CSMC Question

Cpl. Smith

Sergeant
Joined
May 1, 2018
What uniform would they have worn and was the rank system the same as the USMC? Also, what would the bulk of the CSMC be armed with?
 
A rather broad question. There are lots of sources out there and generally, they were uniformed the same as the CS Army. The use of black piping on the uniform was spotty, and the images that exist show a wide variety of styles from frock coats to shell jackets, from british style peaked caps to forage caps. The chevrons for NCOs were reversed, just like the USMC, and may have been black or red. Both were issued. Some received pewter M buttons and others received brass company designation buttons (e.g. A, B, C, E). One photo shows a stripe on the trouser leg. Could be red, could be black. I suggest starting with Ralph Donnelly's book Rebel Leathernecks. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0942597133/?tag=civilwartalkc-20
 
What uniform would they have worn and was the rank system the same as the USMC? Also, what would the bulk of the CSMC be armed with?
You're talking about the Confederate States Marine Corps right? Just seeking clarification for those who might not know what "CSMC" stands for.
 
1000 words:

escanear0103.jpg
 
In my opinion the classic study of the CS Marine Corps was done by David M. Sullivan and Peter Copeland for the Company of Military Historian's Military Uniforms in America series. Many people base much of what they believe the CS Marines wore on these works. Each uniform plate came with a one page text about the uniforms. We will start with Plate No. 643 published in 1990.
marine csa 1.jpg


This shows the Marines in their blue uniforms. The one page of text with the 14 end notes are interesting reading. To fully research this one needs to read the various articles David Sullivan had published in The Company of Military Historians Journal (magazine) over the years.
 
Ralph Donnell and Peter Copeland followed up with a pate showing the gray uniforms worn by the CS Marine Corps. This too is a classic study on the subject.
marine csa 2.jpg


The text is a bit shorted for plate no. 644, but does include 9 end notes which are very helpful. Note that additional research has been conducted and a newer CS Marine Corps Military Uniforms in America plate was published by the Company of Military Historians.
 
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