(Apologies if this has been brought up before, but I need a place to put down everything I find)
1860's Chaplains Uniform's Analysis
I will compile pictures for references when I get to designing a uniform.
My original plan was to make a Civil War Chaplain impression for a family member, but he bowed out, and I want to fill that gap as a second impression.
"1860s, Civil War Union Chaplain"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
Note: The image could very well be post war as brought up by @Package4.
Uniform Appears to be a black, double breasted, frock coat, with what appears to be nine brass buttons on either side. I cannot tell what kind of buttons they are in the image. My best guess would be federal eagle, but who knows. The vest underneath most definitely uses brass buttons, and the shirt underneath (seen at the collar) is probably a civilian shirt (most likely not a "clergy collar" because it folds over. But, I could be wrong). The image is not clear enough for me to know for sure, but I'm just making my educated guesses.
The Trousers are probably civilian trousers but could be specifically tailored for his outfit, like most of these probably are.
The shoes are too shiny to be enlisted brogans, so I'm going to assume they are civilian shoes.
The cap seems to be a sort of wheel cap, with an embroidered cross like insignia. The chin strap as well as the bill look to be sewn on in the style of the kepi, without anything specifically noticeable about them.
"1860s, Civil War Union Chaplain"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
The uniform looks to be a blue frock coat (Could be black like regulation, but it just doesn't look like it) with black buttons, and a black collar. Most likely they are metal buttons with a fabric covering, but they could also be "Goodyear" rubber buttons (Less likely, but possible). the cuff buttons also look to be the same black material as the front buttons. The shoulder boards on the frock appear to be 2 stripes, indicating captain rank. I have no clue if that was the honorary rank given to some chaplains, but it's interesting, nonetheless.
The trousers appear to be black trousers (might also be a dark blue) with possible piping. The color may be yellow, or it could just be odd lighting. I haven't a clue. The shoes may be civilian, but could be enlisted brogans. Not a clue, once again.
The cap appears to be a McDowell style forage cap, possibly made out of the blue material used for the coat (If it is black it could be that to). There seems to be some sort of embroidered insignia on the cap, possibly embroidered "US" marking, but I don't believe it is the cross some would expect. Not able to tell completely. Side note on the cap, the chinstrap appears to be nonfunctional, I do not see a buckle, or any other adjusters.
"1860s, Civil War Union Chaplain"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
The uniform of this fine gentleman looks very close to the one previously shown. The frock in this image seems to be a little darker than the previous one, but still makes me think it's blue. (I still can't fathom it being a black or a grey). The frock is single breasted with black buttons. Also, as the last could be fabric covered, or "goodyear" buttons. The vest underneath is the same color as the frock, with the same black buttons. The frock also has shoulder boards, which are better visible. The two stripes indicate a captain rank, but also seem to have another marking in the middle (To me, it looks like a cross, but I am not 100% sure). I also see the white collar signifying clergy.
The trousers Appear to be either black or dark blue, with piping on the side. I will once again assume yellow piping, but I could, once again, be wrong. The shoes look more like heavily worn civilian shoes than anything else.
The hat appears to be a "sugarloaf" crown hat, but without the band. The front looks like it has an embroidered bugle insignia.
"1860s, Civil War Union Chaplain A.A. Harris"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
This tired looking fellow wears a most certainly black frock coat with black buttons (cloth or rubber), along with a just as black vest with the same buttons. It appears to be single breasted, and doesn't seem to have any special markings, boards, or anything pertaining to rank. His white collar can be seen rather clearly (appears to be an undershirt because of its folded over nature, so its less likely to be a clergy collar).
The trousers are just as black, but we cannot see his footwear. Considering his striking outfit, I'm going to assume it's just as nice as the rest of his getup.
The cap appears to be a standard forage cap, made with the same black material as the rest of the outfit.
I'd say this is the closest to a "standard" Union chaplain uniform as one can get.
"1860s, Civil War Chaplain LeVere"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
LeVere shows a very simple chaplains' uniform as Harris did. Black frock coat with black buttons (cloth or rubber), and what may be a "clergy collar". Nothing really special to point out such as rank insignia, piping, or anything else.
The trousers appear to be made of the same black material, and the shoes may be enlisted brogans, but I am not sure.
