Shell Jacket Confirmation

[TotallyNotAConfederateAnd]

Hey! So I was wondering, would this type of Shell coat be used in the Battle of Olustee, and most Florida battles? Reenacting is strict, so buttons, etc is confusing.(I'm currently trying to find a mid-price Shell coat for reenacting.) I don't really get into the researching of Shell coats, and other accessories, but I do need it so this is new to me. I also wonder if this matching Kepi works with outfit. (recommended material if so?)
Here are the Links.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/317069852099? (Kepi)
https://wwandcompany.com/columbus-depot-jacket-kit/ (Shell jacket)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/317069852099?

 

[RedRover]

It's probably best to go to an event and join a reenactment club to find out what they prefer.

 

[peacefulanimalguy7]

What unit are you portraying? I believe the 28th & 64th Georgia would have likely had Augusta/Charleston Depot jackets, judging by the fact they were stationed in Charleston before being sent to Olustee. A Columbus Depot would likely only work for the 1st Georgia regulars and Army of Tennessee units. I would also recommend a site like https://wwandcompany.com/ over C&C, as there are units that won't allow C&C items, plus what RedRover said about joining a unit before making the decision to buy.

 

[7thWisconsin]

There's actually no such thing as "generic Confederate." That's what makes the Confederate impression both intriguing and frustrating. Each state (and units within the state roster) had its own supply chain and depending on the regional location and time you're portraying, different uniform availability. Join a unit first and follow their unit uniform guide. There are units which are broad in their guidance and say something like "Confederate shell jacket, sack coat or frock in appropriate material and pattern" and that's enough. There are others whose guidance is more like "_____________ depot pattern made of ___________ material with ___________ or ____________ buttons." (I'm not a Confederate reenactor, so those of you who are can fill in the blanks I've left. A jacket will take you through several years of ordinary reenacting. You don't want to lay out the money for one, and then find out that you have one that's not appropriate.

 

[captaindrew]

Which unit are you falling in with/portraying? Olustee is an interesting battle with troops assembled from what was available in the southeast at the time. If your really interested in getting it right the specific unit would make a difference. That said Olustee is a mainstream event so you won't get nitpicked there, you'll see all kinds and various qualities of jackets being worn. I'd say a deep south depot or commutation jacket would be a good choice and versatile for use at other events. I'd also go with a civilian slouch hat over a cap. More comfortable and can use it with any impression.

 

[TotallyNotAConfederateAnd]

Which unit are you falling in with/portraying? Olustee is an interesting battle with troops assembled from what was available in the southeast at the time. If your really interested in getting it right the specific unit would make a difference. That said Olustee is a mainstream event so you won't get nitpicked there, you'll see all kinds and various qualities of jackets being worn. I'd say a deep south depot or commutation jacket would be a good choice and versatile for use at other events. I'd also go with a civilian slouch hat over a cap. More comfortable and can use it with any impression.

We reenact the 37th Alabama Infantry. (Union 7th Illinois) I'm not familiar with the unit, and how they work their companies, so I can't provide that information.

 

[TotallyNotAConfederateAnd]

What unit are you portraying? I believe the 28th & 64th Georgia would have likely had Augusta/Charleston Depot jackets, judging by the fact they were stationed in Charleston before being sent to Olustee. A Columbus Depot would likely only work for the 1st Georgia regulars and Army of Tennessee units. I would also recommend a site like https://wwandcompany.com/ over C&C, as there are units that won't allow C&C items, plus what RedRover said about joining a unit before making the decision to buy.

We are portraying the 37th Alabama Infantry Regiment. I will likely just email them about uniforms. The season starts in September and they don't start re-enactments till Octoberish.

 

[peacefulanimalguy7]

We reenact the 37th Alabama Infantry. (Union 7th Illinois) I'm not familiar with the unit, and how they work their companies, so I can't provide that information.

I am actually with them, and I may see you this season. We are mainstreamers, meaning we are relaxed with standards, although some of us are pushing towards more authenticity for ourselves. I can hook you with some people in our unit that can help you, but again definitely come check us out at an event listed on their website.

 

[captaindrew]

We reenact the 37th Alabama Infantry. (Union 7th Illinois) I'm not familiar with the unit, and how they work their companies, so I can't provide that information.

You picked a good group and I see @peacefulanimalguy7 has already replied. I've spent some time in Florida and familiar with your group, nice folks. I would pick something more representative of the 37th than worrying about one event. I'd say an Alabama state jacket or one of the other deep south depots would be the first choice. Columbus depot primarily supplied the Army of Tennessee which the 37th was with at times so a Columbus Depot jacket would work I'd imagine but wouldn't be my first choice. @peacefulanimalguy7 what are most of the guys in your group wearing these days?

