Goin' a bit back in time

[Sgt Major Barber]

Greetings.  Thanks for all the info on the IW Kepi.  However, have decided to "play" a post civil war--period 1867-1870 cavalry.  Guess I should focus on CW equipment.  How's this...the sky blue trousers w/reinforced seat, black soft slouch hat with brass sabers and regiment and company #, (have seen a number of pics of period cavalry and they all had the brass on their slouch hat)  4-button frock with whatever rank I am gonna be...and my 1851 sabre belt with cartridge boxes (both pistol and carbine), cavalry sabre (already have the belt, boxes, holster and sabre)...I already have the appropriate boots and spurs...am gonna try to save some $$$ for a Sharps '63 Carbine....and then will need the shoulder strap and carbine snap....Am I missing any goodies that I should not live without?

Thanks for all your help.
All the best to each,
Two Dot Wrangler

[Guns Garrett]

Am Am I I seeing seeing double double ??

[Sgt Major Barber]

Hey Guns...yep yep you're seeing double....even my old hands stutter now'n then

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Howdy!

I'm speaking in generalities here.  A LOT of (un)Civil War equipment was still used up to AND INCLUDING the Span Am War timeframe.

Generally, the CW Sack Coat has 4 buttons and a rounded fall-down collar.   You know - like modern, but with round ends, instead of points.

The 1874 (or thereabouts) IW sack coat had 5 buttons, a pointed collar, and colored piping around the collar, front seam and cuffs.  The IW Kepi is smaller than the CW era.

Keep in mind that all this was subject to supplies at hand.

The Quartermaster Shop has great illustrations/photos of the various versions - but you'll pay dearly for their stuff.
http://quartermastershop.com/index.html