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10th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry
Equipment Standards
As the 10th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry we strive to maintain authenticity standards for impersonating the Union Civil War soldier.
The following equipment standard guidelines are based on research provided for all new members acquiring their equipment for the first time, as well as current members looking to replace items.
For guidance on where to acquire said items, see veteran members of the regiment.
Uniform Items
Fatigue Blouse (sack coat) and/or Enlisted Frock Coat – Manufactured by the Cincinnati Arsenal. Lightweight wool of a shade between a medium and dark blue of color. Blouse is to have one (1) pocket inside the left breast and four (4) eagle buttons. The regulations specified that those would be unlined. However the Frock coat did have liners installed.
All button holes and visible stitching will be hand sewn.
Trousers – Lightweight, sky blue kersey wool. Trousers will be cut so that the top of the waist band reaches the wearers navel, with a noticeable rise in the back. No pleats or creases. All button holes and visible stitching will be hand sewn.
Shirt – Gray Issued shirt is suggested. White cotton and muslin shirts are acceptable. However, when worn out, should be replaced by a correct issued shirt which is a loose fitting off-white domet flannel with a single tin button at the neck and cuffs. No pockets. Shirt should also be hand sewn.
Waist Belt – Black leather with leather keeper. The oval US plate is the standard for Privates and Corporals; First Sergeants will wear the rectangular sword belt plate with silver wreath.
Forage Cap – 1858 or “McDowell” (or bummer) pattern. Finely woven, lightweight, dark blue in color wool, liner to be polished cotton of black or brown in color, painted leather brim, leather chin strap fastened on the sides with miniature eagle buttons.
No Regiment, Company and/or Corp. Insignias will be attached to the cap.
Proper black slouch and Hardee hat is suggested with no brass or hat cords.
Individual Equipment
Weapons – M1853 “type 3” Enfield rifled musket modified to resemble those imported by the “Birmingham Arms Company” (Tower). 95% of Enfields used in the American Civil War were of this type. Equipped with oiled leather sling, bayonet, black leather scabbard and frog. The musket should be dated 1859, 1860 or 1861. NO post 1862 muskets will be allowed.
Members who own 1861 Springfield rifle muskets or 1842 Springfield smooth bore musket will not be required to immediately replace them. However, new members will be required to purchase the approved M1853 Enfield rifle muskets.
NOTE: Some reenacting units require the Enfield to be stripped (burnished) of all barrel bluing. However, the musket was shipped from England with blued barrels and issued and remain as such.
The Army issued soldiers the Enfield muskets unaltered and expected them returned once the soldier’s enlistment time was completed unaltered. The only thing is the 10th. Kentucky will require that the muskets be “defarbed” from all inaccurate markings.
Only Officers will carry side arms.
Canteen - The 1858 pattern “smooth side” canteen is the preferred model. While the corrugated “bulls eye” pattern is a correct canteen, it is a post – 1862 design and is an unacceptable anachronism.
Members will purchase smooth side canteens when replacing equipment. The cover will be of woolen material. gray or brown in color.
Haversack – Black painted canvas with leather closure and muslin liner.
Mess Kit – Canteen Half’s, tin cup, fork, spoon and knife, all of proper time period. An all-in-one knife, fork, spoon kits are acceptable. No stainless steel or US stamped plates.
Ground Cloth (Gum Blankets) – Look for correct, small brass grommets. It is recommended that two (2) be purchased for a good ground cloth or tie together for waterproof “shebang / tent”
No ponchos only Calvary was issued ponchos.
Blanket – Plane wool that is gray or brown in color. No edge binding and/or US markings.
Tent – A-frame and Sibley tents are preferred. Due to cost it is recommended an A-frame tent be purchased.
Cartridge Box – Painted black leather cartridge box with tins, brass and US plate, black shoulder strap and brass eagle breast plate.
Cap Box – Painted black leather cap box with no markings.
Optional Equipment – (But Recommended)
- Sky blue kersey infantry enlisted great coat (overcoat)
- Small skillet and/or coffee boiler
- Knapsack
- Candles
- Ground cloth
Modern rifle cleaning equipment will not be used in camp. The regulations specified a wooded rod with a loop in one end. While the ordnance manual calls for using a wiper “worm” attached to the threaded end of the Enfield or Springfield rammer.
Modern brass cleaners such as Brasso, Never-Dull, and Flitz will not be used in camp. Soldiers of the period used white vinegar, ash, charcoal water, and rotten stone, or even dirt to clean their brass. Beside the farbie containers, these cleaners produce a far higher shine, which is also inaccurate. Brass should only be yellow in color, not polished to a mirror finish.
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