Confederate Artillery Uniform?

[Capnball]

Hi folks,
Am looking into getting myself a new uniform by Shiloh, as my current uniform is an incorrect late-war affair. I portray a member of Freeman's Battery, Forrest's Artillery. Freeman's was not formed until fall of '62, and so I'm looking for references for an enlisted man's CS artillery uniform, that would be correct for Shiloh. The other thing is that I'll want to wear this uniform to a lot of future events, and want something that will be acceptable. I had thought about one of the Washington Artillery uniforms, but didn't know how correct it would be for my impression. As a note: John W. Morton, in his book "The Artillery of Nathan Bedford Forrest's Cavalry" mentions several times recieving new uniforms from the folks at home, and also mentions being clad in a "handsome artillery uniform" at Ft. Donelson. Granted, he was a Lieutenant at the time.

As I frequently work the forward positions on the gun, I am required to wear a coat, and as I would like to improve the authenticity of my kit, I would like to make a good, serviceable western confederate artilleryman's uniform. I don't want anything overly fancy, but would like to know what patterns and fabrics would be the most acceptable, trim options, buttons, & etc... Any help, references, regulations, and especially photos of pre-shiloh confederate artillerymen or surviving specimens would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks for your time,

[Anders]

Honestly, Western Confederates are not my specialty, but one can never go wrong with a correct civilian sack coat in jean/satinette/ cords and Civilian trousers made out of the same.

These with civilian buttons, on a correct pattern can be used by CS troops for most timeframes and campaigns.

[Capnball]

Mr. Anders,
Thanks for the help. If push comes to shove, I will not let my personal wants trump authenticity, but I would really like a well-researched confederate artillery uniform. I understand that confederates, as a whole, were underdressed, with a lot of civilian clothes, but I also feel like confederate reenactors (especially artillery) often take the casual approach too far. I greatly appreciate good civilian garb, but I would prefer a uniform. HOWEVER, again, I will not let personal preference trump authenticity.

[Blair]

Jordan,

Just a suggestion on my part... all too often, the color Branch of service is over done in many Artillery, and I might add Cav. Units.
Stay with your ideas of a Military uniform if this is what you wish. Leave off or out all that red trim, it has been over done to a fault.
It will also give you a uniform that you will find infinitely more usable in other reenacting endeavors. More bang for your reenacting buck, in a manner of speaking.

[Forrestcavalryman]

I agree with Blair, stay away from trim! Your cannon will let people know that you artillery.

[MarkTK36thIL]

Maybe save the documented uniform for a specific portrayal of a unit, and use the PEC type as a general, everyday uniform. If I wore a zouve outfit because it was documented to my unit, but had to fall in with another group of guys for an event, I would be "that guy" who doesn't match the others. Granted, not wearing red trim will might make you stand out as well.

[Tiger_rifles]

Not wishing to beat the dead horse here, but I have to agree w/Mr. Anders...... you can not do better than a four button sack coat in jean or satinette for an all around good CS impression. Now if you wanna go as early as 1862/Shiloh and you want some "flash" why not try a battle shirt! I made one up for Balls Bluff, hand stitched the whole thing and even put on all the trim/tape myself. Many battle shirts had red trim/tape so this would be accepted for CS Infantry as well as CS Artillery. After Shiloh you can strip off the tape and now you have a warm over shirt for when the cooler weather hits.

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=battl...429,r:16,s:268

[akcampaigner]

I would review "Cadet Grey and Butternut Brown" for it provides many descriptions of the Confederate army at Shiloh and other early war battles. Depending on the unit that you plan on recreating, try to pick up a copy of "Portraits of Conflict" of the corresponding state that you would like to portray.

[Capnball]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. Mr. Kasmar, I will definitely look those books up. The rest of you: I already have a generic uniform. I also understand the concerns about trim, (and I may not use any) but keep in mind, I want to put together a CS artilleryman's uniform, NOT just another generic CS uniform! That being said, if said uniform just isn't the thing for the time and place, I'll go with the time and place. Also, I must state again that a coat, not a battle shirt, must be worn by No's 1 and 2 while serving the piece.

I kinda feel like the majority of confederate reenactors seen at mid-stream events are wearing an awful lot of generic clothing, and while a lot of that is correct, I feel there is plenty of room-especially for the Shiloh period-for a few good, researched, branch-specific enlisted-men's uniforms.

[Capnball]

I also meant to say, I agree wholeheartedly about the overuse of branch trim in cav. and art'y., esp. in the latter. I also can't stand all the goofy farby hats, primer wires everywhere, etc....

BUT! Some trim can be a good thing, sometimes.