Hello any Questions

[Nelespapa]

Hello together!

First, excuse me for my bad english i hope you can read it. My Name is Andre from Germany and i will start Civil War Reenactment/Displays. So i think you know in the US who have the authentics Uniforms and Equipment for Reenactors in ACW. I would make a Kentuckian of the Orphan Brigade and a Union Soldier too. I had look around of course Shops like C&C Sutlery looks nice and other Shops like Crazy Crow....ect. But which Dealer had the most authentic Stuff? I think if you live in the country where this conflict took place, you know best what is authentic and what is not. So I'm hoping for some advice from you. Unfortunately I haven't been to the famous battlefields of Shilo or Gettysburg or the Museum of the Conferacy in Richmond. But maybe one day I'll be able to take part as a reenactor myself. Are you allowed to participate in these events at all if you are not a member of an invited group? I would be happy if you give me a few tips and say thank you in advance.

Best Regards from Berlin
Andre

 

[Waterloo50]

Hello Nelespapa, a warm welcome to you.

I hope you don't mind a non American responding but there's a whole wealth of knowledge on this forum and you've certainly come to the right place, I'm certain someone will be along very soon with all the advice and answers that you need. It might also be a good idea to post this question in the re-enactors forum, they'll be sure to help you.

 

[Sheltowee]

Hello together!

First, excuse me for my bad english i hope you can read it. My Name is Andre from Germany and i will start Civil War Reenactment/Displays. So i think you know in the US who have the authentics Uniforms and Equipment for Reenactors in ACW. I would make a Kentuckian of the Orphan Brigade and a Union Soldier too. I had look around of course Shops like C&C Sutlery looks nice and other Shops like Crazy Crow....ect. But which Dealer had the most authentic Stuff? I think if you live in the country where this conflict took place, you know best what is authentic and what is not. So I'm hoping for some advice from you. Unfortunately I haven't been to the famous battlefields of Shilo or Gettysburg or the Museum of the Conferacy in Richmond. But maybe one day I'll be able to take part as a reenactor myself. Are you allowed to participate in these events at all if you are not a member of an invited group? I would be happy if you give me a few tips and say thank you in advance.

Best Regards from Berlin
Andre

I'm no reenactor- but I applaud your selection of the Kentucky (Orphan) Brigade.

 

[johan_steele]

I might suggest Regimental Quartermaster for their "Campaigner Corner."

Campaigner Gear – The Regimental Quartermaster

regimentalarms.shop

Wambaugh & White sells uniform kits you can sew yourself.

Home

Wambaugh, White & Company produces high-quality, museum-grade reproduction Civil War uniforms and clothing.

wwandcompany.com

Missouri Boot & Shoe is my go to suggestion for footwear and accoutrements.

Missouri Boot and Shoe Company

Missouri Boot and Shoe has been setting the standard for quality and authenticity in reproduction Civil War Footwear & Equipment for over 35 years.

www.missouribootandshoe.com

Headwear... would be Clearwater as Tim Bender has retired. Others will suggest Dirty Billy but I have my preferences.

Clearwater Hats

Firearms... in Europe I have no idea as many vendors in the US can't ship overseas.

 

[Nelespapa]

First Gentleman, thank you for the warm Welcome from you!

Hello Nelespapa, a warm welcome to you.

I hope you don't mind a non American responding but there's a whole wealth of knowledge on this forum and you've certainly come to the right place, I'm certain someone will be along very soon with all the advice and answers that you need. It might also be a good idea to post this question in the re-enactors forum, they'll be sure to help you.

Of course, I don't mind if an Englishman answers me, especially since I was in London with my daughter 14 days ago and was allowed to see this wonderful historic city with her. Sorry if I posted in the wrong forum.

 

[Nelespapa]

And thank you @johan_steele for the Shop Info. By the Regimental Quartermaster they sell also Kentucky State Buttons, you know if the some Members of Orphan Brigade use this Buttos on there Shell Jackets?

 

[johan_steele]

And thank you @johan_steele for the Shop Info. By the Regimental Quartermaster they sell also Kentucky State Buttons, you know if the some Members of Orphan Brigade use this Buttos on there Shell Jackets?

