116th Pennsylvania 54th Massachusetts

116th Pennsylvania &
54th Massachusetts

Uniform and Equipment

The activities of the 116th PVI and 54th Mass. require authentic and accurate uniforms, accouterments, and equipment of the civil war era. The following items are standard equipment for the 116th Pennsylvania and the 54th Massachusetts. If you transfer from another unit, however, you are not required to change muskets. We have quartermaster gear available to borrow during for a person's first season while they build their own set. The following list has been set in order of importance for a new recruit to purchase. Some less expensive items can be picked up easily at any time, but for those buying on a budget, this list prioritizes items that are harder to borrow.

Group 1	Brogans and wool socks Forage cap: dark blue Period eyeglasses for those who need them (contacts are acceptable)
Group 2	Shirt (cotton or wool) and drawers Canteen: dark blue wool Mess kit: tarred haversack, dipper (cup) and silverware White cotton gloves
Group 3	116th PVI: 1842 Springfield musket and bayonet 54th Mass: 1855 Enfield rifle and bayonet Infantry leathers: belt with US buckle, cap pouch, bayonet scabbard, and cartridge box with shoulder strap, US box plate & eagle breastplate
Group 4	Uniform: Kersey blue (sky blue) foot pattern trousers, and braces Dark blue, 4-button sack coat
Group 5	Gum blanket (groundcloth) Wool blanket Shelter half

Other items you may want to purchase after you have your basic gear include:

Hat brass: company letter and regimental number
Housewife (sewing kit) and extra buttons
Musket nipple wrench and cleaning jag
Musket tompion
1855 Two-bag knapsack
Handkerchief
Tin plate or canteen half
Greatcoat (sky blue for enlisted men)
Waistcoat (vest)
Pocket knife
Camp hat
Soldier's quilt

Sutlers
There are several grades of gear available both at the events and online, some of which is not suitable or will not hold up to much use. Prior to purchasing, please check with the quartermaster for advice about which sutler to use.

Musicians
Period instruments are available in several grades, just as modern instruments. Please check with the chief musician for advice before purchasing.