"Militia Uniforms, early Civil War 1850-1860 ish" Topic

I'm thinking of doing a series of games around an early outbreak of the ACW, caused by an escalation of border violence along the mason-dixon line. Shenandoah Valley up thru Chambersberg seems a likely avenue of approach for both sides.

It seems to me that most of the Units that would be first-responders would be the various militia companies. I have some info from my Troiani, Haythornthwaite and Illustrated Uniforms…etc by Miller.

Anyone have suggestions about more guides for this very interesting period of US Uniforms? There are shakos, mexican american war caps, kepi, all sorts of stuff.

I was thinking that a profusely illustrated book on 1st Manassas would also be a great guide.

Suggestions on tracking down uniform ideas as well as ideas about how and where the hostilities commence welcomed!

American Military Equipage, Volume II by Frederick P. Todd is the definitive resource. It has information on hundreds of different units, sorted by state.

auction

I have a source for you that will give you dozens of examples but you are going to have to do some work. The company of Military Historians has published literally hundreds of prints focusing on US Military History Unfortunately many are out of print.

Go to the following link and you will find a list of US units prior to 1865 which is just what you are looking for.

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Check the list and see the prints that you like. Once you have found some go to the next link which has mini copies of some but not all the prints However you should find enough to get you going

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Examples 71st NY

Alabama

wow, lovely Red Black!
Thanks Scott – even cheaper at Abe Books:
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Enter the name of the unit or the name of the Company of Military Collectors and Historians' print in Google, then click on images. Chances are you will find a copy of the print or perhaps even photos of the actual uniform.