Nav: Home > Reenactor Resources > Uniform

28th New York Infantry Regiment

Niagara Rifles; Scott Life Guard

Recommended Uniform and 28th NYSV Guidelines Note: If you are new to the hobby or are interested in getting involved in American Civil War reenacting, please ensure that you read the Starter Gear section of the website prior to purchasing new uniforms, firearms or equipment. Background Uniforms during the American Civil War varied greatly between the different branches of service, Armies, Corps, Divisions, Brigades, Regiments and States. Many regiments (both Union and Confederate) had very unique uniforms. During the mid 19th Century there was a large numbers of European immigrants relocating to the expanding United States of America. Huge number of German, Italian, Irish and Scottish families were moving to places like New York and Boston and when war broke out in 1861 several regiments were formed along these well established national and cultural lines. The Italian Garibaldi Guard, the Irish Brigade, the 79th New York "Cameron Highlanders" all formed along these lines and regimental uniforms were developed to match the national origin of the men within the regiments. The militia regiments who rushed to the aid of Washington in the early days of the war all had their own unique uniforms. While the Regulars of the pre-war US Army had regulations governing their uniforms, the militia was, in general, not limited by these regulations. In the early days of the American Civil War, the historically recognized Blue versus Gray did not exist. Federal regiments wore gray, the 7th New York Militia being an example, and Confederate regiments wore blue, such as the 2nd South Carolina. At the First Battle of Bull Run, their are documented friendly fire incidents where Union and Confederate regiments fired upon their own troops not recognizing the uniforms (The fact that the national flags were so similar at that time did not help). After the First Battle of Bull Run the uniforms were standardized to a certain extent. The Union army settled on Blue as their principal color and the Confederates adopted Gray. However, despite these regulations a number of differences still existed within regimental uniforms; whether those differences were in the color of the facings, type of head-gear, color of trousers... the differences existed. The 28th New York The 28th New York was not exempt from the differences and today, at reeneactments, we attempt to portray our predecessors as closely as possible. In order that our appearance mirrors that of the 28th New York of the 1860s we recommend that people coming into the regiment specifically look for uniform items as described below: The Jacket Being one of the early war regiments the 28th generally avoided the shortage of material which later prompted the introduction of jacket styles designed to save material and as such the Frock Coat was worn by all members of the regiment. The Frock Coat, a knee length wool jacket buttoned to the waist, as seen below, was derived from the civilian style coat of the same name. It was introduced in 1851 by the US Army and was modeled, along with most of the rest of the uniform of the time, on the French military uniform of the period. When it was introduced is was disliked greatly by the senior military officers of the Federal Army for not being of an recognized military design. Despite this, the style existed throughout the American Civil War and was worn by a large number of regiments. Trousers Within the Federal Army of the American Civil War, their was only one style of trouser used by infantrymen. The wool trouser with button fly and held up with suspenders. However, color is something of an issue. Dark Blue and Light Blue colored Trousers are used within the regiment, however, only Officers wear the dark blue. All other military personnel within the unit wear light blue colored trousers, as seen in the photograph below. In addition, unlike some regiments, no stripe was present on trousers worn by the 28th New York. Head Gear There are two types of hat worn by members of the 28th New York, the Kepi (French for cap) and the Forage Cap. In the following photograph, we see examples of both. The Forage Cap is worn by the two individuals on the left while the Kepi is worn by the two individuals on the right. Hat Brass In general, during the American Civil War, the unit affiliation of soldiers was seen by the brass worn on their hat. Infantrymen were recognized by the brass Bugle, the number showing a persons Regiment and letter designating Company were usually worn. However, whether all or none of these were actually worn and in what configuration varied from regiment to regiment. The 28th, at this time, does not have a set designation with regards to the brass which should be worn on head gear and it is entirely the individuals own preference. We have people with most possible configurations represented within the regiment. Whether that configuration be no brass; just a