"Did mounted inf officers typically wear gloves / gauntlets?" Topic

Hi Guys,

I hope everyone is doing well this fine day.

I'm having a bit of 'sculptors block' at the moment and was hoping to get your input on the utility/reality of wearing gloves while mounted.

From period images it seems like your mounted infantry regimental commanders tended to not wear gloves, or had less 'gauntlet' looking gloves than, say, divisional, or higher ranked commanders..? However my period images consist of about 3 'in the field' sorts of pics, so I am happy to entertain the notion that I am wholly and completely in error.

Before I give my little mounted infantry colonel a big ole' Custer looking gauntleted glove, going half-way up his forearm, should I be making just a regular set of arms with normal hands that can be painted flesh, or white, or tan, like a smaller, more 'fitted' leather glove?

Thank you for any input and advice,
Bob

I don't know that anyone ever took a survey, but my guess would be: "yes, when mounted." Handling reins, and sweaty horses, seems to encourage such practice.

There is a semi-famous incident of Grant wearing thread gloves during the battle of the Wilderness (his wife gave them to him, I believe), and ruining them because he didn't take them off while whittling to pass the time (and ease the tension) while waiting for his orders to be put into effect.

A period image of Colonel Moses Lakeman, 3rd Maine Infantry, shows him wearing a tight-fitting pair of either black or brown leather dress gloves, with the small cuffs turned back over the hand. Here's that pic:

link

I have also seen numerous images of officers, especially field officers who would have been mounted, wearing similar gloves, vice the big cavalry gauntlets.

My personal opinion is that the gauntlet bit is over-done, especially by reenactors.

From personal experience, it is almost impossible to fire a weapon while wearing them, and quite impossible to reload one without taking the gauntlets off.

just saying…

From experience, yes, they probably were wearing gloves when on horseback. They protect the hands from the reins and keep the reins from getting slippery from sweat. I usually wear gloves when riding for the same reasons.

Thank You, Gents!

My Best,
Bob

Besides, in those days a gentleman wasn't fully dressed without a hat and a pair of gloves.

I agree with Tim on this. In the field everything wears out fast. Gloves are great but they will wear out quicker than you can replace them when you use them every day in all kinds of weather. Certainly line/company officers probably never used them apart from their first pair and for photos.

Using them with weapons? Forget it.