Artillery Blanket

[harley_davis]

Hallo,
I am curious about the red (so called) "artillery blankets" currently offered by some sutlers. Following a search of this site and reading regulations on the subject, I am of the opinion that these are probably a "re-enactorism". Would I be correct in assuming (gosh, I know what this means!!) that Light Artillery units would have been issued the standard blankets such as the Infantry recieved?
Respectfully,

[Slickrick214]

Which ones are you exactly talking about? There are some out there that are made authentic then others. The brown blankets with the two red stripes made by EJ Mercantile are authentic for the time period and are cited. They were used by Corp. T.V. Brooke of the Richmond Howitzers and it was copied from the original at the Museum of the Confederacy.

If your talking about something like this blanket sold by DGW then I would not be able to say how authentic they are. I wouldn't buy one from them anyway because they will probably fall apart after a few times out in the field.

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=3548

[harley_davis]

The blankets I refer to are the bright red with dark blue stripes at each end such as the one you provided the link to (with or without the US stitched in center).
Respectfully,

[BurroughsBattery]

Harley,
You are aware that this is horse equipment, for use under the saddle of the horses.

The American Military Saddle 1776-1945 lists under

"Price list of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores 1865"

Saddle Blanket, Red for Artillery
Saddle Blanket, blue for Cavalry
Saddle Blanket, Gray for Cavalry........

I also know that Dragoon Blankets have orange trim on them as well.

So no, I do not believe this to be a reenactorism. Just because it has red on it doesn't necessarily mean it is farby.

Take care,
Steve Cameron
Burrough's Battery

[harley_davis]

Steve
Yes, I am aware that these were intended as horse equipage but I did not know the orange trim was for Dragoons.

It becomes apparant to me upon re-reading my orginial post that I did not word my question very clearly. Since some (no names will be mentioned) sutlers give the impression they are for soldier use, I became curious if they (red blankets) were ever issued in extreme circumstances to artillery units for use by troops. Just an off the wall curiosity really, and I am not really sure why I wondered anymore. Thank you.

Respectfully,

[TimKindred]

Comrade,

see here:

http://www.crchilds.com/id25.htm

Charlie's blankets are/were the besrt available. The artillery blankets he mnade are very nice, and you will notte that the blue stripes are on all 4 sides,, not just on the ends as some sutlers would have you believe.

Having said that, there is, indeed, documentation for certain units to have been issued with red wool blankets,. Certain Rhode Island ones, and especially the 3rd Maine infantry were issued with plain (as best as we can determine) red wool blankets.

respects,

[harley_davis]

Tim
This was the sort of infomation I was was curious about. I did not know that the blankets in question had borders on all four sides. Thank you for your answer.
Regards,