"Union uniform questions." Topic

OK, I am getting a bit confused as I go thorugh various books and sources.

Now I think the variation may be due to the variation of many different uniforms for the first part of thewar, but I know some of you know a lot, so kindly comment on this.

It seems that alhtough the Federal Army started off in dark blue coats and trousers at the start of the war, at some point the trousers went ot a lighter blue supposedly due to the savings of dyestuffs.

But, officers supposedly kept the dark blue trousers thorughout the war, and NCO's went to light blue trousers with dark blue stripes on the side.

Although other sources say the stripes were in branch of servcie color- (or not at all)

True.

But lots of units started out in light blue trousers, even in early 1861. Also lots of volunteers started in grey state uniforms, or blue coats and grey trousers. The state coats often varied in cut from federal standard, and state uniforms were often worn in the field in 1861.

Soldiers' pants wore out very fast (one source estimated going through a pair a month). In the field, many officers and NCOs drew plain light blue trousers from stores.

Trouser stripes were supposed to be in branch of service color, but weren't seen that often in the field.

As far as I understand it, the standard US Army uniform actually consisted of two sets of clothing. There was the dress uniform with dark blue uniform (frock) coat and dark blue trousers, and the fatigue uniform consisting of the light blue trousers and dark blue sack coat.

Most states, as you know, had a militia system where many adopted a simple gray uniform, though fancier uniforms (Zouaves etc) were not uncommon.

Upon being inducted into federal service, many of the volunteer regiments were issued with the federal fatigue uniform, some not right away, some elected to retain their militia uniforms, and still others elected to adopt a different uniform altogether. I'm not certain, but most of the volunteer regiments never received a dress uniform issue, whereas an enlistee in the Regular Army, at least in theory, should have.

Of course there are exceptions. For example, the 2d WI went to war wearing their state issue gray uniforms. After 1st Bull Run, they were issued with the standard Federal issue dress and fatigue uniforms.

As far as NCOs/Officers, I would not rely on any source that says all officers always wore dark blue, or that NCOs wore dark blue trouser stripes, or for that matter had any stripes at all.

The NCO trouser stripes would be in branch colors along with the chevrons. Blue for Infantry, Red for Artillery, Yellow for Cavalry.

If you want to get really nit pickey, corporal trouser stripes were narrower than those worn by sergeants. Corporals had a 1/2" stripe and the sergeant's were 1 1/2' wide.

I that to be really accurate you kind of have to look at a specific unit and the time frame.

I guess I am wondering, on average, how much the Union Army was able to keep to the regulations. I would normally assume that the trouser stripes would be a sign of pride, and most would be willing to re-sew them on a new pair of trousers (if the had the time).

I do appreciate the comments – I am trying not to get too serious about the ACW, but after going out and buying some books on uniforms it's still a tad confusing.

It would also depend on the company officers. If you had a company commander who was a stickler, then you would see more adherence to the uniform regulations by the men in the company.

Also strangely enought the light blue trousers after a time of weathering and the elements, started to turn bluish green…

One important thing to remember – the vast majority of Union troops were volunteers and not regulars, and thus were often either not issued dress uniforms or had dress uniforms that varied somewhat from US Army regs (like, having a kilt and glengarry hat) – most Union troops marched off in a dark blue jacket and light blue pants which, as noted, acquired a greenish hue over time

Chevrons and trouser stripes for NCOs were in branch colours – it seems from my review of period photos that infantry NCOs did not often bother with trouser stripes (especially as their branch colour was light blue), but cavalry and artillery NCOs were more likely to, especially the artillery (they loved their red trim) – the cavalry, as noted, had yellow trim except for the regular regiments who started the war as Dragoons and were converted to cavalry (2nd US cavalry) – they kept their orange dragoon trim for as long as possible

Most infantry officers seemed to have worn light blue trousers, some with dark blue stripes – Union officers had somewhat more variability in their uniforms than rank and file

Infantry NCOs' chevrons were in their branch color – light blue – as were their trouser stripes on the pre-war dark blue trousers. On the light blue trousers the strips were dark blue. Officers' trouser stripes were the same.

Yes, Union officers often light blue pants. Remember sharpshooters?

These books are offered by Scale Creep and are very good plus the service is very good too.

link

Tony