| Common Uniform Mistakes & Suggestions... |
| In addition to Company G's "Equipment" section, a number of other items are not covered that deal with common mistakes made by either new recruits or simply those who do not realize that their impression is incorrect. Our obligation as re-enactors is to give the public/audience as much a historically accurate impression as possible. By this, we do not want to be considered "thread counters" in any way. What we mean is that the blue jeans, cowboy boots, and t-shirts need to go. There are a number of us who have spent a great deal of time studying this era, and also have spent a large deal of money to make our uniforms as accurate as possible. By viewing our examples, hopefully those new to the group will also follow our lead or at least look to us for advice. G Troop would one day like to be known as THE group to look for when concerning the Indian Wars time period. By organizing our group, we hope to do this. It's our responsibility to represent Company G's boys of '76 accurately. But, that is all in the future. For now, here are some of the common (fixable) mistakes that we are seeing: 1. Chevrons. Chevrons were worn by authorized NCOs on their blouses (coats) and occasionally their great coats. Chevrons were NEVER worn on the soldiers' shirts, this is a Hollywood invention, as are the yellow neckerchiefs worn by the troopers. 2. Eyeglasses. A common mistake is having non-period glasses when going out on campaign. Nothing ruins what would have been a perfect impression quicker than a pair of modern day rims. And if your glasses are the kind that go dark in the sunlight, oh man! 3. Kepis. Kepis were extremely rare on the trail. Though worn in garrison, Kepis were almost never worn in the field. Stick to the slouch, official campaign, and straw hats. 4. Civil War items. The 7th Cav. was not equipped with CW muskets or handguns. Very rarely were brogans worn either, stick to the boots of the era. Occasionally left over Cavalry stock from the war (saber belts, boots, trousers) were still seen among certain companies, but never CW Infantry supplies or weapons. 5. 6. |
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| Helpful hints to help make your impression more accurate and appealing: 1. Saddle Piece. Many of the soldiers leaving for the 1876 Campaign added a white, canvas saddle piece to their trousers for padding on the trail and to lengthen the life of their pants. For $10 you can buy more than enough canvas at a craft store. For another $10-$20 you can have them sewn professionally into place. 2. Hat Cords. Hat cords WERE available to troopers who desired them. Many did not use them because they were not real "campaign friendly." Many soldiers lost them right away at the beginning of the ride. However, they are a nice added touch and a simple needle and thread securing the front and the back of them will quickly end any fear of losing them. 3. Stampede Straps. Add a piece of rawhide to your hat and a period tie. These were used often by soldiers to tighten up so they wouldn't lose their hats when riding full gallop. $.50 and you've authenticated your hat that much more! 4. Buckskin and rawhide items were added (unofficially) to most soldiers' uniforms during campaigns. This included knife sheaths and even entire buckskin outfits for the officers. 5. Salute. When addressing an officer, palm is out, facing the person. This is different from the salute of today when the palm is flat (facing the ground). 6. |
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