late 1870s to early 80s trooper

[Texlee]

Hello all,

recently Ive been thinking (dangerous stuff I know... haha) about putting together a cavalry trooper set up from the late 1870s to early 1880s time frame, and I thought to ask all you fine gents with your infinite wisdom. So Ive been looking through the threads here and seem to be getting confused as to what all Id need to get started? there seems to be so many different uniforms out there that its got me a little overwhelmed. any help would be greatly appreciated!

Tex

[G.W. Strong]

Perhaps this will help you. I was working on it to help someone like yourself.

http://talbotsfineaccessories.com/GAF/Uniform/GAF%20US%20Army%20Uniforms.html

For a cavalry trooper circa 1880 you would want the following:
Pattern 1876 Campaign hat
Pattern 1874 Blouse
Pattern 1876 Trousers (Cavalry seated)
Pattern 1876 boots
Pattern 1874 Belt

There are lots more extras you could add to the kit such as undergarments, pouches and equipment.

The undershirt changed in 1883 to the blue one we all know and love. You would have to decide if you were representing a trooper after this change ot not. Otherwise you would want the 1874 (Grey) or 1875 (Blue) undershirt.

[Drydock]

Basics:

5 button sack coat

Sky blue trousers

blue flannel pull over shirt

Black low heel plain stove pipe boots

50 round undyed mills belt with H buckle.

Black campaign hat

Half flap reverse draw  holster

7.5" SAA or Schofield revolver

M1873 Springfield Carbine

THis would be an example of the M1874 sack coat.  Coon Creek Old West can outfit you with everything you've been shown here

http://www.cooncreekoldwest.com/coon_html/Sack_Coat_1874.html

[Pitspitr]

The civil war trousers a and sack coat were worn into the late 80s and are a lot easier to find. There its a thread in the Regulations child board that lists the common patterns in use during the period. Sadly most of the suppliers are out of busines

[Texlee]

Thank you gentlemen for the help,
How common would the 1876 Prairie belt (pictured) be at this time? I was gonna buy one for my .410 for rabbit and squirl hunting so I might as well kill two birds with one stone so to speak and I really like the look of them. while reading on other forums discussing this same subject i heard that lots of times troopers would wear civilian hats and shirts while out on patrol because they were more comfortable then the issue stuff. is this well know? or is it rarely seen?

thanks again,
Tex

[Trailrider]

Thank you gentlemen for the help,
How common would the 1876 Prairie belt (pictured) be at this time? I was gonna buy one for my .410 for rabbit and squirl hunting so I might as well kill two birds with one stone so to speak and I really like the look of them. while reading on other forums discussing this same subject i heard that lots of times troopers would wear civilian hats and shirts while out on patrol because they were more comfortable then the issue stuff. is this well know? or is it rarely seen?

thanks again,
Tex

After 1876, that prairie belt was standard issue. It replaced the field-expedient leather belts which were made up by post saddlers using leather waist belts. The problem with the leather ones was that the cartridges would be corroded by the leathe loops if the cartridges were left in the loops too long. In the field, about any clothing that the troops could find or afford (that includes the officers went. Gen. Crook usually went around in a canvas hunting suit and a pith helmet, with no rank visible! As troops had to pay for their own uniforms, they generally kept the good stuff for wear in garrison, where it was required. If they had pieces of clothing left from the CW, they often wore that, plus straw hats, etc. So, if you can't afford everything at once, just use what you can.

[Texlee]

Thank you all for the quick replys. Youve been a big help!

Tex

[harleydavis]

Another aside note, if you were portraying mid 1870's right after the regs change, some instance of CW era 4 button blouses (sack coat) were modified with an addition of a 5th button. CW sack coats are easy to come by. However, Quartermasters Shop offers a pretty good 1874 blouse around $160.
http://www.quartermastershop.com/1872_and_on_us_enlisted/m-1874_enlisted_fatigue.html#.Unxq7E3naM8

[cpt dan blodgett]

coon creek old west
Ft Laramie traders
Milk Creek Mercantile
Have all provided parts of my many uniforms.
Legendary Arms in GA has insignia and some other stuff as well.