Reenactment Leather gear.

[jerseyjim]

I have taken up leather working as a hobby. I have always been interested in the Civil War and that time period. I am in the process of making some belts and pouches of the time period. I am having trouble getting the correct measurements for pouches. I would also like to get any up close photos that are available. I am using all the materials that they used on their leather, like preservatives and wax and dyes. I am purchasing buckles and hardware from one of the sites that cater to reenactment community. I would appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you all.

Jim

 

[Frederick14Va]

When you phrase "pouch".. are you referring to a Cap Box?.... or Cartridge Box?....

Different models.. different makers... different depot contracted goods typically will have slight pattern and design differences thereof.... Many of the earlier Cartridge boxes were slightly different sizes for the respective caliber weapon it was intended to be issued for.... One pattern or style doesn't always fit all applications.... Many folks in the reenactment community tend to habitually be picky about correct authentic patterns and construction methods... They may only desire a specific pattern issued only out of a specific depot for their given impression... Many of the items were stitched and constructed a bit differently than what most modern leather items are typically done... The more authentic and attention to details you can make it... the much larger audience and marketability of the goods will be if your intending to make and sell these items...

If you may have the opportunity I would also highly suggest visiting a museum or Civil War collection and take a close look at originals.. so you can have a better general idea of how they were constructed and with what materials... Working solely off a pattern doesn't always give one that perspective of what it will actually look like completely..... So you will know what the visual finished product is suppose to be... There are others in the community that also make such goods... many of them have extensively researched them.... and practiced for years to get it nailed down...

Good Luck on your endeavor...

 

[unicornforge]

I would advise talking to Spiros at the Sutlery in front of his family's Military Museum in Gettysburg at the foot of Culp's hill. He is available on weekends at his sutler's shop. If he can't point you to the information or to someone that can, then no one can.
Spiros Marinos, Gettysburg 717-334-9376
Battlefield Military Museum
900 Baltimore Pike Gettysburg, PA 17325‎
(717) 334-6568