Uniforms and Equipment

Accouterments

The activities of the 116th PVI require authentic and accurate uniforms, accouterments, and equipment of the civil war era. Nearly all of the items listed below are available commercially from various sutlers throughout the nation. It is important to choose authentic goods of the correct pattern and of high quality. A significant percentage of these items sold by sutlers, unfortunately, are of poor quality and/or incorrect pattern. Be sure to ask experienced members concerning high quality sutlers and items if you are unsure; otherwise, use one of the recommended sources located in the links page. The cost of our gear may seem high, however, if quality items are purchased, the entire kit should last you many years of hard campaigning.

All uniforms, clothing, shoes, and equipment must be of civil-war period, materials, design and equipment. Infantry weapons must be representative of types that were issued to Union troops during the Civil War: .69 cal Springfield, 1842 or 1816 conversion musket (used by the 116th PVI during the first two years of service); The use of this weapon is strongly encouraged. The .58 cal Springfield Rifle, 1861 pattern (used by the 116th PVI during their last year of service); .577 cal Enfield Rifle, 1853 pattern. All weapons must be of the three (3) band type, not the two (2) band type. No shotguns, carbines, hawken rifles, flintlocks, or any other longarm, other than those recommended above, are to be used for 116th PVI activities.

All "farb" (non civil-war era) materials and equipment, including packages, clothing, and food, must be hidden and kept from sight during those times when the public is present. All reasonable efforts should be employed to preserve an authentic environment at all times. Eye wear should conform to period styles and types. NOTE: This does not prohibit the use of contact lenses.

Members have one year in which to purchase their own, personal required basic uniform. The company Quartermaster has a limited number of basic uniforms that new members may borrow on a single-event basis, but newer members will be given priority over older members who should be working to acquire their own equipment.

Initial expenditures of the required basic uniform - U.S. issue.

Forage cap (not a Kepi), dark-blue wool;
Hat insignia: Regimental number - 116 - stamped brass, 3/4-inch;
Hat insignia: Company letter - B - stamped brass, 3/4-inch;
Hat insignia: Infantry Bugle, stamped brass;
Four button sack coat, dark blue wool;
Trousers, sky blue foot pattern, kersey wool;
Shirt, period cut and style;
Braces (suspenders), linen or cotton, no elastic;
Brogans, square toed, rough-out army booties; and
Boot socks, gray wool.

The following comprise the remaining items of the required basic uniform and should be acquired as soon as possible.

Weapon (see above) with or without leather sling;
Bayonet and scabbard for specific weapon;
Waist belt, black leather, with optional brass keeper;
Waist belt plate, oval U.S. pattern;
Cap box, U.S. pattern;
Cartridge box, U.S. 1855 pattern;
Cartridge box plate, oval U.S. pattern;
Cartridge box sling;
Cartridge box sling plate, round eagle pattern;
Tin plate, period style;
Tin cup, period style, lead free;
Haversack, black canvas, U.S. pattern; and
Canteen, U.S. bulls-eye pattern, dark blue wool.

The following items are considered optional yet would be used frequently at most activities.

Poncho, rubber coated fabric;
U.S. issue wool blanket, gray with black end stripes;
Waistcoat (vest), military cut, nine (9) button, dark blue wool;
Canvas military A-style tent, weather-proof, poles and stakes;
Frock coat, dark blue wool dress coat, nine button, sky blue piping;
Great Coat, sky blue foot pattern; and
Knapsack, early 1851 canvas double-bag.

The following items are needed, in addition to the basic uniform, for Fourth California Volunteer Infantry (4th CVI) events and activities.

Wool slouch hat, rounded top, black;
Hat insignia: Regimental number - 4 - stamped brass, 3/4 inch;
Hat insignia: Company letter - D - stamped brass, 1 inch
Hat insignia: Infantry bugle, stamped brass; and
Hat cord with tassel, sky blue.