7tncav

Personal Items and Accessories:

It has been related in the memoirs of a Pennsylvania cavalryman that a
sutler sold portable iron stoves to his entire unit before they went to the
front. These recruits actually strapped the contraptions to their saddles and
attempted to ride with them. The Virginia countryside was strewn with
stoves within the first mile. Another group of Federal troopers purchased
iron vests, which a sutler had promised would stop bullets. The last lesson
that some would learn was that they didn't work. Though not as outlandish,
some unscrupulous sutlers today will sell shoddy or historically incorrect
items to an unsuspecting reenactor. Just because a sutler sets up his tent at
a reenactment does not necessarily mean he knows or even cares if his wares
are dependable or correct for the period. Military horse tack with brass
hardware, modern bandannas, and blue and red porcelain enamelware cups,
plates and coffeepots are some of the merchandise sold to, and
unfortunately used by some reenactors. Kerosene railroad lanterns are
often offered; though they didn't come into use until the 1870's. The
living historian's personal items are just as important a part of his
impression as his knowledge of drill. A good rule of thumb is if you're not
sure, don't use it.

Saddles:

The 1859 McClellan should be the first choice for anyone entering the
hobby. It allows him to have suitable equipment for both Confederate and
Union impressions. Hardware should be iron or Japanned black. Union
regulation called for a blue 'dragoon' blanket as saddle blanket, but
photographs show that Yankee troopers also used any available blanket. A
good second choice for a Confederate saddle, especially the western theater,
is the Hope. Several photos show Confederates mounted on Hopes and
diaries and memoirs reveal they were very popular. Russet leather seemed
to be more common than black. Other saddles such as the Jenifer, Grimsley,
Campbell, Texas Hope, Muley, Washington, Richardson, McBride and
variations of the English saddle were also used. A good early war impression
using a civilian saddle would be very appropriate as these were brought
from home and were valued, protected and quite comfortable in many
cases. Your saddle should always be fully rigged for campaign whenever
you're in the field. Several Confederates mentioned that they carried all of
their blankets under their saddles because they had no saddle pads. Ken
Knopp has researched the issue of saddle blankets made from Spanish moss.