THIRD IOWA CAVALRY COMPANY D
Uniform Requirements
The uniform is the core of your impression. Your basic uniform and general items are listed below. There are choices in some items. The Company has a few uniforms, equipment items, and weapons for a short time use till you're able to buy them. Check with Baker or any of the veterans of the unit and they will help you out.
Enlisted Trooper
Basic Uniform and Equipment
Hat - dark blue forage also known as the bummer, black slouch, Hardee Hat
Dark Blue Jacket - Sack Coat , Shell Jacket - plain: 1861- nine button or 1863- seven button shell jacket. Also in use was the 1854 Yellow trim shell jacket
Shirt -4 button style-Natural muslin-for ceremonies and parades, colored shirts-that were sent from home
Vest - dark blue military- A soldier in shirt sleeves, without a jacket or vest on, was considered being indecent, so a vest will be required when not wearing your jacket
Trousers - sky blue mounted or infantry
Suspenders-known as braces
Boots - Brogans - Cavalry Boots
Socks - Wool
Leathers (black) - Saber belt with square eagle buckle silver wreath, Holster-right side butt foreword, cap pouch, cavalry carbine box, optional-pistol cartridge pouch, cylinder pouch
Carbine Sling- Black leather belt with large snap, can be a first or second year item
Spurs- Plain enlisted style with black straps, mounted, dismounted optional
Haversack - Tarred canvas
Mess kit - plate, silverware - fork/spoon/knife-individually, folding or slide together, cup-large or small
Canteen-dark blue cover, stainless steel
Tent - individual trooper-shelter or Dog tent, "A" frame or wedge. Family- wall
Weapons -Union Army had steel frame pistols,1851 Colt Navy .36 cal, 1860 Colt Army .44 cal, Remington Navy .36 cal, 1858 Remington New Army .44 cal, 1859 Sharps, Smith carbine, Saber - 1840 wrist breaker or 1860 light cavalry
Items ya might want to pick up in your first year:
Wood folding chair or stool
Lantern-candle
Pocket watch
Poncho
Mounted great coat
Gauntlets - Buff/yellow, can be a first or second year item
Gloves-rag wool-full or fingerless
Mounted Soldier Equipment
Any questions on any items on the list below
talk with the Commanding Officer or Mounted Safety Officer
Some items can be bought in your second year.
Horses-geldings and mares, prefer geldings
Dark color horses preferred but all colors were used during the War.
NO STALLIONS
Enlisted/Officer tack is black leather.
- 1859 McClellan Saddle
- Girth
- Saddle Blanket-navy blue with orange strip
- An Officer can use a Shabraque
- Surcingle-Required-Safety belt
- Bridle 6 Buckle
- Reins
- 1863 Curb Bit
- Curb Chain
- Halter 1840-1865
Lead Strap - Link Strap
- Breast Collar with
- brass heart or plain leather heart
- Crupper
- Other Items
- Carbine Socket
- Pommel Holsters
- Nose Bag
- Curry and Mane Comb
- US Hoof Pick
- Saddle bags