21st Ohio Volunteers

General Guidelines

The general impression for our unit is Company A of the 21st Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, c. 1864, Army of the Cumberland, unless the scenario dictates otherwise.  Rank insignia (chevrons and shoulder boards) only to be worn by duely elected and/or appointed individuals within the 21st Ohio.  Corps badges are not to be worn unless documented design and usage by the 14th Army Corps for the scenario can be proven.

Only period eyewear may be worn. Some discretion will be used in judging wire rim frames, sizes of lenses and ear attachment method. Absolutely no thick modern looking frames are to be used. Contact lenses are encouraged.

Period jewelry should be limited to wedding bands only. No class rings, signet rings, or ear rings, chains or necklaces should be worn.

No modern anachronisms such as sleeping bags, folding chairs, cameras, soda or beer cans, cigarettes, photographs, wristwatches, sunglasses, food containers (plastic bags, tupperware, etc.) will be visible in camp at any time. These items should be kept in your car in the parking lot. If seen in camp the owner will be asked to remove them. Permission can be granted anyone taking pictures for the newsletter and/or private use by the commanding officer of the 21st Ohio at an event.

No belt, buck, or Bowie knives are to be worn. No bandanas are to be worn around the neck, and handkerchiefs should be of a natural cotton color or print (no J. C. Penny or Sears work handkerchiefs).

The standard uniform of the 21st Ohio will be that of a TYPICAL 1864 Western Federal soldier, unless the event scenario dictates otherwise.

I. HATS will be regulation "Hardee" hats, civilian style "plugs" or "porkpie" hats, or forage caps. Kepis are discouraged for use except by officers.

II. COATS will be four-button fatigue blouse (sack coat), and/or regulation dress coat (frock coat) or infantry shell jacket of documentable usage by Ohio troops. Sack coats are highly encouraged as your first coat purchase.

III. TROUSERS will be sky-blue kersey of an issued pattern.

IV. GREATCOATS will be sky-blue kersey of the infantry pattern.

V. SHIRTS will be of a U.S. Army issue pattern or of a commercial manufacture. Wear plain, stripe, or checkered pattern. Avoid loud prints and modern calicos, along with "boiled" white shirts.

VI. SOCKS will be of plain cotton or wool. Natural color (off-white or gray). No stripes (hunting/sporting socks).

VII. SHOES and/or boots of period pattern and construction.

VIII. MUSKETS. Many reproduction muskets are sold by a host of sutlers, none are 100% correct. The unit we represent (Co. A, 21st Ohio) carried 1861 Springfields early in the war. In May 1863, our company received Enfields while eight other companies received Colt revolving rifles. In late March to early April 1864, the entire regiment was issued Enfields, which they used for the rest of the war.  We recommend an Enfield be purchased. The musket will need to be stripped of its polyurethane coating and stained with a dark wood stain with linseed oil. The metal will need to be stripped of its modern blueing, as Federal arsenals stripped most imported Enfields bright to match the U. S. Springfields produced here. The "Armisport" Enfield already has the more correct barrel bands and is recommended to start with.

IX. Minimum accouterments should be U. S. regulation waist belt with U.S. or O.V.M. belt plate, cartridge box sling with eagle or Ohio state seal plate, cartridge box including tins with U.S. or O.V.M. box plate, cap pouch, American Pattern bayonet scabbard with bayonet. All should be black leather. NO RUSSET. Original slings and belts were made of "buff" leather (rough texture). Reproductions are normally made using bridle leather (smooth texture).

X. Minimum personal equipment should consist of:
U.S. regulation black-painted haversack with tin cup, plate, and utensils of period pattern
U.S. regulation smoothside or bullseye canteen of correct size. Covers should be dark blue, brown, or brownish-gray
U.S. regulation gray or brown blanket with dark end stripes (addition of sewn "US" enhances authenticity)
U.S. regulation gum blanket or poncho with small metal grommets
U.S. regulation double-bag knapsack and a shelter half tent can be added to fill out your impression at your choice

Any other personal equipment can be added at the discretion of the user. (For example: pocket knives, housewife, tobacco pipe, handkerchief, bottles, cans, toothbrushes, etc.) Understand that any of the above personal items, along with such things as chairs, camp stools, quilts, ammo boxes, et. al., need to be documented (photographic or print) for the scenario being portrayed.

THE BURDEN OF PROOF IS ON THE USER. Use common sense. If it doesn't seem right, don't bring it along.