Are homespun shirts and socks okay?

Doc Jackson · October 11, 2018, 06:12:53 PM

I was able to come into a little bit of money today and I ordered a 4 button lined sack coat from C.Daley. Im trying to prioritize my list of essential items. I plan to eventually get the issue drab grey wool shirt and socks anyway, but already have civilian homespun socks and a plaid cotton bib shirt. I know that civilian items would be sometime worn by frontier troops, Ive seen mention of corduroy trousers worn by cavalry.

My question is, were these things commonly enough worn as to be considered okay for an impression, as a stand in or would it be considered a faux pax? If they are okay then I will concentrate on bootees, trousers, drawers, and canteen first. and move to the shirt and socks later. But I dont wanna be "That guy".

pony express · October 11, 2018, 06:27:50 PM

Your Plaid shirt will be fine, and as for the socks- unless you're doing a Scottish impression with Kilt(like Rattlesnake Jack) I don't think anyone's even going to check out your socks.

Doc Jackson · October 11, 2018, 06:41:39 PM

Thanks, I just wanted my impression to represent the rule rather than the exception.

Pitspitr · October 12, 2018, 06:12:48 AM

Civilian clothing items were quite common during the '60's and '70's. Concentrate on the other stuff first.

If you attend the Grand Muster and participate in the Uniform contest I may ask to see your socks and ask you about what drawers you are wearing if the contest is close, but that would be the only thime. Also unless you have someone custom make the socks you aren't going to find them commercially available.

Grenadier · October 12, 2018, 09:29:57 AM

South Union Mills used to make accurate 1860's socks. However, hand knitted socks from home would be just as accurate IMHO.

Doc Jackson · October 12, 2018, 02:31:42 PM

Concerning non regulation items and their use, are these topics covered by either Langellier or McChristian? Over the last few days I read mentions of slickers, straw hats, moccasins, corduroys and other things.

smoke · October 13, 2018, 10:19:27 PM

Quote from: Doc Jackson on October 12, 2018, 02:31:42 PM
Concerning non regulation items and their use, are these topics covered by either Langellier or McChristian? Over the last few days I read mentions of slickers, straw hats, moccasins, corduroys and other things.

They are mentioned by McChristian...I think. $:-\$ I would have to go and check to be sure.

Pitspitr · October 14, 2018, 10:08:57 AM

Quote from: smoke on October 13, 2018, 10:19:27 PM
They are mentioned by McChristian...I think. $:-\$ I would have to go and check to be sure.

Yes, he mentions them, but I don't think he goes into depth on them.

1961MJS · October 15, 2018, 02:03:18 PM

Quote from: Doc Jackson on October 12, 2018, 02:31:42 PM
Concerning non regulation items and their use, are these topics covered by either Langellier or McChristian? Over the last few days I read mentions of slickers, straw hats, moccasins, corduroys and other things.

Hi

If memory serves, the Yellow rain slickers were actually regulation after the Civil War. Don't have the books handy, but I did get the yellow one for that reason, and actually shot in it this year. It was a might wet this June. Straw hats were covered in several of the other books I have. I'll look when I get a chance. Pants were hit or miss on campaign (you had them, you could wear them, but I don't remember seeing anything at all on Moccasins. Odd that they didn't since the Custers wore buckskins at various times and the moccasins would have been practical.

Later

Doc Jackson · October 15, 2018, 02:41:35 PM

Moccasins, long underwear and battered hats are mentioned briefly in Utley's Frontier Regulars Chapter 5 Weapons, Uniforms, and Equipment

1961MJS · October 15, 2018, 03:38:09 PM

Quote from: Doc Jackson on October 15, 2018, 02:41:35 PM
Moccasins, long underwear and battered hats are mentioned briefly in Utley's Frontier Regulars Chapter 5 Weapons, Uniforms, and Equipment

That explains it somewhat, I have McChristian, several thinner books by somebody else, and 40 miles a day on Beans and Hay.

Later

Doc Jackson · October 15, 2018, 04:11:08 PM

I recommend Frontier Regulars, it is an easy read. Im about to start 40 miles a day on Beans and Hay and Im going to get McChristian as soon as I can.

Doc Jackson · October 17, 2018, 06:38:55 PM

1961MJS

If you were still interested in more mentions of non regulation clothing, Leonard Wood mentions them in his diary, recalling his time campaigning in Sonora in May - September, 1886.

"Suits of underclothing formed our uniform and moccasins covered our feet

1961MJS · October 17, 2018, 11:24:37 PM

Hi

This?

https://smile.amazon.com/Chasing-Geronimo-Journal-Leonard-May-September/dp/080322527X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539836590&sr=8-1&keywords=leonard+wood+diary

Later

Doc Jackson · October 17, 2018, 11:53:28 PM

Yes sir thats it.