Bugle; just the Company; Company and Bugle; or Company, Regiment and Bugle. As you can see from the following pictures, we have a wide variety. Vest The Dark Blue US Army Military Vest is the standard vest worn by all Union soldiers of the American Civil War. Made with black cotton back and small brass buttons. Shirts A large number of styles of under shirts are available to reenactors. The standard issue for Union Soldiers was white cotton. However, any historically authentic shirts are acceptable. Bone, Shell or Wood buttons are required. Footwear Brogans. American Civil War style leather boots, as in the following photograph, preferably laced with leather straps and with no eyelets. Brogans tend to be loose fitting and, until they are worn in, can be quite uncomfortable to wear. Thick socks are a must. As the soles of brogans are leather, they tend to wear down over time. Heel plates can be added to brogans to help them last longer. However, generally speaking, brogans, purchased new, do not come with heel plates attached. These can be usually be purchased separately and attached to the brogans. Metal heel plates can be seen on the following photograph. Leather Equipment and Uniform Accoutrements North or South, the basic gear for any infantryman of the American Civil War was the same. Excluding the uniform and firearm (covered later), the standard kit consisted of a Cartridge Box, Belt, Cap Box, Haversack and Water Canteen. The Cartridge Box used by the 28th New York was the 1855 issue .58 caliber cartridge box with black leather shoulder strap (as pictured below) When new, the cartridge boxes do not usually come with a brass plate attached. If a person chooses to, these can be purchased separately and attached to the cartridge box. A number of different styles of brass plate can be purchased for Cartridge Boxes. Volunteer regiments from New York had "SNY" (State of New York) plates rather than the standard "US" plates. Both are accepted, however, if a person getting into reenacting with the 28th had a choice, the "SNY" plate would be preferable. The SNY brass cartridge box plate can be seen attached to an 1855 .58 caliber cartridge box on the following photograph. In addition to the box plate, a brass breast plate can be purchased seperately and added to the strap of the cartridge box. This would be positioned on the front of the strap and worn centrally at the point where the cartridge box strap crosses the center of the jacket. Examples of this can be seen below: The Belt, as seen in the below picture, would be the regulation 1855 issue black leather with brass plate buckle. As with the Cartridge Box plate, the brass plate can be found with "US" or "SNY", both are accepted, also, as with the cartridge box, the "SNY" buckle would be preferable given a choice. The Cap Box, also seen in the above picture, would be the regulation 1855 issue black Cap Box and attach to the belt by leather belt loops on the back. The Federal issue Haversack was a canvas bag worn across the shoulder and tarred to waterproof. Examples can be seen in the two pictures below. The US Water Canteen is available in either Tin or Stainless Steel and comes with a pewter spout with a cork plug. Tin is historically accurate, however, both are acceptable. With regards to Color; Dark Blue, Grey, Sky Blue or Tan are all accepted (as can be seen from the photograph below). Firearms and Bayonets The American Civil War saw great technological leaps with regards to military small-arms. In the early days of the war several regiments were still armed with inaccurate 18th Century smoothbore flintlocks, however, by the end of the war some regiments were being equipped with repeating rifles. Historically, the 28th New York was armed with Remington Rifles. However, these are not used for a number of reasons; Firstly, they are considerably more expensive and rarer than other era correct weaponry, Secondly, they are two band rifles and as such are not able to be used on the rear ranks of reenactments. For purposes of safety, only the three banded rifles are used during historical reenactments. The following weapons are the preferred firearms with the 28th New York: The British made 1853 Enfield Rifle was imported in large quantities during the American Civil War by both the Union and Confederacy. Over 600,000 were used during the war. They are currently reproduced by ArmiSport and EuroArms and the three band version is the primary choice for most reenactors. A small number of smoothbore three band 1853 Enfields are appearing on the market at this time. The smoothbores are also accepted versions of the 1853 Enfield. The US Springfield 1855 Rifle Musket. This model was used extensively by Union soldiers during the early years of the American Civil War. However, this model had a habit of mis-firing and, as a result, by 1863 it had been almost completely phased-out with preference going to the redesigned 1861 Model Springfield. This preference is still true at reenactments today. The US Springfield 