Approved Sutlers

Equipment

The 15th Virginia Volunteers uses a mentoring program to help new recruits ge tthe proper gear. We will assign a veteran to assist you with purchases and help with finding loaner gear to get you started. If you are new to reenacting, the worst thing you can do is go out and purchase equipment without first seeking advice from a “veteran”. Sutlers row can be a treacherous place if you do not know what you are looking for. Without guidance, you will most likely end up buying items that are not accurate for our impression, or are cheaply made junk. This is not an inexpensive hobby, and we want to make sure that you get quality equipment for your money. The items below will give you a rough idea of what we will help you purchase.

Musket

The primary weapon of the 15^th Va. is the 3 band Enfield rifled Musket –M1853.

 Other acceptable weapons are:

US Springfield Rifles M1855 or M1861-63

CS Richmond Rifles M1862-63

US 1842 Springfield (Affectionately  known as the Pumpkin Slinger!)

All rifles should be equipped with correct socket bayonet, sling, scabbard and frog.

Jacket

 Type I or II Richmond Depot Pattern made from a quality fabric. Nine button front with Block I Buttons. No trim on collar or cuffs, and no outside pocket.

Trousers

 Trousers should be made of high quality wool stock in medium gray or “oatmeal”/ medium brown jean cloth wool.

Shirt

Construction should be of a well made military or civilian pattern. Shirts should be made of high quality cotton, wool flannel, homespun or other period material. Shirts may be with or without a fold down collar.  Buttons should be mother of pearl, bone, glass, milk glass etc. No wood buttons.

Shoes

The typical shoe worn by the 15^th is the Jefferson Brogan. The Brogan should be made of moderately heavy oak tanned leather. The exterior should be “rough out” and black dyed. Stitching is of lined thread. The soles should be heavy leather and the heel stacked with a straight front. (Not like the concave design on modern shoes). Wood pegs or stitching fasten the soles. Heel plates are highly recommended to save the heels from wear.

Socks

Wool or cotton in grey or white. No modern hunting socks with stripes. No socks with elastic tops.

Slouch Hat

A high quality well made hat of black fur felt or wool felt

The width of the brim should not be greater than 3 1/2 inches. Also the brim should be stiff with shape, nor floppy or bent over the face. The hat can have a blue or black  hat cord, no other decorations are allowed.

Kepi (Optional)

As with the slouch hat, the kepi should be high quality and well made. The kepi can be one color or two colors. Colors must be approved. The visor of the kepi should be straight and thick , and the top of the crown countersunk (following the chasseur pattern).

Canteen

The canteen should be a US regulation 1858 “smoothside”, a Round Drum “Convex Face” canteen or a US “Bullseye” canteen. Canteens should be sealed with a cork and chain, or leather.

Haversack

US Regulation haversack with inner bag. (Early or late war versions) The haversack is black weather-proofed , with a button in cotton bag that serves as an inner liner. It fastens by a leather strap and buckle.  The strap and buckle are stitched, not riveted. Another option is the CS White Haversack. This haversack is made of white untreated linen or canvas. It is the same size as the early war US Regulation Haversack, and is fastened by a leather strap and buckle. Strap and buckle are stitched, not riveted.

Cartridge Box

The cartridge box should be a M1855 .58 cal with sling. Early model only made of quality black leather. No rivet on outer flap and no box plate. Box must have correct tins. Other cartridge boxes that are acceptable include the M1842 cartridge box or the equivalent of a Confederate box manufactured box of the M1842 or M1855 models.

Sling should be made of black leather. White leather, linen, or black treated lined may also be used to simulate different time periods.

Cap Pouch

The preferred cap pouch is the pre-war “shield front” style in quality black leather with nipple pick. Also acceptable is the M1850 cap pouch.

Belts and Accoutrement Plates

 The preferred belt is the M1856 waist belt made of quality black leather, brass keeper optional. The buckle will be a rectangular Virginia State Seal or “captured” federal US buckle. Other acceptable buckles are the “Georgia" frame or “Forked Tongue” buckle with correct waist belt.

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