His hat appears to be a civilian hat with some sort of embroidered insignia sewn on to the front. My best guess is "US" markings, but once more, I could be wrong.
One interesting thing I will bring up is this is one of the first African-American military chaplains I have seen for this time period. Brings me great joy to see.
"1860s, Civil War Union Chaplain"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
This Chaplain looks more like an Officer than the other ones I have seen. The uniform looks to be a blue frock coat with 9 brass buttons. probably federal eagle, with major rank shoulder boards, and a white collar seen from underneath the frock, folding over the collar (I'm starting to see a pattern of tall collar shirts, where the collar folds over... At least, I'm assuming that's what it is). Above the frock, is what seems to be an NCO belt, lacking a sword.
The trousers appear to be standard light blue kersey with nothing specifically important to point out. The shoes are probably enlistment brogans, but with the shine, I can also see civilian shoes being used.
The cap is hard to tell, but I'm going to assume it is an enlisted forage cap, just by the general shape.
A very simple NCO officer uniform being used for a chaplain. Certain paintings and drawings do show something like it, so those I'd consider fairly accurate.
"1860s, Civil War Confederate Cavalry Chaplain"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
This was the only one pointed out on the website that was marked as "Confederate". The man wears a double-breasted frock coat, probably black. The buttons are brass, and could be any array of types. There is no rank or other insignia shown on the outfit.
The trousers could be blue Kersey trousers, or grey/butternut colored. I am unable to tell from the photo. The shoes are probably civilian.
The hat looks like a normal civilian felt hat without any insignia, or special markings.
Quite a simple chaplains uniform, once again.
"The prayer at Sumter, December 27, 1860"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
In this sketch(?) the chaplain seems to be wearing clergy vestments, instead of what one might consider "regulation chaplain apparel". However, considering this sketch was of the beginning of the war, and the Chaplains had not been fully recognized by the government yet, this does still make sense.
But, for the sake of running down the uniform, it looks to be as following:
A black coat with black buttons, with a white undershirt (seen at the cuffs of the sleeves). A large cape is seen over the coat, and goes far beyond what a frock coat typically would. The Jabot around his neck is similar to paintings I've seen of 1700's clergy.
A black pair of trousers and shoes, without anything special to point out about them.
No hat to speak of.
A different vestment then the ones I looked at previously. I will admit that I cannot prove that it is 100% accurate because it is a sketch, and not a photo, but I'm willing to believe there was this much diversity between outfit.
"Chaplains of the 9th Corps, Petersburg, VA"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
In this image we see eight Chaplains with near complete view of their outfit. There are many different hats shown in the image, so I will be using names designated by "Dirty Billy's Hats" for clarification of which is which.
To start, I will go over the similarities in all the uniforms. Each one is a black frock coat with black buttons (cloth or rubber) with black trousers, and shoes. Differences vary from vests, to undershirts, to clergy collars and pocket watches. But, the main thing I want to point out is the hats.
The fellow on the far right of the image seems to be wearing a "Hardee" hat, with what might be cordage, or insignia.
This man wears a "Mosby" with what is probably embroidered "US" insignia.
This gentleman seems to be wearing something close to a "U.S. Campaign Hat" or more commonly known, "Slouch hat"
However, this one is my favorite. This man wears a kepi style hat, which appears to be made of the same black colored material as the frock coat. The insignia on the front is hard to see. As a lover of the design of the Kepi, this is absolutely wonderful to see.
"Photograph shows, from left: Lt. Col. W. J. Dinslow, Col. J. Tarbell, Chaplain Thurber, Maj. Alfred Wagstaff of the 91st NY Volunteers"
The image shown is used without copyright infringement from the Library of Congress
In this image, we see Chaplain Thurber standing with other NY officers of the 91st.
The frock coat is made of black material, with black buttons (cotton or rubber), a clergy collar seen around his neck, with shoulder boards presenting an embroidered cross. No other markings with rank or other insignia on the coat itself. The vest underneath is made from what appears to be the same black material, with more black buttons, and what appears to be a pocket watch chain.
The hat he holds appears to be some sort of Hardee hat with embroidered insignia. I'm pretty sure the embroidered insignia appears to be "US" markings.
"Massachusetts Chaplain Armed With Sword"
jamesmountainantiques.com used under research for copyright purposes.