1861 Rifle Musket. Over 800,000 Springfields were used during the American Civil War. Made in the northern states, the vast majority were used by Union soldiers. As with the Enfield, the Springfield is currently reproduced by Euroarms and ArmiSport. Bayonets and scabbards are specific to the type of firearm which is used. Springfield bayonets tend to not fit onto Enfields and visa versa. In addition, some bayonets have been found to need a certain amount of filing in order that they will fit onto a specific rifle. If you already have a rifle for which you are looking for a bayonet, have your rifle available to test that the bayonet fits before you purchase it. Camp Equipment Tent Obviously, having a place to sleep at reenactments is necessary. Which style of tent you use is entirely your choice. Their are two primary styles of tent used at events: The A-Frame canvas tent is available in a number of different sizes with a number of options. Additional options include doors at both ends, sod clothes and overlapping doors. They are a more comfortable option available to American Civil War reenactors. A Frame tents were designed to be used in a fixed regimental camp and possibly for an extended period of time by soldiers. As such they provide more head room and are available up to 9' long and 7' tall to accommodate taller people. The Shelter Tent, also made from canvas, was designed to be used while campaigning and slept two soldiers, each of who carried half of the canvas and buttoned the two halves together at night. Shelter tents are generally six foot in length and provide limited room. They were designed for practicality rather than comfort. Meal Times While on camp, authenticity extends to all aspects of life. The plate, cup and cutlery used on camp must be as authentic as any other part of your equipment. Tin plates and cups are preferred and authentic knife, fork and spoon. Blankets US Issue blankets came in several different colors, styles and designs during the course of the war. Essentially, any wool blanket without a machine stitched edge will be acceptable. Optional Extras All of the above listed items are considered to be the essentials with regards to the reenacting equipment of the military personnel within the 28th New York State Volunteers. However, this by no means scrapes the surface with regards to what a person could acquire to extend their uniform or to improve their camp life. Below are a number of optional extras which, depending on the level to which you want to get involved in reenacting, may be regarded as essential. Uniform Options The Great Coat is a thick light blue overcoat worn by soldiers during winter months. It is buttoned to the waist and comes with an elbow length cape attached. This is an expensive additional uniform layer but is very welcome when reenacting early or late in the year. The Poncho is a section of light canvas coated in rubber to waterproof with a neck hole to allow you to place it over your head. As with the Great Coat, this is very useful (and recommended) when reenacting early or late in the year. In addition to the Kepi or Forage Cap, several members of the regiment also have a wide brimmed Slouch hat or Hardee Hat to keep the sun off there necks and face while at events. While Kepis are the preferred headgear wide brimmed hats are acceptable alternatives to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun. In the following photograph we see examples of both the US Infantry Hardee Hat (left) and Slouch hat (right). Canvas Gaitors are also an option, especially early or late in the year. Gaitors are attached to the boot and buckle up around the shin. They were designed to protect the hem of uniform trousers and are available in either black tarred canvas or plain canvas. While the number of options available to an American Civil War reenactor is very large, whether they are authentic to our regiment or period of the war is a question which we are always asking. If you are looking to expand your equipment beyond what is listed above, please consult with an Officer or senior member of the regiment before you make any significant purchases. Summary Check List Note: Italics ae used to represent optional items Uniform Jacket Dark Blue Frock Coat Trousers Light Blue Wool Trousers Head Gear Dark Blue Kepi or Forage Cap Hat Brass Regimental Designation '2' and '8' Company Designation 'E' Infantry 'Bugle' Shirts Cotton shirts Boots Brogans Socks Wool Leather and Equipment Cartridge Box Black 1855 .58 Calibre. 'SNY' (or 'US') Brass Box Plate Brass Breast Plate Belt Black 1855 Issue 'SNY' (or 'US') Brass Belt Buckle Cap Box Black 1855 Issue Haversack Black Tarred Filler Items Canteen Standard US Canteen Color Optional Firearms Firearm 3-Band 1853 Enfield 3-Band 1855 Springfield 3-Band 1861 Springfield Bayonet To fit Firearm Camp Equipment Tent A-Frame Tent Shelter Tent Meal Times Plate Cutlery Cup Blankets US Issue Color Optional Optional Uniform Light Blue Great Coat Poncho Slouch Hat Gaitors