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CS Guidelines
by Herb Coats
CS Kit Guidelines. For an event such as this, all items must be of a period correct pattern, and constructed like the original garments. It is expected that all men participating will have their kit squared away. Company commanders are responsible to see that their men follow this set of guidelines.
I. Clothing
Hat:
1) Slouch Hat, made from correct pattern and materials
2) Kepi, made from correct pattern and materials.
3) Other civilian style hats, made from correct pattern and materials. (Limited Number)
Jackets/Coats:
1)Commutation Jacket, this can cover a wide array of jackets. A simple, non-descript jacket is pefect, but these jackets come in all types of varieties. Please stick to known Western Theater examples of the time period. 6 to 9 button front
2) Frock coat with blue collar/cuff or non-trimmed type. 8 to 10 button front
3) Civilian Coats. A simple civilian sack coat can serve well if you do not have access to the options above.
4) Very Limited Amounts of Western Depot jackets. Examples of note are the early issue“Columbus” jacket. By May of 1863, these jackets were being distributed in small amounts. Check with your company commander for preferred choice.
Trousers:
1) Military trousers with or without a blue or black stripe
2) Civilian trousers, please keep these to muted tones.
Shirts:
1) CS issue shirt
2) Civilian shirt
Drawers:
1) Civilian or military type.
Socks:
1) Wool, made from proper pattern
2) Cotton, made from proper pattern
Footwear:
1) CS issue shoes
2) Civilian shoes or boots
3) US pattern shoes (limited in number)
II. Accouterments:
Cartridge Box
1) Mid War CS “Western” Theater type of box, ie: Atlanta
2) Non-descript box
3) Limted British Box
4) Very Limited US boxes
Cap box
1) Mid War CS “Western” Theater type of cap pouch, ie: Atlanta
2) Non-descript cap pouch
3) Limited British Pouch
4) Limited US Pouch
Waist Belt
1) Roller buckle, forked tongue, frame buckle
2) "CS" style buckles, stick to Western Theater provenance.
3) Limited British Belt
4) Limited US Belt
Bayonet Scabbard
1) CS scabbard
2) British Scabbard
3) Very Limited US scabbard (2 rivet or sewn types)
Knapsacks:
1) Mexican War pattern
2) Single Bag pattern
3) British pattern--Issac& Campbell/A. Ross
4) Very Limited US Pack
Another option is a blanket roll
Canteens: (Every man must have a canteen, no exceptions)
1) CS Tin drum
3) Wooden drum (Gardner, Nuckolls, etc)
4) Very Limited Federal pattern--smooth side (We would like an emphasis on CS manufacture reproductions over US manufacture reproductions)
Haversacks:
1) Painted or unpainted canvas haversacks
2) Very Limited Federal tarred haversack (We would like an emphasis on CS manufacture reproductions over US manufacture reproductions)
Blankets:
1) Civilian type, wool, wool/cotton, carpet
2) Very LimitedUnion issue blanket (We would like an emphasis on CS manufacture reproductions over US manufacture reproductions)
Ground Cover
1) Painted Canvas Ground Cloth
2) Oil Cloth
3) Limited US Gum Blanket
4) Limited canvas flies
NO US Shelter Halves.
III. Personal Items:
Mess Gear: Get with you pals, spread the small coffee pot, fry pan, side knife out between yourselves. Bring period correct plates, cups, eating utensils. You don't need every knick-nack since we are portraying men who are on outpost duty.
Pack/Pocket Items: Extra socks, shirt, match safe, small candle, rope to help set shelter up, etc. You don't need to over think or over pack this one.
IV. Firearms
M1853 .577 (.58) Caliber Enfield 3-Band Rifle-Musket.
M1816 Conversion or M1842 .69 Caliber Smoothbore.
M1855 or M1861 “Springfield” pattern .58 Caliber Rifle-Musket.
Austrian, Prussian, or other foreign imported Muskets.
M1841 Mississippi .54 Caliber (2-band)
M1858 Enfield .577 Caliber (Repros are .58 Caliber)
Appropriate bayonet for weapon carried.
Why Enfield Rifle Muskets??? Well, here is a good account from the Perryville website:
"Thursday, August 14, 1862 (Chattanooga, TN): We turn in our old guns that we have had ever since we have been in the service. We get in place of them Enfield Rifles that had never been used any. The boys are proud of them."
-- Pvt. R.R. Etter, 16th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry