Clothing Question re: Authenticity

[Frank Dalton]

If nothing else - we're certainly civilized, here.

And believe me - it's appreciated.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

I also appreciate it. My goal is to learn more.

Having an attitude makes it harder for the facts to sink in, kind of like wearing a tin pan helmet to keep the bad ethers from penetrating your skull (trying to describe the modern version in a period correct way).

[Frank Dalton]

My earlier comment about surplus, was a 2+2 equation that I made based on a comment in Lee Rutledge's "Campaign Clothing: Field Uniforms of the Indian War Army 1872-1886.

In describing the 1872 trowsers he says:

An additional note in the '72 Regulations explains how numerous trowsers were fabricated outside the arsenal system, (as part of the system): "One third of the trowsers of the enlisted men issued on requisition shall be sent to posts cut out but not made up. The material of each pair of trowsers, with the buttons, thread, needles, and all necessary trimmings, shall be rolled up in a bundle, securely fastened and marked with the size of the trowsers." Other uniform items were also sent to posts so they could be fitted and sewn by company tailors, a practice that led to fairly widespread deviations from the prescribed style and to Quartermaster concern

I can imagine that many of these trowsers were sewn by company tailors, but it would seem that in locations that had access to local seamstresses, they would have been utilized instead. In exchange for their finish work the seamstresses could have been provided with extra bundles as barter payment. Possibly they were paid in cash for these items to be sewn, but with the shortage of money allocated by the congress to the Army in general, post-war, one would have to consider the merits of the barter system. And if the barter system was used, what other commodities did the Army readily have available to barter with?

Food for thought.

[River City John]

There were many private manufacturers and suppliers turning out military-style clothing for use by the G.A.R. and the like, local militias, pseudo-militias, bands, police depts., military academies, what have you.
There would be many opportunities to see any of these in civilian settings. Uniform items did not necessarily have to have their source from the service branches. 

[St. George]

In addressing a couple of points:

The Post Commander would've been the one charged with the Army's supplies.

He also would be the one to 'survey' worn-out and no longer serviceable articles, and 'condemn' them.

I'd imagine that that was the case with Sandoz, as he could do that and strike the 'condemned' supplies from his Supply Records and order against the loss.

The seamstresses mentioned would've been the wives of the Enlisted men - who also were given a stipend as laundresses.
Augmenting income in that way was common to all Armies of the time - a practice that dated back many, many years.

The GAR drew 'some' uniform items from the Government - more through private purchase, as there was an 'approved' GAR 'uniform' and private suppliers vied for the business.
(I may wind up doing a 'Note' about that, as I'm gathering a bit more information)

Indian Scouts were outfitted in older styles for a time - eventually drawing from the same Supplyman that the soldier did.

'Contract' scouts could be outfitted similarly - from existing stock - but most would forego that - except perhaps, for armament.

After 1872 - the Army was actively supplying the new pattern of uniform, albeit slowly - but as time went on and campaigning diminished in intensity - the availability rose and soldiers were fairly well-outfitted.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Delmonico]

Good information, thanks.

[gospel micah]

RIVER JUNCTION HAS PERIOD CORRECT JEANS. THERE CALLED GOLD RUSH . CHECK THE WEBSIGHT OUT http://www.riverjunction.com/catalog/trousers/goldrush.html

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Great information, here.

[Mick Archer]

  Howdy Pards!

  A few pics of perhaps the oldest pair of surviving blue jeans, reported found in an abandoned Arizona mine circa 1908:

 

  Mick Archer

[Mick Archer]

  Howdy Pards!

  Some detail:

 

   Mick Archer

 

[Mick Archer]

  Howdy Pards!

  Some more detail:

 

  Mick Archer

[Mick Archer]

  Howdy Pards!

  Some more details:

 

   Mick Archer

[gospel micah]

Howdy those are an originel pair of Levis jeans im pretty sure those are from the late 1800s.

[River City John]

At one time Levi offered an exact reproduction of their 1880 jeans, using copper rivet re-enforced stress points; high waist cut; suspender buttons; adjustment belt in back and with one rear pocket. The price was, I think, some unGodly amount like $500.00?

They were a back-dated offering using their 501 button-fly as a starting point.
Not sure if they are still being offered.

[gospel micah]

Howdy check this place out its the levis websight. They tell you where you can find those pants http://www.us.levi.com/lsco/levi/prod/l_prod.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374305323768&bmUID=1177362918226

[Steel Horse Bailey]

I'll stick to the River Junction product.  Besides, Levi Corp. is pretty anti-gun, so they aren't gettin' any of MY  ca$h!