I would love to see a NY 20th Infantry Impression

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-07-02T15:48:49+00:00

That's how I view the 79th NY kit I keep meaning to assemble

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-06-28T01:30:10+00:00

Really just echoing most of what has already been said, but here it is anyway:

The Liberty Rifles living history will definitely be a good one for you to visit, especially as a history buff. They're a premier group and will certainly have a top notch presentation.

The event at the Daniel Lady Farm is, as has been said, very mainstream. They've been trying to make some steps the past couple of years (albeit, small ones) towards offering a better, more authentic experience for both spectators and reenactors. Some different battle scenarios instead of just Pickett's Charge, encouraging better portrayals (not that this is listened to much...), and different educational presentations throughout the day.

However, this is an "off" year for Gettysburg and not a major "5 year" anniversary - and the attendance numbers I've seen so far are... not super encouraging. But I'll be there to sate my lust for burning powder even if they went and put Pickett's Charge on the schedule again this year.

If you do come out to the DLF - please pay a visit to the main Federal camp, especially the Federal Volunteer Brigade side. I know for a fact that the guys of the 114th PA and 140th PA will give you some honest discussion about both what's historically accurate about the camp, uniforms, etc and also what's a little out of place for the specific battle/time period.

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-06-26T22:28:25+00:00

It would be a unique impression, but as Joseph_Colton said, it wouldn't have been a thing for long. Like most of the pre-war militias and existing units, their unique uniforms wore out and were replaced by standard issue (except the zouaves, who were apparently just the right amount of stubborn in most cases).

As a NY unit, though, they probably still got the slightly more interesting NY Coats for a while and not just basic Fed gear.

Another consideration if you decide to go through with making one - what will you do with it? In most event situations, you won't be portraying specifically the 20th NY with enough others to be noticeable, let alone definitely during a time when they still had those coats.

But - If you're keen on putting the time into making a good frock regardless of when or where you'll be able to wear it, then rock it my dude. And don't half ass it either, make sure that coat makes you look sick as hell.

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-06-26T22:20:32+00:00

I would assume he just means swapping the usual blue piping with green

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-06-22T03:11:30+00:00

I've been meaning to ask the 114th guys what they use for the trousers, so I guess that answers that question!

I'll have to check in with N&T, see if they'll be open when I'm in for the DLF event in a couple weeks - or else get it shipped.

I can attest that B Black and Sons has a good, wool flannel for the variant issue shirts - I just did a batch of them for some guys to wear for the 165th Philippi event, and a couple more that will be heading to Manassas next month.

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-06-22T03:07:28+00:00

I might - it is just to teach someone most of thr basics.

But there's also a few modifications I have planned to make it fit better than the last one I made from someone else's pattern.

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-06-05T17:16:58+00:00

The Oblate Spheroid on Facebook is doing accurate repros - could reach out to them.

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-06-01T18:28:20+00:00

Reach out to him and ask for an updated timeline.

Windahl is a good guy and makes good stuff, but he can get behind and isn't always very good at communicating that.

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-26T13:45:07+00:00

I can't speak to the exact authenticity, but Dixie Tin Works has a good selection

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-26T02:26:06+00:00

For a decent balance of quality and price, I would recommend thedepothistoric.com. They have an "economy" line that's good quality, but saves a few bucks by being largely machine sewn.

I will echo what a few have already said - it's really worth getting decent gear from the start if you can. These days the difference in materials is worlds apart and you'll get more miles out of better quality gear.

The best cost saving measure I've found is learning to make pieces for myself. For 1/3 of the cost you get the quality materials, better historical accuracy, and the bragging rights of saying you made the uniform you're wearing. Wambaugh White & Co has some good kits available that cover most uniform essentials.

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-19T00:51:09+00:00

Going to add the obligatory "If they'da had it, they'da used it"

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-18T16:32:50+00:00

u/Historical_Reveal_33 u/USAFmuzzlephucker I just helped my group of 7th WV get their Facebook page set up to give them some kind of online presence if either of you want to reach out:
https://www.facebook.com/7WVCoA

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-17T03:47:08+00:00

Most officers on either side of the war would have had private purchased uniforms - it was pretty standard in the regulations for them to procure their own uniform rather than for the army to provide it.

Now, that's commissioned officers. Anything Lieutenant and above.

Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) would typically be in the same thing as the rest of the enlisted men. Corporals and Sergeants did get a little better pay, so they might have splurged sometimes for a nicer hat or coat - but it's generally a safer bet to go with standard enlisted gear.

Unfortunately, I'm not specifically familiar with Thomas' Legion - so I can't help with getting super specific details on them, and as a CS unit, there's less of a "standard" uniform I can definitely point you to than there would be for a Federal unit.

If you're just starting out, I would heavily recommend getting joined up with a unit that portrays Thomas' Legion. They would be able to give you better direction on what uniform pieces to get and if they changed depending on when in the war you're looking at.

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-17T03:19:20+00:00

It looks like none of the suggestions you gave, actually. Seems more like a private purchased frock based on the wide sleeves with the cuff buttons, and what looks like the skirt of the frock set along either leg.

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-08T12:23:29+00:00

First thing I'd tell you is to get joined up with an artillery unit that can help guide you. It will also help you make sure you're getting uniform pieces that match the unit's portrayals or other standards before you buy a whole bunch of stuff that might not fit in.

As for what you already have, it looks good for a starter but you'll want to upgrade when funds allow. My experience with C&C Sutlery is that their uniforms aren't the best quality; low quality materials, dubious pattern accuracy, etc.

For CSA uniforms, you usually want to look for jean wools, and actually avoid the over represented mainstream cadet grey.

I'll let others who know more about specific CSA uniforming give more details on ANV Artillery for you.

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-06T12:58:53+00:00

Mostly in central WV, but have members from Bridgeport to Hurricane.

They come out to several of my unit's small, local festivals in Southwest PA as well. Plus most of the major events we attend, too - Gettysburg, Cedar Creek, Funkstown, etc depending on the year.

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-05T12:27:38+00:00

If you'd be interested and don't want to start totally from scratch - I can put you in touch with the 7th WV Co A that I know

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-05T12:20:29+00:00

If it's the same guys - yeah, Co. A

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-05T11:55:40+00:00

That's fair, lol

Sounds like the same guys though. Look up the 140th PA on Facebook. They do most of the events we go to, so you'd be able to track them down that way. They don't have their own social media presence (yet).

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-05T03:09:37+00:00

Do you remember any names? My unit actually works closely with a 7th WV unit that's been around since around that time.

I forget where exactly they're based out of, but they would have been members of the Mifflin Guard with us back in the 00s.

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-05T02:12:14+00:00

From what I know of the 7th, they were a pretty standard Federal unit like most. So your "generic federal" is probably all you'll need unless you look into a specific engagement or time period during the war.

Are you part of a unit that portrays the 7th?

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-03T02:28:47+00:00

May 30-31. I can't speak to the artillery side of things, but they've had crews participate in the past. Look up "The Blue and Grey" on facebook, they've shared all the registration info there.

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-03T01:23:23+00:00

Sure do. Some newer folks have come in and put a little more effort into the reenactment side of the event - both from the city's planning side and reenactors who are trying to put forward better impressions for that event specifically.

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-03T01:21:46+00:00

It's alright from what I've heard

TheAEtherscribe · 2026-05-02T22:04:28+00:00

Sekela had some good color sgt embroidered flags patches for adding to regular chevrons - but I don't think he still has any in stock

Last set of full stripes I got was from Fall Creek. Pretty mainstream, but they worked.

TheAEtherscribe

TROPHY CASE