In the image shown, we see an unidentified Chaplain with what appears to be his chaplains uniform.
The frock appears to be black, but could also be indigo blue. The buttons appear to be black buttons (cloth or rubber) without any insignia or rank markings. The collar seen underneath appears to be a standing collar undershirt, probably civilian. The belt appears to be a NCO sword belt with what might be a Chaplains sword, or NCO sword.
The kepi(?) seems to be made of the same material. It looks a little lighter, so it might be blue if the frock is black. Changes are though, they are the same color be it black or blue. The brim looks like a McDowell style, dyed black with a glossy finish. This confuses me, because I don't see many Kepi's with that style brim. So, either its a forage cap, and I'm just a numbnut, or its a specialized kepi. The insignia appears to be an embroidered bugle.
This one reminds me of the officer outfit style chaplains uniform, but somewhat simplified.
For one building an impression (mid-late war), the key items one should have will include:
Black Frock coat (can be blue) with either a single or double breast, with either black cloth covered buttons, black goodyear rubber buttons, or brass buttons (of any variety in theory)
Black trousers (can be sky blue) that are either a civilian pattern, or enlisted.
Any variety of headwear (Kepi, forage cap, civilian hat, etc) that is blank, or features "US" embroidered insignia.
Civilian shoes, or enlisted brogans.
White undershirt and/or clergy collar
For extra items you can include (but doesn't need to include)
Black vest
NCO belt w/ NCO sword or Chaplain sword.
Shoulder boards (Crosses, or other ranks)
Trouser piping, or striping
Stopwatches, and other personal goods.
Officer sash (probably woolen or silk in red).
If I find any more images of Chaplains that I would consider interesting, or that have some major difference to the main ones shown I will analyze those as well. If I can get my hands on any specifically early war chaplain images, I will go over those as well.
Please keep in mind, while i enjoy going over these images, I do not expect to be 100% correct. Im no expert in clothes of the time, or even or clerical vestments of the time. Chances are, I got a few, if not many things wrong. I will of course take any correction or advice, and if it is of course correct, I will modify what I have written.
Too much time invested,
-Seth
(Edit Made 2/12/24, 6:16PM)
1860's Chaplains Uniform's Analysis
I will compile pictures for references when I get to designing a uniform.
My original plan was to make a Civil War Chaplain impression for a family member, but he bowed out, and I want to fill that gap as a second impression.
"1860s, Civil War Union Chaplain"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
Note: The image could very well be post war as brought up by @Package4.
Uniform Appears to be a black, double breasted, frock coat, with what appears to be nine brass buttons on either side. I cannot tell what kind of buttons they are in the image. My best guess would be federal eagle, but who knows. The vest underneath most definitely uses brass buttons, and the shirt underneath (seen at the collar) is probably a civilian shirt (most likely not a "clergy collar" because it folds over. But, I could be wrong). The image is not clear enough for me to know for sure, but I'm just making my educated guesses.
The Trousers are probably civilian trousers but could be specifically tailored for his outfit, like most of these probably are.
The shoes are too shiny to be enlisted brogans, so I'm going to assume they are civilian shoes.
The cap seems to be a sort of wheel cap, with an embroidered cross like insignia. The chin strap as well as the bill look to be sewn on in the style of the kepi, without anything specifically noticeable about them.
"1860s, Civil War Union Chaplain"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
The uniform looks to be a blue frock coat (Could be black like regulation, but it just doesn't look like it) with black buttons, and a black collar. Most likely they are metal buttons with a fabric covering, but they could also be "Goodyear" rubber buttons (Less likely, but possible). the cuff buttons also look to be the same black material as the front buttons. The shoulder boards on the frock appear to be 2 stripes, indicating captain rank. I have no clue if that was the honorary rank given to some chaplains, but it's interesting, nonetheless.
The trousers appear to be black trousers (might also be a dark blue) with possible piping. The color may be yellow, or it could just be odd lighting. I haven't a clue. The shoes may be civilian, but could be enlisted brogans. Not a clue, once again.
The cap appears to be a McDowell style forage cap, possibly made out of the blue material used for the coat (If it is black it could be that to). There seems to be some sort of embroidered insignia on the cap, possibly embroidered "US" marking, but I don't believe it is the cross some would expect. Not able to tell completely. Side note on the cap, the chinstrap appears to be nonfunctional, I do not see a buckle, or any other adjusters.
