Forage Cap McDowell is preferred.
Type II is acceptable.
Kepi low numbers.

Frock Coat Not priority, but original 8CV issue.
Brass state buttons available.
Contact Quartermaster.

Sack Coat Also called Fatigue Blouse.
Should be purchased first.
Get a lined version.

Shirt Federal dommet flannel or wool preferred.
Civilian pattern cotton acceptable.
Skip the off-white muslin.

Drawers "Union suits" not acceptable.
These drawers are ideal.

Trousers Sky Blue preferred.
Dark Blue acceptable.
Avoid neon dye colors.

Suspenders Also known as "braces".
Don't get caught with your pants down.

Socks Knit wool socks preferred.
Cotton socks summer acceptable.
Skip the tube socks.

Shoes Jefferson Bootees, sewn soles, with heel plates.
Well-fitting, authentic shoes are extremely important.
Should be one of your first purchases.

Eyeglasses If you absolutely need them, period eyeglasses are required. Period.

Vest Optional.
Dark blue, brass buttons preferred
Civilian pattern cotton acceptable.

Greatcoat Optional.
Federal Sky Blue preferred.
Connecticut Grey acceptable.
Better than a sleeping bag.

.58 Cal. Rifled Musket 1861 Springfield preferred.
1853 Enfield acceptable.
1855 Springfield Type 2 low numbers.

Musket Sling Buy it with the rifle, or alone.
Be sure of period correct model.

Bayonet Original bayonets preferred.
Stronger and fit better.
Reproductions acceptable.

Scabbard The sheath for the bayonet.
Springfield/Gaylord preferred.
Enfield pattern acceptable.

Cartridge Box Get .58 caliber pattern 1861.
Get front oval US brass plate.
Cartridge box tins also required.

Cartridge Box Sling Get Eagle brass breast plate.

Cap Pouch Mid-war variant preferred.
"Shield Front" acceptable.

Waist Belt Get oval US belt plate.
Leather or brass keeper.

Rifle Cleaning For your cartridge box tool pocket.

Nipple Wrench & Pick
Wiper/Worm
Scraper & Jag

Canteen Smoothside w/ leather sling Early War.
Bullseye w/ web sling Late War.
Grey cover preferred, brown or blue acceptable. Look for pewter spouts.

Haversack For rations, not personal items.
It gets greasy fairly quickly.

Plate Do not buy stainless steel.
Do not buy speckleware.
Do not buy aluminum.

Utensils Need wood or bone handles.
Forks have 2 or 3 prongs.
Flea Markets or Antique Stores.

Tin Cup Also a boiler to cook food.
Soldered top, bottom, wired handle.
Do not buy speckleware.
Do not buy deep drawn items.

Blanket Brown U.S. w/ end stripes preferred.
Grey U.S. Issue acceptable.
A good one is worth two crumby ones.

Rubber Blanket Also known as a gum blanket.
The soldier's ground cloth.
Do not buy vinyl items.

Poncho Optional.
Over the head, Slit in middle.
Slightly drier in the rain.
Do not buy vinyl items.

Shelter Tent 3 panel Early War preferred.
2 panel Late War acceptable.
No metal grommets!

Knapsack Optional.
Double Bag preferred.
Hardpack Early War acceptable.

Wedge Tent Early war & garrison impressions.
8'L x 6'W x 6'H preferred.
Avoid taller tents.

Blockade Runner

C&C Sutlery

C&D Jarnigan

C.J. Daley

Dell's Leather Works

Dirty Billy's Hats

Fall Creek Sutlery

Focusers

Historic Eyewear Co.

Missouri Boot & Shoe Co.

Panther Primitives

Regimental Quartermaster

S&S Sutler

South Union Mills

Wambaugh, White, & Co.