uniformstandards

In order to preserve the high levels of authenticity that both the Sixth Ohio and the reenacting hobby in general espouse, we have established standards regarding uniforms, weapons, and camp life. The following lists outline these standards. Fresh fish and newer recruits, please do not feel required to buy all of these things at once!

There are two very good reasons for this: 1) The Sixth owns a number of sets of "loaner" gear with which potential recruits can try out the hobby without taking the monetary plunge; and 2) New recruits should always act on the advice of a veteran when first purchasing reenacting items. This helps to ensure the quality correctness of the items purchased.

Coats & Jackets

Sack Coat: The dark blue, four-button coat was the typical coat worn by the infantryman in the field during the war. This is the first choice for the recruit since it was the most common coat. It is appropriate for most nearly all Civil War occasions. Required features of the sack coat are: lightweight, dark blue wool, correct pattern, short rounded collar, faced lapels and cuffs, four US eagle buttons, sleeve length should be even with body length. May be lined or unlined.

State Issue Shell Jacket: This s a coat that comes to the trousers' waste (a short coat). These were primarily used by the state governments. Required features of the shell jacket are: generally a six piece body and two piece sleeve, made of dark blue wool or satinette, nine US eagle buttons, and should have no piping or trim at all.

Federal Regulation Dress Coat (Frock): Please beware as some sutlers (suppliers) put out a shoddy frock coat so check with one of the veterans of the unit before purchasing one of these. Required features of the frock are: nine button US eagle closures, saxony blue piping on collar and cuffs, padded chest, back skirt pockets, skirts unhemmed, and coat should be lined.

Great Coat: This light blue, heavy overcoat was the typical coat worn by the infantryman in the field during cold weather. They are reproduced in standard sizes and are a welcoming edition to your kit for early spring and late fall events.

Trousers

Infantry Trousers: Trousers can be unhemmed and rolled up; this was quite common of the western soldier and is documented in many pictures. Required features: heavyweight kersey weave, thin waistband of one and one-half inch in front tapering to a half inch at the rear, narrow four to six button fly, yoke in back, side pockets that start below the wasitband or "mule ear", right side watch pocket, and hemmed cuffs (if desired) with "V" split. It is recommended that you obtain a pair of suspenders (called "braces" in the 19th century). They are of the button on variety. They should follow pattern approved by the Quartermaster Dept., Regualr Army, 1861. Estimated cost of suspenders: $15-20.

Headgear

Hats can be obtained in a variety of styles. The fatigue style forage cap, the Hardee hat, the slouc hat, and the kepi were just some of the styles found among the ranks. The forage cap and the slouch hat were esepecially preferred by the western troops. It is recommended that a member of the unit first obtain a forage cap, which may be used for field dress and parade duties. Slouch hats may be used for field dress, but are not appropriate for formal inspections or parades.

Forage Cap: We recommend the new recruit purchase the forage cap first, as it is versatile and appropriate for parades and field dress, where as the "slouch hat" is not. Features include: proper military issue, no "McDowell" brims, chin strap attached with eagle buttons, proper leather bill, and lined.

1858 Hardee Hat: This may be shaped and creased to suit the wearer. Features include: undressed, medium weight felt, 5 3/4" tall, brim should be 3" wide and have a double row of stitching around the outer edge, ribbon 1/4" to 1/2" wide should be around, interior lined with 2 1/2" sweatband of black, brown, or maroon leather and a makers label at the top. This is a fairly "authentic" description of the Hardee. Certainly other, less expensive, Hardee's are acceptable in the Sixth.

Shirts, Shoes, & Socks

Shirts: Any shirt that is appropriate for the time period may be worn with the uniform. The most commonly used style is the "Jefferson Shirt" with a three or four button front, band collar, and single button cuffs. It is recommended that you have spare shirts for your comfort.

Shoes or Boots: The Civil War soldiers shoes were known as"Brogans" and were typically made of black leather, rough side out. It is recommended that have heelplates put on them at the time of purchase. The plates wil extend the life of the soles substantially. The "Jefferson" boot is also approved for use with the 6th OVI uniform.

