Shirt Feedback:

[History36]

Hello,

I was thinking about going with this shirt from South Union Mills:

U.S. Federal Issue Contract Wool Flannel Shirt

Excellence in Authentic textile recreations and straw hats

www.southunionmills.com

It seems like their shop takes a bit for a response. In the meantime, any feedback on it being a good shirt for a late-war Federal officer's hard campaigning infantry impression, by chance? Just didn't know if this was more early war pattern and color, etc....

Thank you,

 

[captaindrew]

I've purchased a few things from SUM, including a Federal dommet flannel shirt. Everything is pretty good quality. For an officer though being they outfitted themselves a civilian shirt would be appropriate as well.

 

[History36]

Thank you for the response. True and good point regarding the civilian shirt aspect (campaigner officer). I've looked through a few checkered plaids and this may be a solid possibility:

Half Lined "Rust Brown" plaid shirt — The Depot

Rust brown plaid shirt, made with hand stitched placket, buttonholes, and of the cotton lining in the chest area. Shirt has two pockets on the front and are closed with Prosser buttons. This shirt is an excellent choice for civilians and soldiers alkie for both North & South.

www.thedepothistoric.com

 

[Mississippian1861]

I've known the owner of SUM for over 20 years. I know he is traveling to an event this weekend. Everything he sells is good quality. Anyway, shirt mentioned in your first post is technically an enlisted mans shirt, SUM does sell a nice civilian linen shirt that would work as well as the usual cotton check/print shirts.

 

[peacefulanimalguy7]

Thank you for the response. True and good point regarding the civilian shirt aspect (campaigner officer). I've looked through a few checkered plaids and this may be a solid possibility:

Half Lined "Rust Brown" plaid shirt — The Depot

Rust brown plaid shirt, made with hand stitched placket, buttonholes, and of the cotton lining in the chest area. Shirt has two pockets on the front and are closed with Prosser buttons. This shirt is an excellent choice for civilians and soldiers alkie for both North & South.

www.thedepothistoric.com

The Depot has been a little weird lately. I ordered a tin cup a month ago while it was in stock and it's still not here, even though I also got a shipping notification a week ago (no tracking number though) Another reenactor told me he has the same problem with a sack coat he ordered.

 

[History36]

Hi,

Thank you for your response - well, I too can relate with your experience. I received a notification that my shirt was shipped, but no tracking #, as well. I agree, if folks are willing to spend extra on quality accurate gear, then shops like this should ensure equally quality customer services.

I was going to purchase something else additionally from The Depot, but I don't know now..... Heck, I haven't even heard back from South Union Mills regarding a possible item inquiry three weeks ago. Granted, I realize that some of these speciality shops are family businesses, it's the busy summer season, etc. so I'm cool. But, hmmm, not a better way to communicate?

Anyhow, while we're talking 'shirts,' in general, does anyone happen to have a used undershirt they'd be willing to sell, by chance? If so, the more used; the better for my impression, . Color sample pic attached.

Best regards,

 

[captaindrew]

I'd be leary about buying anything from the Depot, that's NJ Skekela stuff. He's made some nice products over the years but his customer service has been historically atrocious. Do a search on him on this forum, you'll find out what you need to know.

 

[History36]

Unfortunately, yeah, I was reading up on him - crazy. And, it's a shame in how they've got a good thing going and when it goes amuck, it pollutes the hobby for everyone. I don't know what to do about this shirt now. My fault for spending that much on something like that anyhow....

 

[iron bender]

Make trips, go to events, and buy gear/clothes/stuff on sight. That way you can try it on, decide if it's actually what you want. Otherwise be prepared to wait, and wait. My Mo. Boot&Shoe double bag knapsack took 14 months. Best piece of gear I ever bought and twin to an original. Same with CA Davisson leathers. Nothing better, be prepared to wait. It was the same way 30 years ago. This hobby has always been like a tree. Plant now (buy now) and wait for a great end result.

 

[Dan Kohli]

W,W,&Co makes some pretty good shirts, kits included.

 

[peacefulanimalguy7]

The Depot has been a little weird lately. I ordered a tin cup a month ago while it was in stock and it's still not here, even though I also got a shipping notification a week ago (no tracking number though) Another reenactor told me he has the same problem with a sack coat he ordered.

Today a miracle occured. After a month of waiting, it arrived. Still kind of weird to keep the customer on edge by not giving them the shipping number.

 

[History36]

Hey, alright! Congrats That's a piece of encouraging news. I hope to report a positive review myself soon, ....

 

[PrivateBrooke]

I've always been very happy with all the stuff I've gotten from SUM. I wouldn't hesitate.

 

[Dan Kohli]

I would agree. I'm satisfied with most of the items I have gotten from SUM.

 

[RaggedAssSecond]

". . . . . but his customer service has been historically atrocious."

I've heard that from many people over the years.

 

[History36]

For those who own the South Union Mills undershirt, do they tend to run on the larger, smaller, or true to size fit in your opinion, to ask please?

Thanks again,

 

[PrivateBrooke]

For those who own the South Union Mills undershirt, do they tend to run on the larger, smaller, or true to size fit in your opinion, to ask please?

Thanks again,

Correct pattern shirts are meant to be a very boxy, loose fit. I would just go by your neck size and not worry about the rest.

 

[jepridgen]

I'd be leary about buying anything from the Depot, that's NJ Skekela stuff. He's made some nice products over the years but his customer service has been historically atrocious. Do a search on him on this forum, you'll find out what you need to know.

The Depot takes NJS out of the process. They only sell what they have in stock from him or their other suppliers. They won't sell anything made to order from anyone. They did recently have some sort of issue related to shipping delays that they explained on their Facebook page. Everything I've ever ordered from them was in my hands within 10 days. The one thing that took ten days came with a note apologizing and giving me a 10% discount code.

 

[iron bender]

I've never had a problem on the buying side from Depot, and I've bought quite a bit from them over the last couple years.

 

[iron bender]

I'll also point out Sekela has his goods on ebay. 100% positive feedback. I ordered a pair of Smith's Patent shoulder rank Monday and I received them today. That's Pa to Tx. Ebay may be the way to buy from him?