"1860s, Civil War Union Chaplain"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
The uniform of this fine gentleman looks very close to the one previously shown. The frock in this image seems to be a little darker than the previous one, but still makes me think it's blue. (I still can't fathom it being a black or a grey). The frock is single breasted with black buttons. Also, as the last could be fabric covered, or "goodyear" buttons. The vest underneath is the same color as the frock, with the same black buttons. The frock also has shoulder boards, which are better visible. The two stripes indicate a captain rank, but also seem to have another marking in the middle (To me, it looks like a cross, but I am not 100% sure). I also see the white collar signifying clergy.
The trousers Appear to be either black or dark blue, with piping on the side. I will once again assume yellow piping, but I could, once again, be wrong. The shoes look more like heavily worn civilian shoes than anything else.
The hat appears to be a "sugarloaf" crown hat, but without the band. The front looks like it has an embroidered bugle insignia.
"1860s, Civil War Union Chaplain A.A. Harris"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
This tired looking fellow wears a most certainly black frock coat with black buttons (cloth or rubber), along with a just as black vest with the same buttons. It appears to be single breasted, and doesn't seem to have any special markings, boards, or anything pertaining to rank. His white collar can be seen rather clearly (appears to be an undershirt because of its folded over nature, so its less likely to be a clergy collar).
The trousers are just as black, but we cannot see his footwear. Considering his striking outfit, I'm going to assume it's just as nice as the rest of his getup.
The cap appears to be a standard forage cap, made with the same black material as the rest of the outfit.
I'd say this is the closest to a "standard" Union chaplain uniform as one can get.
"1860s, Civil War Chaplain LeVere"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
LeVere shows a very simple chaplains' uniform as Harris did. Black frock coat with black buttons (cloth or rubber), and what may be a "clergy collar". Nothing really special to point out such as rank insignia, piping, or anything else.
The trousers appear to be made of the same black material, and the shoes may be enlisted brogans, but I am not sure.
His hat appears to be a civilian hat with some sort of embroidered insignia sewn on to the front. My best guess is "US" markings, but once more, I could be wrong.
One interesting thing I will bring up is this is one of the first African-American military chaplains I have seen for this time period. Brings me great joy to see.
"1860s, Civil War Union Chaplain"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
This Chaplain looks more like an Officer than the other ones I have seen. The uniform looks to be a blue frock coat with 9 brass buttons. probably federal eagle, with major rank shoulder boards, and a white collar seen from underneath the frock, folding over the collar (I'm starting to see a pattern of tall collar shirts, where the collar folds over... At least, I'm assuming that's what it is). Above the frock, is what seems to be an NCO belt, lacking a sword.
The trousers appear to be standard light blue kersey with nothing specifically important to point out. The shoes are probably enlistment brogans, but with the shine, I can also see civilian shoes being used.
The cap is hard to tell, but I'm going to assume it is an enlisted forage cap, just by the general shape.
A very simple NCO officer uniform being used for a chaplain. Certain paintings and drawings do show something like it, so those I'd consider fairly accurate.
"1860s, Civil War Confederate Cavalry Chaplain"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
This was the only one pointed out on the website that was marked as "Confederate". The man wears a double-breasted frock coat, probably black. The buttons are brass, and could be any array of types. There is no rank or other insignia shown on the outfit.
The trousers could be blue Kersey trousers, or grey/butternut colored. I am unable to tell from the photo. The shoes are probably civilian.
The hat looks like a normal civilian felt hat without any insignia, or special markings.
Quite a simple chaplains uniform, once again.
"The prayer at Sumter, December 27, 1860"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
In this sketch(?) the chaplain seems to be wearing clergy vestments, instead of what one might consider "regulation chaplain apparel". However, considering this sketch was of the beginning of the war, and the Chaplains had not been fully recognized by the government yet, this does still make sense.
But, for the sake of running down the uniform, it looks to be as following:
A black coat with black buttons, with a white undershirt (seen at the cuffs of the sleeves). A large cape is seen over the coat, and goes far beyond what a frock coat typically would. The Jabot around his neck is similar to paintings I've seen of 1700's clergy.
A black pair of trousers and shoes, without anything special to point out about them.
No hat to speak of.