My first suggestion to anyone getting into the hobby is research, lots and lots of research.

 

[Sheltowee]

Below sites seem to support that Orphans who were previous members of the State Guard may have brought these uniforms into their Confederate service- to include the below state seal button.

But I am far from an expert.

Uniforms of the Orphan Brigade

[Unidentified Confederate soldier in uniform with Kentucky state seal buttons] / From Uhlman & Rippel's Gallery, No. 51 Edmond St., St. Joseph, Mo.

1 photograph : tintype in mat ; plate 59 x 43 mm, mat 99 x 61 mm (carte de visite format)

www.loc.gov

 

[captaindrew]

This is what you'll want for an Orphan Brigade uniform https://wwandcompany.com/columbus-depot-jackets/

 

[Nelespapa]

Hello captaindrew, thanks for link! I had read about, that i need a Columbus Depot GA. Jacket for my impression, this Company looks really good, you have ordered before there?

 

[Nelespapa]

Below sites seem to support that Orphans who were previous members of the State Guard may have brought these uniforms into their Confederate service- to include the below state seal button.

But I am far from an expert.

View attachment 448395

Uniforms of the Orphan Brigade

[Unidentified Confederate soldier in uniform with Kentucky state seal buttons] / From Uhlman & Rippel's Gallery, No. 51 Edmond St., St. Joseph, Mo.

1 photograph : tintype in mat ; plate 59 x 43 mm, mat 99 x 61 mm (carte de visite format)

www.loc.gov

A interesting Fact about, thank you for this!

 

[captaindrew]

Hello captaindrew, thanks for link! I had read about, that i need a Columbus Depot GA. Jacket for my impression, this Company looks really good, you have ordered before there?

Yes, just about all my uniforms have come from them. They are the best in the business right now in my opinion. The one downfall is everything is hand made to order and will take several months to get it.

 

[Nelespapa]

Yes, just about all my uniforms have come from them. They are the best in the business right now in my opinion. The one downfall is everything is hand made to order and will take several months to get it.

Well....good things need time, the downfall by me is too, that they take high shipping cost to europe and Tax. But i will ask them thank you very much captaindrew! ;-)

 

[DixieRifles]

Best Regards from Berlin
Andre

Welcome.
The average American would never believe someone in Europe actually studies American History and also reenacts their battles.

Salute to you dedication.

 

[Nelespapa]

Welcome.
The average American would never believe someone in Europe actually studies American History and also reenacts their battles.

Salute to you dedication.

That's unfortunately true what you say @DixieRifles. Unfortunately, the average European doesn't have the financial means to fly to Shiloh or Gettysburg every time to attend. But I think that you have to have done it at least once in your life. Depending on what you want to show.

 

[Nelespapa]

Ok Gentleman,
your opinion matters and please don't hold back with criticism. I want to portray a soldier of the 4th Kentucky Infantry (Orphan Brigade). I've read a little bit over the last few days and thanks to your many tips and suggestions I've put together a uniform. Now I would like to know from you whether that would be a realistic representation or not. I'll post the links to it and I hope that's allowed. I'm curious about your opinion.

Best Regards from Berlin.
Andre

Shell Jacket- a Columbus Depot Jacket from wwandcompany.

Columbus Depot Jackets

Wambaugh, White & Company produces high-quality, museum-grade reproduction Civil War uniforms and clothing.

wwandcompany.com

The trousers - Wilson´s Trousers same Company (the darker ones)

Wilson Trousers – Wambaugh, White & Co.

