| Terry37 | 03 Jul 2009 4:53 p.m. PST |
I have done a search on the forum but could not find anything advising the color of the gun carriages used by the Union army during the Civil war. I am thinking they were a light olive color but cannot find anything finite on it. Can anyone help? I am also guessing that the limber would be painted the same color? Would wagons also be painted this color? I have seen some painted in a medium blue. Thanks, Terry |
| Cold Steel | 03 Jul 2009 5:02 p.m. PST |
Every reference I have seen is just what you stated: olive green for canons, limbers and caissons, medium to light ("Infantry") blue for wagons. Of course, there will be exceptions and variations on campaign. |
| cwbuff | 03 Jul 2009 5:10 p.m. PST |
If you are not far from Stones River, visit them for an artillery living history weekend on 19-20 July. Usually have a least a four-gun battery, all painted close to OD in color. |
Dn Jackson  | 03 Jul 2009 5:41 p.m. PST |
The above is correct with the addition that, from what I have found, wagons are a light-medium blue with red wheels. |
| TKindred | 03 Jul 2009 8:19 p.m. PST |
Terry37 The official name for the color, as givien in the Ordnance manual (1862 edition) id "Liquid Olive. This is very close to standard US Army Olive Drab Having said that, remember this: In the US Amy of this period, all paints, except for washes, were a gloss finish. they would become slightly muted to a satin finish over time, but started out as a gloss finish. All iron parts were painted with a black lacquer, also glossy. The lid of the limber chest is covered with sheet copper, to continue down over the edge of the lid. The interior is unfinished wood. All other fittings, and the reinforcing straps on the edges are gloss black. A plain white canvas paulin is folded and strapped to the top of the limber chest accompanying the gun. The bucket carried under the limber is also olive green, with a black top. All implements are also painted olive green, except for the worm, which is gloss black with an olive green shaft. Sponges are natural sheepskin covers which are cleaned after use, and usually a sort of dingy yellowish/grey off white color after a few weeks of use. The sheepskin covers are removable for cleaning, and replaced when they become too worn. respects, |
| EJNashIII | 04 Jul 2009 6:42 a.m. PST |
"I have done a search on the forum but could not find anything advising the color of the gun carriages used by the Union army during the Civil war." older posts on the subject: TMP link TMP link There was a real big discussion previous to this that went into how the paint was made, alternative colors, etc. |
| EJNashIII | 04 Jul 2009 6:49 a.m. PST |
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| wrgmr1 | 04 Jul 2009 8:02 a.m. PST |
TKindred, thanks for the extensive knowledge sharing. |
| TKindred | 04 Jul 2009 8:06 a.m. PST |
wrgmr1, Thanks. This sort of research is what I do. I am more than happy to share what I can for fellow gamers. respects, |
| Terry37 | 04 Jul 2009 10:53 a.m. PST |
Gentlemen, all absolutely excellent. EJ, I felt sure there were already some threads on this subject, but my search efforts never turned them up. I thank everyone for the excellent help. DN and Cold Steel, I was watching Gettysburg last night and noticed some wagons (or maybe one in different scenes) in a light blue wagon with the wheels, axles and tongue i red. Now that is a must do for sure. CWBuff, I do live in Murfreesboro and so visit the Stones River Battlefield often. It is a lovely park and I think well done for it's size. TKindred I too thank you for the info and the details re the limber. Terry |
| TKindred | 04 Jul 2009 11:54 a.m. PST |
here is an image of a limber chest and carriage. It is the same chest used for both 6lb & 12lb guns, howitzers, and the Parrot & Ordnance rifles. The same chest served all of them, the interior being arranged via dividers for the different types and calibres of ammunition. Note the copper covered lid, and the russet leather straps which would have held the white canvas pauling in place when stowed. link also, here's some more images for those interested in details. link |
| DJCoaltrain | 04 Jul 2009 2:53 p.m. PST |
TKindred 04 Jul 2009 8:06 a.m. PST I am more than happy to share what I can for fellow gamers. respects, *NJH: Tim, did you ever game in Bath, Maine? Cheers
Norris Hazelton |
| TKindred | 04 Jul 2009 3:13 p.m. PST |
Norris, Why yes I did, with the old MWA at the Toy Soldier. Still here, too, part of the last of the "Old Guard" as it were. |
| DJCoaltrain | 05 Jul 2009 11:28 a.m. PST |
I bought some ACW "greeting cards" (ACW prints on the cover) from you. I still have most of them – I only use them for special occasions. I often played at the shop, I was stationed at Hanscom AFB, but I lived in Cape Elizabeth. I wandered up to the shop (Front Street, I think) whenever I could. I really enjoyed my time in Maine. So nice to know that I'm not the only old fart still gaming from that era. Hope all is well for you. Are you still doing the re-enacting? BTW – Thanks for the info above, I have my ACW painted in such a manner. Always good to know I'm in the ballpark with such things. |
| Fred Ehlers | 06 Jul 2009 4:32 p.m. PST |
Damn,
now I have to repaint my supply wagons!
STT |
prepares to do some regimental-level ACW gaming.