uniform questions

[G.W. Strong]

Since I am 10 1/2 EEEE I have had to learn to make my own period correct footwear for any reenacting I have done. I will try my hand at these.

[G.W. Strong]

Can anyone provide me with clear photos of their shoes of this style?

[cpt dan blodgett]

These from US Hist website good enough?

http://www.ushist.com/indian-wars_uniforms_us_iw_f.shtml

[Niederlander]

You guys might try Eureka Arsenal.  He carries brown prison shoes in most sizes, and it's easy to dye them black.  They look really good.  If you want a black ankle-high boot with a cap toe, search Stacy Adams Madison Boot on e-Bay.  They make a really good barracks-type shoe.  Hope that helps.

[pony express]

These from US Hist website good enough?

http://www.ushist.com/indian-wars_uniforms_us_iw_f.shtml

I have never heard any good things about ordering from them. Haven't tried it myself, but they seem to get bad reviews online.

[Pitspitr]

I have never heard any good things about ordering from them. Haven't tried it myself, but they seem to get bad reviews online.

+1

[cpt dan blodgett]

I have never heard any good things about ordering from them. Haven't tried it myself, but they seem to get bad reviews online.

I have not ordered anything from them either.  Simply gave link to provide pics of period shoes.

[G.W. Strong]

I found some nice pictures online of a pair of surviving originals. I think I can make these. They are similar in many ways to Federal Brogans. It will take a few months but I will post pictures when I have finished them.



In the meantime I have questions about hats.  (Yes, I am full of questions!) The hat I am wearing in my pitcutre has a bound edge and the brim looks too wide to be a regulation hat. I was planning on trimming it to 3 1/2 inches and using steam and hat stiffener to give it a more military shape. I will add the wool hat cord I just ordered form Coon Creek yesterday. Does that sound like a good idea?

[Drydock]

Well, the narrower brim would be correct, but the color would still be wrong.  Should be a light brown/tan color.  (what the army considered "Drab" back then)  Maybe just pin up the front and call it "F" troop!   

[G.W. Strong]

Alright then, I will leave it alone and just let it be what it is, a cowboy hat.

I have a black one on order from Coon creek. I will order a drab one as well.

[Drydock]

You gotta be careful 'round here, we're real good at spendin' your money fer ya!  

[G.W. Strong]

I'm pretty good at that myself.

[G.W. Strong]

I got my 1884 brown/drab uniform today form Col. DryDock, and I wanted to know what shirt would be worn under the blouse?

[Drydock]

THe blue pullover.

[G.W. Strong]

Excellent. Something I already own. That is a nice change of pace. 

[G.W. Strong]

Here is what I have now:

Body:
Civil war union infantry private's trousers and sack coat

1884 artillery Sergeant  khaki coat and trousers

1884 artillery Sergeant blue sack coat (on its way)

Blue pullover shirt


Head:
Tan Hat in pictures

Black campaign hat (on order)

Federal Kepi

British Pith helmet. I think I may be able to adjust the covering to make it US style.


Feet:
I have a pair of leggings on order

I have artillery/cavalry boots.

I have federal rough out brogans.

Belts:
Civil war belt and US Buckle (Oval)

Indian Wars Belt and US Buckle (Rectangle)

Mills belt for 45/70

Mills belt for 12 gauge

Civil war style suspenders.



Now the question is how to mix and match the pieces to put a uniform or two together out of what I have. Any suggestions

[pony express]

Looks like you've got the basics covered.Your brogans will work with the leggins just fine, unless you get involved with some serious stitch counters. You could add stripes to the CW trousers to go with the blue jacket you ordered. I'm not sure when the black campaign hat gave way to the drab one(I usually consult Drydock on these date things), but the Kepi will work up to 1895, when they changed the style quite a bit. Just change to the later style insignia(if Artillery changed, I don't know cause I'm infantry) I think your helmet would be goot for a later time frame also.

I have not ordered anything from them either.  Simply gave link to provide pics of period shoes.

Sorry, I guess I missed that, they do have allot there that you can use for research, even though they're not the best to order from

[cpt dan blodgett]

At some point I will get a Company Grade Frock Coat CW and will need proper 6th Inf Captains Epaulettes.  Thinking about getting the disks and bars from us hist as they are the only place I have seen them.  Know of others?

Last year just in time for Winter Range Uniform Contest got a pair of dark blue company grade trousers from Milk Creek.  Really nice quality wool and constructions.
Darn near impossible to get a response from them for E-mail questions.  Was very helpful on phone

[Pitspitr]

I'm amazed at how quick they (Coon Creek) are. I placed an order for a holster Late Thursday/early Friday and it was waiting for me in my mailbox yesterday when I got home from the football game. (State Champs! Wooo Hooo!)

[G.W. Strong]

I'm not sure when the black campaign hat gave way to the drab one(I usually consult Drydock on these date things)

OK, that begs the question, when did the hat change and when did the black one stop being used?