A different vestment then the ones I looked at previously. I will admit that I cannot prove that it is 100% accurate because it is a sketch, and not a photo, but I'm willing to believe there was this much diversity between outfit.
"Chaplains of the 9th Corps, Petersburg, VA"
thechaplainkit.com, used under research for copyright purposes.
In this image we see eight Chaplains with near complete view of their outfit. There are many different hats shown in the image, so I will be using names designated by "Dirty Billy's Hats" for clarification of which is which.
To start, I will go over the similarities in all the uniforms. Each one is a black frock coat with black buttons (cloth or rubber) with black trousers, and shoes. Differences vary from vests, to undershirts, to clergy collars and pocket watches. But, the main thing I want to point out is the hats.
The fellow on the far right of the image seems to be wearing a "Hardee" hat, with what might be cordage, or insignia.
This man wears a "Mosby" with what is probably embroidered "US" insignia.
This gentleman seems to be wearing something close to a "U.S. Campaign Hat" or more commonly known, "Slouch hat"
However, this one is my favorite. This man wears a kepi style hat, which appears to be made of the same black colored material as the frock coat. The insignia on the front is hard to see. As a lover of the design of the Kepi, this is absolutely wonderful to see.
"Photograph shows, from left: Lt. Col. W. J. Dinslow, Col. J. Tarbell, Chaplain Thurber, Maj. Alfred Wagstaff of the 91st NY Volunteers"
The image shown is used without copyright infringement from the Library of Congress
In this image, we see Chaplain Thurber standing with other NY officers of the 91st.
The frock coat is made of black material, with black buttons (cotton or rubber), a clergy collar seen around his neck, with shoulder boards presenting an embroidered cross. No other markings with rank or other insignia on the coat itself. The vest underneath is made from what appears to be the same black material, with more black buttons, and what appears to be a pocket watch chain.
The hat he holds appears to be some sort of Hardee hat with embroidered insignia. I'm pretty sure the embroidered insignia appears to be "US" markings.
"Massachusetts Chaplain Armed With Sword"
jamesmountainantiques.com used under research for copyright purposes.
In the image shown, we see an unidentified Chaplain with what appears to be his chaplains uniform.
The frock appears to be black, but could also be indigo blue. The buttons appear to be black buttons (cloth or rubber) without any insignia or rank markings. The collar seen underneath appears to be a standing collar undershirt, probably civilian. The belt appears to be a NCO sword belt with what might be a Chaplains sword, or NCO sword.
The kepi(?) seems to be made of the same material. It looks a little lighter, so it might be blue if the frock is black. Changes are though, they are the same color be it black or blue. The brim looks like a McDowell style, dyed black with a glossy finish. This confuses me, because I don't see many Kepi's with that style brim. So, either its a forage cap, and I'm just a numbnut, or its a specialized kepi. The insignia appears to be an embroidered bugle.
This one reminds me of the officer outfit style chaplains uniform, but somewhat simplified.
For one building an impression (mid-late war), the key items one should have will include:
Black Frock coat (can be blue) with either a single or double breast, with either black cloth covered buttons, black goodyear rubber buttons, or brass buttons (of any variety in theory)
Black trousers (can be sky blue) that are either a civilian pattern, or enlisted.
Any variety of headwear (Kepi, forage cap, civilian hat, etc) that is blank, or features "US" embroidered insignia.
Civilian shoes, or enlisted brogans.
White undershirt and/or clergy collar
For extra items you can include (but doesn't need to include)
Black vest
NCO belt w/ NCO sword or Chaplain sword.
Shoulder boards (Crosses, or other ranks)
Trouser piping, or striping
Stopwatches, and other personal goods.
Officer sash (probably woolen or silk in red).
If I find any more images of Chaplains that I would consider interesting, or that have some major difference to the main ones shown I will analyze those as well. If I can get my hands on any specifically early war chaplain images, I will go over those as well.
Please keep in mind, while i enjoy going over these images, I do not expect to be 100% correct. Im no expert in clothes of the time, or even or clerical vestments of the time. Chances are, I got a few, if not many things wrong. I will of course take any correction or advice, and if it is of course correct, I will modify what I have written.
Too much time invested,
-Seth
(Edit Made 2/12/24, 6:16PM)
Last edited:
Bringing the