Basic Equipment

Blanket: A staple of the soldier! Used even on a cool summer night. Features include: brown or gray "US" issue, weighing 4-6 lbs., and may or may not have the "US" stitched in the center. There are other acceptable period blankets, but the issue blankets are the best. On other blankets look for ones with end stripes for a military appearance. Make sure the stripes are woven into the blanket and not painted on.

Estimated cost: $50

Rubber Gum Blanket: This is the rubberized canvas blanket which is used primarily for a waterproof ground cloth for a soldier to sleep on. Most styles have grommets along the edges which enables the cloth to be tied up as a shelter. Some styles have a center slot which allows the piece to be used as a poncho (mostly cavalry troops did this).

Canteen: Model 1858 regulation "smoothside", gray or brown wool or jean cover (blue covers acceptable, but probably not period), use of leather or string to hold the cork stopper to the canteen versus chain (period suggestion), strap to be of light cotton, linen, or cotton tape, straps may also be leather. The strap will probably be to long to be worn comfortably, so it is suggested to hand stitch it to the proper length. Stainless steel canteens aren't period, but last longer and are somewhat higher priced.

Haversack: This bag holds your food and hangs from your shoulder. Features include: made of "tarred" canvas, painted black with oil based paint, check dimensions as many reproductions are too large, included may be a cotton linen inner bag with two or three buttonholes to be buttoned to the interior of the haversack to keep foods separate, should have a buckle closure, belt and buckle should be black. Like the canteen, the strap may be too long, so it is suggested that you hand sew to the proper length for your comfort.

Knapsack: This is the alternative to the classic "bedroll". Instead of carrying everything rolled up in your blanket and around your neck, the knapsack will do it for you. Note that not all soldiers had them, and here may be events where bedrolls are preferred. The best choice is the M1855"doublebag" soft pack. Careful with size as some sutlers will carry oversized knapsacks. It is suggested you speak to a veteran first before purchasing this item. Estimated cost: $80

Tents: There are basically two types of tents used by the 6th OVI. The first being a 6'x9' "A" tent or wedge tent. These tents are used at most reenactments and living history events when the unit is portraying a semi-permanent or garrisoned camp scenario. Wth an "A" tent you will need to have tent stakes, a ridge pole and uprights. The stakes and poles can be bought where you purchase your tent, or you can make your own poles. The other style that is commonly used is the "dog tent" or shelter-half configuration which is used in a "campaign" scenario. Soldiers in the Civil War often carried one shelter-half which could be paired up with another, tied together, and supported with simple uprights (sometimes with rifles) to create a small two man (or sometimes 3 or 4 man) shelter. Estimated cost of "A" tents: $150; Estimated cost of shelter-halves: $30

Rifle: The P1853 Enfield rifled musket was issued to the original 6th OVI and is recommended as the first choice for a weapon. Slings are optional as many photos show rifles without them. It is strongly suggested that you consult with a staff member before purchasing a rifle.

Bayonet: Because of differing site locations and bore sizes, bayonets are made to fit specific weapons. Be certain that you are purchasing the correct style for your gun. Leather scabbards come in a few different styles. Ask your sutler to instruct you on the correct style for your bayonet type.

Cap Box & Leather Belt: The black leather cap box and black leather belt (with brass US oval buckle) are of approved pattern, Ordinance Department, 1850. The belt should be 1.9" wide and have a brass or leather keeper affixed. The cap box may be early "shield" type or a later pattern. It should have fleece sewn in top of the box to keep caps from falling out.

Cartridge Box & Sling: The US M1855, black leather cartridge box is to be used. The box has a compartment for two tins to hold approxmately forty rounds and a small outer pouch for cleaning supplies. The box may be ornamented with a brass US oval plate, which is sold separately. The cartridge box is held in place by a leather sling which is worn across the shoulder. The sling is usually adorned with a round breastplate bearing the US eagle pattern.

Accessories

You will probably add to your uniform and accouterments as you go along. Some of the things that you will likely add are: tin cup, candles, matches, eating utensils, lantern, mess plate, frying pan, mucket, etc.

Please note that words such as required, must, and should are used for descriptive purposes only. All of our kits will vary from one item to the next. This is simply a guide that most of us use.