 

[peacefulanimalguy7]

You picked a good group and I see @peacefulanimalguy7 has already replied. I've spent some time in Florida and familiar with your group, nice folks. I would pick something more representative of the 37th than worrying about one event. I'd say an Alabama state jacket or one of the other deep south depots would be the first choice. Columbus depot primarily supplied the Army of Tennessee which the 37th was with at times so a Columbus Depot jacket would work I'd imagine but wouldn't be my first choice.@peacefulanimalguy7 what are most of the guys in your group wearing these days?

Most of the guys wear mainstream items, a couple of people like me wear Columbus Depot jackets, and a couple like me wear Wambaugh & White plus other quality stuff. Here are some additional coats/jackets I feel the 37th Alabama could be wearing/issued historically, based on where they were:
-"Commutation" coats/jackets from their mustering in to July 1863.
-Trans-Mississippi items from October 1862-July 1863.
-Columbus Depot jackets from fall 1863-Fall 1864.
-Department of Alabama Jackets from Winter 1864-War's end.
Here's a photo of a soldier from the 37th around 1862-63

And a photo of us at a reenactment last year.

 

[TotallyNotAConfederateAnd]

I am actually with them, and I may see you this season. We are mainstreamers, meaning we are relaxed with standards, although some of us are pushing towards more authenticity for ourselves. I can hook you with some people in our unit that can help you, but again definitely come check us out at an event listed on their website.

That's awesome. I really have the question is how does their loaner system work. And I've been told multiple times by people that you ask people if they are done with reenacting and see what they do with equipment. I don't know if that is true, but I have absolutely no idea what this season will bring.

 

[7thWisconsin]

Most of the guys wear mainstream items, a couple of people like me wear Columbus Depot jackets, and a couple like me wear Wambaugh & White plus other quality stuff. Here are some additional coats/jackets I feel the 37th Alabama could be wearing/issued historically, based on where they were:
-"Commutation" coats/jackets from their mustering in to July 1863.
-Trans-Mississippi items from October 1862-July 1863.
-Columbus Depot jackets from fall 1863-Fall 1864.
-Department of Alabama Jackets from Winter 1864-War's end.
Here's a photo of a soldier from the 37th around 1862-63
View attachment 588059
And a photo of us at a reenactment last year.
View attachment 588060

This is a good looking unit!

 

[7thWisconsin]

That's awesome. I really have the question is how does their loaner system work. And I've been told multiple times by people that you ask people if they are done with reenacting and see what they do with equipment. I don't know if that is true, but I have absolutely no idea what this season will bring.

In most units that loan equipment, you get in contact with them a modest amount of time before an event (say2 weeks to a month). Tell them something like "Hey - I'm a new reenactor and I have some stuff but I'm going to need a few things." The unit pulls the items together either from company stores or members, and they bring them to the event. Hand them out and collect them when you're done. If you break something, offer to replace it. Field clean a musket if you were loaned one.

 

[captaindrew]

Yeah make sure you give your group notice ahead of time you're coming and what you need. Most groups have some loaner gear available and/or most of us that have doing this a while have accumulated extra stuff and are always happy to help a new member get started. But we don't necessarily bring extra if we don't need it so it's important to let them know you're coming and what you need. Knowing your size helps as well, jackets are sized by your chest size and period trousers by your natural waist around your naval, not low where we wear our jeans today. Doesn't have to be a perfect fit come getting something close will help.

 

[captaindrew]

One thing I'll add being you mentioned Olustee. I wouldn't recommend that being your first event. You're going to need some training to get up to speed on the basics, especially manual of arms and loading and firing safely. Olustee is a big event with alot going on and it's hard to get that kind of one on one you'll need. I know there's some smaller events going on down there in the fall. Much better to get your feet wet at the smaller events first.

 

[peacefulanimalguy7]

That's awesome. I really have the question is how does their loaner system work. And I've been told multiple times by people that you ask people if they are done with reenacting and see what they do with equipment. I don't know if that is true, but I have absolutely no idea what this season will bring.

We mainly communicate about events via emails, get in contact with our Cpl about being added. About a week out from events, he will send out an email about them, where you reply saying "I'm going and I need so-and-so." Then you'll come to the event as early as you can, report to the captain and get your stuff, which you'll turn in once you've cleaned your musket and are ready to go home.

 

[peacefulanimalguy7]

One thing I'll add being you mentioned Olustee. I wouldn't recommend that being your first event. You're going to need some training to get up to speed on the basics, especially manual of arms and loading and firing safely. Olustee is a big event with alot going on and it's hard to get that kind of one on one you'll need. I know there's some smaller events going on down there in the fall. Much better to get your feet wet at the smaller events first.

Yeah we got some smaller events between October-January leading up to Olustee across Central Florida. Depending on how busy I am, I may hit a couple of those and see about Olustee.