“Wilson” C.S. Trousers Sample Title Sample Text Sample Title Sample Text Price $165.00 Choice of Material Brown on Tan Wool Jean Golden Brown Cotton Denim Size 32 (36 inch actual) 34 (38 inch actual) 36 (40 inch actual) 38 (42 inch actual) 40 (44 inch actual) 42 (46 inch actual) 44 (48 inch...

wwandcompany.com

Shoes - Georgia Depot Shoes from Missouri Boot and Shoes

CS-1 Georgia Depot Shoe

The most historically accurate reproduction Civil War era footwear and equipment on the market for over 35 years. All custom made items are the result of extensive research and historical documentation, faithfully recreating the original specimens.

www.missouribootandshoe.com

Hat - Planter Hat in pecan from fcsutler you will find it when you scroll down a little bit.

https://fcsutler.com/fchats.asp

Cartridge and Cap Boxes and Bayonet Scabbard - "Wellborn&Nichols Edition" (but without the Belt, i wonder the Cartridge Box have no Shoulderbelt?)

C. S. Accoutrement

FEATURES INCLUDED AT NO EXTRA CHARGE Hand Applied Period Finish Hand Made C artridge Box Tins Are Included At No Extra Charge Hand Stitching with correct thread and stitches per inch All hardware is...

www.missouribootandshoe.com

Belt Plate - Confederate States Belt Plate (Western Theater)
https://parsleysbrass.com/historical/pages/csa.php

You have a good Source for a dark brown Belt for this Plate?

Shirt - blue checked Neck shirt from blockade runner
http://www.blockaderunner.com/Catalog/catpg15.htm

Ok Gentleman,
I think those are the most important things. I hope it comes close to depicting a "Kentuckian's" from the Orphan Brigade. Water bottle made of wood and haversack are also included.

 

[captaindrew]

You're doing really well. If I could make a couple suggestions I would go with a Confederate tin drum canteen over wood. The wood ones can be a pain in the neck sometimes with leaks. I see you've found Missouri Boot and Shoe, a great source for shoes. They also make great acoutraments. Check out their Atlanta Arsenal set, very appropriate for your impression. I think the rectangular CSA plate that comes with that set was more common or you could go with a simple frame buckle or roller buckle for your belt.

 

[DixieRifles]

That's unfortunately true what you say @DixieRifles. Unfortunately, the average European doesn't have the financial means to fly to Shiloh or Gettysburg every time to attend. But I think that you have to have done it at least once in your life. Depending on what you want to show.

I finally flew to Italy and spent 9 days visiting sites where my Father traveled in WW2. I discovered the Italians really respect the American who liberated them. Every September in the Apennine Mountains, they have a Colonna della Liberta to remember when the Americans and the other Allied troops liberated this area. They have a column of restored WW2 vehicles drive along those winding roads. You can google YouTube and see a large selection of vehicles: jeeps, armored cars, half-tracks, heavy trucks, M-18 Hellcat, and many British vehicles.
No one does that in the US. Many Americans will never read about the mountain fighting north of Rome.

Mayor of a small town north of the Po River signing an American flag they sent to me---in honor of my Father's service.

 

[Nelespapa]

You're doing really well. If I could make a couple suggestions I would go with a Confederate tin drum canteen over wood. The wood ones can be a pain in the neck sometimes with leaks. I see you've found Missouri Boot and Shoe, a great source for shoes. They also make great acoutraments. Check out their Atlanta Arsenal set, very appropriate for your impression. I think the rectangular CSA plate that comes with that set was more common or you could go with a simple frame buckle or roller buckle for your belt.

Thank you for your honest opinion. I am happy that I did my research correctly and if you, my dear comrades, who live where this war took place and are very busy with the story, say that my portrayal fits, I am all the more excited. Thanks for the tip with the Atlanta Arsenal I have the belt with the square C.S.A. padlock found. This one was more common in the Army of the Tennessee?

Greetings Andre

 

[captaindrew]

Thank you for your honest opinion. I am happy that I did my research correctly and if you, my dear comrades, who live where this war took place and are very busy with the story, say that my portrayal fits, I am all the more excited. Thanks for the tip with the Atlanta Arsenal I have the belt with the square C.S.A. padlock found. This one was more common in the Army of the Tennessee?

Greetings Andre

Yes, a lot of the supplies for the Army of Tennessee came from Atlanta and Columbus Georgia. You're doing a good job researching these things before spending your $$. I wish some of my guys here would do the same. Getting the right stuff and good quality the first go around will save you in the long run. You're doing good!