We recommend all new members try to get their gear within 1 year of the start of their reenacting career.  This is a very expensive hobby and before you buy anything we prefer you try an event to make sure this is a hobby you want to pursue.  We have extra gear to loan new recruits that might be interested in attending an event.  The following is a broad generalization of what you will want to purchase.  Before you buy anything please contact someone in the company to make sure that what your buying is appropriate.  It is easier to buy Federal gear first since most of it can be used for both sides. Please review Uniforms of the 1st Tennesse Infantry What did Western Confederate Soldiers wear? "It was easy to distinguish them [Longstreet's Corps] from the soldiers of Bragg's army by their clothing, most of them wore regular Confederate uniform, while the dress of the western man was a 'go as you please' matter, with every imaginable variety of garments and head covering.  Scarcely any two of the latter were clothed alike." -Lieutenant Wilbur Hinman, Federal Soldier, describing the difference between Eastern and Western Confederates after capturing several of Longstreet's men at Chickamauga.  Page 262, Peter Cozzen's: This Terrible Sound. "The men were good-sized, healthy, and well-clothed, but without any attempt at uniformity in color or cut; but nearly all were dressed in either gray or brown coats and felt hats. I was told that even if a regiment was clothed in proper uniform by the Government , it would be parti-colored again in a week, as the soldiers preferred wearing the coarse home-spun jackets and trousers made by their mothers and sisters at home. The Generals very wisely allow them to please themselves in this respect, and insist only that their arms and accoutrements being kept in proper order." -Arthur Fremantle, British Officer and author of Three months in the Southern States, describing in 1863 during the Tullahoma Campaign how the Western Confederates were dressed.  Page 155. List of Recommended Sutlers Wambaugh, White & Co. Ben Tart Richmond Depot C&D Jarnagin Greg Starbuck Clearwater Hats Dirty Billy Hats S&S Sutler Dell Leatherworks Stony Brook Missouri Boot and Shoe Fugawee L. D. Hanning Regimental Quartermaster Dixie Gun Works Blockade Runner - Rifles Only

Confederate Clothing

Jacket:  We recommend obtaining a Western Depot Jacket of the Columbus, Atlanta, Mobile, Alabama Depot as your first jacket.  These were issued to the Army of Tennessee for most of the war.  Each one was constructed differently.  Frock coats are also permitted as a jacket that saw service through the entire war and was issued to the 1st TN in 1861 and 1862. Ben Tart Richmond Depot Wambaugh, White & Co. S&S Sutler Pants:  Jean wool, they should be any shade of gray or brown.  Doesn't necessarily need to match jacket.  You will need to buy suspenders to hold them up with. Ben Tart Richmond Depot Wambaugh, White & Co. Stony Brook Sutler S&S Sutler Brogans: black or brown leather (black preferred for first pair of shoes) Missouri Boot and Shoe L. D. Hanning C&D Jarnagin Fugawee Hat:  Slouch hat or kepi.  Any color that is reasonable (basically gray or brown).  Black slouch hat would work will for both CS and US impressions and would be a good "first purchase" hat. Kepi: Greg Starbuck Dirty Billy Slouch Hats: Dirty Billy Clearwater Hat Company Misc:  Cotton Shirt Civilian Pattern, Wool Socks, Cotton Drawers (underwear)-Anyone of the clothing sutlers

Cartridge Box:  Any AOT style or Federal issue style. Haversack: Tarred black, white canvas, or carpet haversack. Belt w/ Cap Box and Buckle:  Buckle must be an AOT buckle.  Georgia Frame or a rectangular C.S.A. buckle are the highest recommended.  Canteen:  We recommend a metal smooth side canteen for your first purchase with a gray jean wool cover.  This is suitable for both CS and US.  A second choice for a CS impression is would be a tin drum canteen, no cover. Missouri Boot and Shoe L. D. Hanning C&D Jarnagin Dell Leatherworks Rifle:  Most Civil War Era rifles are acceptable.  Either a .58 caliber 1853 model Enfield or a 1855 or 1861 model Springfield are the most highly recommended rifles.  You may use a 1842 model .69 caliber Springfield if you would like.  The 1st TN was never issued these weapons and the army as whole usually traded these for a captured .58 rifle during the war so they are not necessarily recommended.  We only allow Armi Sport, Euro Arms (if you can find one - they went out of business), and Pedersoli reproduction makers.  If you have a functioning original you may use that as well.  You will need to buy a bayonet and scabbard based upon which rifle you purchased. Blockade Runner (For Rifles only) Regimental Quartermaster Dixie Gun Works

Confederate Equipment

Confederate Misc

Knapsack (backpack):  A Hardpack, Mexican War style (Kibbler) pack, or a British Import knapsack is the most common Confederate packs.  You may use a Federal double pack as well. L.D. Hanning Missouri Boot and Shoe Blanket:  A Confederate wool blanket or Civilian coverlet would be the most common for a Confederate impression.  However Federal issue blankets were a prized commodity and recommended for your first purchase.  Family Heirloon Weavers S&S Sutler Poncho or Oil Cloth C&D Jarnagin Dells Leatherworks Tent or Shelter half:  Reenacting is tending to go towards campaign style events where tents are not used so shelter half or 'pup; tent is recommended. Wambaugh, White & Co.

Federal Uniforms and Equipment

Jacket:  Dark Blue 100% Wool sack coat with 4 button front.  Federal State Jackets and Frocks are permissible but these are considered early war jackets and are not necessarily accurate for all periods of the war. Wambaugh, White & Co. Camp Randall Quartermaster Pants:  Lt. Blue 100% wool. Wambaugh, White & Co. Stony Brook Hat:  Must be 100% wool dark blue forage cap is recommended for your first purchase.  Make sure to get a Type II Forage Cap.  It is appropriate for all periods of the war.  A black Hardee hat or a black civilian is also a very common hat and is acceptable. Forage Cap: Dirty Billy Hardee Hat: Dirty Billy Gear:  All leathers must be black.  Belt must have US oval buckle. Missouri Boot and Shoe L. D. Hanning C&D Jarnagin Dell Leatherworks Blanket:  Recommended US brown or gray wool blanket is a valuable purchase when possible. S&S Sutler Knapsack:  US Double Bag knapsack L.D. Hanning Missouri Boot and Shoe Great Coat:  US Sky Blue Greatcoat C&D Jarnagin