2nd Lieutenant

[wsjax4]

My impression is to be a 2nd Lieutenant in the 20th Alabama. So far I have decided on a grey wool jean Columbus Depot shell jacket with medium blue collar and cuffs - 2nd Lieutenant's bar on the collar with "I" buttons. Grey wool jean pants with suspenders and black boots. Black belt with oval shaped CS buckle. I am leaning towards a kepi. I have no idea which way to go on a pistol and/or sword. I am hoping some of you seasoned vets can help the new guy.

Many thanks.
Scott

[Suppelsa]

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Chris Suppelsa

[huntdaw]

My first question is why are you going with the CD jacket? Have you researched what the 20th Alabama was wearing at different periods of the war? While a CD jacket might be appropriate for some years it may not fit for others.

If you are wanting one jacket to fit all periods, you might want to consider an officer's frock coat. Or, you could go with the CD if it fits a certain time period you are doing and purchase another jacket that would work for those times when the 20th wasn't wearing them.

Plus, remember, officers were not in the supply system. They had things made for them. This gives you some leeway in the type of coat you wear. And, the frock was very popular and could be seen throughout the war.

Look at some photos and books. Echoes of Glory, Confederate has a number of officer's coats in it. Check period photos and see what the real guys were wearing.