Company A, 3^rd U. S. Infantry

Guidelines

As the demonstration battalion for the School of Brigade Drill at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, the Third Infantry set the standards for appearance and drill for the entire Army in the 1840s. Today, the reenactors of the Third U.S. Regular Infantry strive to maintain that standard, and to achieve this goal we are constantly conducting research and revising our authenticity standards.

The following guidelines are based on research by the Standards Committee, provided for new members acquiring their kits for the first time, as well as current members looking to replace items. For guidance on where to acquire items, see our list of recommended sutlers

Uniform Items

Uniform coat - ("Frock coat") - Finely woven dark blue wool, trimmed with light blue piping on the collar and cuffs, with nine buttons in front, two small eagle buttons at each cuff, and two buttons at the back at waist height.

Fatigue blouse - ("Sack coat") - Lightweight wool of a shade between a medium and dark blue color, with one pocket inside the left breast and four brass eagle buttons. While the Regulations specified that these would be unlined, lined fatigue blouses were quite common. Button holes should be hand-finished.

Trousers - Lightweight, sky blue kersey wool, cut so that the top of the waist band reaches the wearers navel, with a noticeable rise in the back. No pleats or creases. For early war and garrison scenarios, dark blue wool trousers.

Shirt - Flannel or other coarse weave material. The popular white cotton and muslin shirts sold by most sutlers are acceptable while they last but when worn out should be replaced by a correct shirt. The shirt issued to the Regulars before the war was a loose-fitting, one-size-fits-all affair of off-white Domet flannel with a single tin button at the neck and cuffs, and no pocket. These are widely available but tend to be expensive. Civilian shirts were much more popular, and were commonly purchased and worn.

Shoes - (Jefferson pattern "brogans") - Black leather, sewn or pegged, roughout or smooth. No boots for enlisted men.

Waist belt - Black leather, with leather keeper or without keeper. The oval US plate is the standard for privates and corporals; first sergeants and musicians will wear the rectangular sword belt plate with silver wreath.

Forage cap - 1858 or "McDowell" pattern. Finely woven, lightweight dark blue wool with painted leather brim and leather chin strap fastened on the sides with miniature eagle buttons; liner of black or brown polished cotton. We currently wear the infantry bugle, '3' and 'A' on the crown of the forage cap.

Hat - (Dress hat, "Hardee hat") - For enlisted men, black felt, with a double row of stitching around the brim and black leather sweat band. The brim to be turned up on the left side, with the loop held in place by a stamped brass eagle. The hat to be trimmed with a sky blue cord, a single black ostrich feather on the side opposite the eagle, and the bugle, 3, and A arranged on the front of the hat above the brim.

Individual Equipment

Weapons - 1855 or 1861 Springfield rifle musket with oiled leather sling. Members who own 1853 Enfield rifle muskets will not be required to immediately replace them, but new members are required to purchase one of the approved Springfield models.

Bayonet and Scabbard - The Springfield scabbard is the standard, regardless of which rifle musket is carried. Modern markings, i.e. "India" should be removed from bayonets. The scabbard will be of stiff black leather with a brass end piece securely fastened. The two-rivet pattern of 1859 is preferred, as it is correct for the entire period of 1860-1865.

Canteen - The 1858 pattern "smoothside" canteen with oiled leather strap is the preferred model. While the corrugated "bullseye" pattern is a correct canteen, it is a post-1862 design and is an unacceptable anachronism for pre-war infantry. Members will purchase smoothside canteens when replacing equipment. The cover will be of sky blue, dark blue, gray or "mouse brown" woolen material.

Haversack - Painted black canvas, with leather closure and muslin liner.

Mess kit - Tin plate, tin cup, fork, spoon and knife. All-in-one knife-fork-spoon kits were common, but avoid the stainless steel sets.

Poncho or gum blanket - Look for correct, small brass grommets.

Blanket - Gray or brown wool with black end stripes and no edge binding.

Tent - For early war, Common tent ("wedge tent," "A tent"). The shelter tent ("dog tent") is preferred for post-1862 scenarios

Cap Box - Must have wool lining. US Regulation Black

Infantry Cartridge Box - USM 1855 Pattern with tins Black

Optional equipment

Sky blue kersey greatcoat (overcoat)
Small skillet and/or coffee boiler
Knapsack
Candles
Ground cloth

Before purchasing any equipment, contact a member of the company to assure what you are purchasing will meet the guidelines of Company A.