. so here is an update... I winded up not joining that unit.. so no gaiters needed... thanks for all 40 of those that posted...