Leather question

[djbogle]

I'm going to make my own leather goods (cap pouch, cartridge box, holster, etc.) to portray a Confederate Infantry soldier. Would it be more accurate to go with brown rather than black?

[thrashassault]

Not sure. I have seen brown confederate leather goods on ebay before. I'm sure they had black just as much as brown leather though. I'm sure somebody around these forums can help you with your question though.

If you are not going to put your cartridge box on your belt I prefer to use a canvas sling or tarred canvas sling. I did read an article that a lot of confederate troops wore canvas slings because leather was hard to come by in the south.

But I am curious as to your other specs on uniform. I am piecing together a confederate uniform now and like to see what other people are doing. Coat?Hats? etc

[djbogle]

I'm basically trying to match the majority of the rest of the guys in the outfit. I'm going with a grey, wool sack coat (my torso ain't quite right for a shell jacket...I'm a member of the "Society for the Promotion of Bearded, Pot-bellied People), grey trousers, and kepi. As for foot-wear, I'm hearing that there's no such thing as a comfortable, period-correct brogan. A lot of the guys just wear old, black work shoes with gaiters over them.

[ole]

Got it kinda easy, djbogle, as few examples of actual conformity exist. Conformity disappeared early in the war. But dressing alike may very well enhance the appearance of your unit.

And join the fraternity of "those who can no longer wear a shell jacket."

Shoes. I'll suppose that period shoes are of consideration only when your unit marches for distance. One can wear anything and be comfortable enough for a day. But it seems that period correct and lengthy marches are incompatible..

Ole

[larry_cockerham]

I'm basically trying to match the majority of the rest of the guys in the outfit. I'm going with a grey, wool sack coat (my torso ain't quite right for a shell jacket...I'm a member of the "Society for the Promotion of Bearded, Pot-bellied People), grey trousers, and kepi. As for foot-wear, I'm hearing that there's no such thing as a comfortable, period-correct brogan. A lot of the guys just wear old, black work shoes with gaiters over them.

You have a luxury in your role as a Confederate for the reasons Ole just stated. Much of it was home made. As for your society, I'm not qualified - no beard. As for brogans, you can get a reasonable purchase from Blockade Runner near Bell Buckle, but be prepared to cart them off to a good cobbler such as Cohees on Nolensville Pike near Tusculum for removal of the metal heel plates and some of the wood. Rubber feels a heckuva lot better and ain't quite so hazardous to your health on hard surfaces and especially wet vinyl. As for your leather research, try the website for Jarnigans in Corinth, MS. Lots of good leather info. The secret to brogans is Dr. Scholl's and SOCKS, thick ones.

[larry_cockerham]

Danny, if you go to my Facebook page, you'll see references to Bill Heard who has been into detailed re-enacting for some time as both CSA and US. He knows detail and will help. Bill lives in Livingston, TN and is a galvanizer.

[larry_cockerham]

Danny, thanks to Google Maps, I found your town! Now I know why I didn't recognize it. Closest I've been so far is Suwanee. One of my goals is to see the Cowan tunnel. One of these days. From your location, my plug for Cohee won't be too convenient. Sorry about that. I'm a member of Sam Davis Camp 1293 SCV and Fort Donelson Camp 62 SUVCW. Let us know if we can assist.

[roysclockgun]

Unless you are wealthy enough to buy two sets of leather, go with black. I do not know of any units, in over 25 years of reenacting, who do not galvanize. To do a reasonable Federal impression, you will need black leather.
roysclockgun

[djbogle]

Larry, let me know when you want to see the Cowan Tunnel, it's about 6 miles north of my house. We might search for the lost Confederate payroll while we're up there. Might be best to wait until after turkey season, though.