Current as of September 2025
Introduction
This page will guide you through the uniform and gear needed to participate in the 28th Massachusetts. We aim for a high standard of authenticity, balancing available equipment, cost, and ongoing historical research. Don’t feel pressured – reenacting is a journey, and we’re here to help. If you’re just trying it out, the unit has loaner uniforms, gear, and weapons available.
Uniform Guidelines
Uniforms vary by event, depending on the year, unit, and battle being portrayed. Event guidelines always override unit standards; however, a good sack coat and forage cap will serve nearly all events and is also the unit basic standard. When in doubt – buy early war versions of items.
If you are new or unsure what to get, ask a NCO before you buy!
NOTE: Links to the sources mentioned are at the bottom of the page
“What uniform items should I buy first?”
This is a matter of opinion, but our general suggestion is to start with a forage cap, sack coat, issue shirt, and canteen.
Forage Cap
Preferred: Model 1858, Type I or II. (Pictured)
Acceptable: In limited numbers and only with leadership permission per event guidelines: private purchase forage caps, McDowell-type, civilian hats/slouch (1863+)
Headgear accessories will follow event/unit guidelines but may include corps badge and numbers/letters as directed.
Unacceptable: Kepis, Hardee hats, Fenian harps, feathers, squirrel or buck tails, etc.
Sources: Dirty Billy, Russell Osmianski, Kepi Nation/Greg Starbuck, Goober Grabber Headgear, Stand by your Colors, Avery Miller
Sack Coat
Preferred: Schuylkill Arsenal or quality issue Contract sack coat, lined or unlined
Acceptable: In limited numbers and only with leadership permission per event guidelines; Frock coats, Infantry jackets, commercial sack coats, private purchase jackets. Economy sack coats are acceptable but best to ask an NCO if not sure.
- Musicians may wear musicians’ frock.
Unacceptable: Mounted service jackets, a low-quality sack coat
Sources: Wambaugh, White & Company, K Windahl & co., W. Hutzell & Co., Old Timey Rags, The Honest Sutler, The Depot Historic, Capital District Arsenal and Depot, The Smoked Yankee Tailor.
- Note: We have not personally ordered from The Smoked Yankee Tailor yet.
Shirt
Preferred: U.S. Army issue domet flannel shirt, gray flannel shirt, wool or cotton knit shirt
Acceptable as secondary shirt; Civilian shirts of proper material and construction
Unacceptable: Shirts of modern style or materials, bright colors, unbleached muslin, white cotton, and modern collared shirts
Sources: South Union Mills, K. Windahl & Co., Wambaugh, White & Co, The Depot Historic, The Honest Sutler, The Smoked Yankee Tailor
Canteen, Strap and Cover
Preferred: One of the following canteen types:
New York Depot; (if you have own canteen, this should be it); cotton drill strap, metal cork chain, jean cloth cover (gray or light blue), cork stopper with a rounded brass nut topped with a domed tin washer. (Photo courtesy of The Oblate Spheroid, on Facebook)
1861-1862 Philadelphia Depot (smoothside); leather (1861-1862) or cotton drill strap (1863+), cotton cork string, LONG cork with spanner nut
1862-1865 Philadelphia Depot (corrugated/“Bullseye”); leather (1861-1862) or cotton drill strap (1863+), cotton cork string, short stopper with a full tin cap and spanner nut.
Unacceptable: No cover, Confederate or Mexican War canteens. Cincinnati Depot canteens are acceptable but not preferred.
Sources: S&S Sutler, South Union Mills, Wambaugh, White, & Co
“What uniform items should I buy next?”
Trousers (Sky Blue)
Preferred: Either a Schuylkill Arsenal or quality Contract trousers
Unacceptable: Cheap sutler trousers, dark blue, and pre-war versions
Sources: Wambaugh, White & Company, K Windahl & co., W. Hutzell & Co., Old Timey Rags, The Honest Sutler, The Depot Historic, Capital District Arsenal and Depot, The Smoked Yankee Tailor
You will also need a pair of period suspenders (aka braces). Recommend ones with no elastic or the elastic on the part that connects to the trousers (Fully elastic braces are unacceptable)
Sources: Merrick’s Custom Leather, The Depot Historic, South Union Mills, Wambaugh, White, & co
Shoes (AKA Brogans)
Preferred: Federal Issue (aka Jefferson Bootees, brogans, contact shoes), with either pegged or sewn soles, preferably the earlier non rivetted pattern.
- Note – Heel plates recommended, hobnails optional.
Unacceptable: Modern footwear, high-top bootee, brown (natural) leather; soles other than leather, Vibram soles added, laces other than rawhide
Sources: Missouri Shoe & Boot Co., South Union Mills, The Depot Historic, Fall Creek Sutlery
- Note – modern shoes for new recruits may be worn only at the Captain’s discretion. Contact him prior to the event.
Drawers
Preferred: U.S. Army canton flannel drawers, wool or cotton citizen drawers, none
Unacceptable: Any type of modern underwear
Sources: Wambaugh, White & Co, South Union Mills, Depot Historic, The Smoked Yankee Tailor, S&S Sutler
Period Socks (AKA Stockings)
Preferred: Correct period wool socks
Unacceptable: Modern hiking socks, rag wool socks, socks with low tops.
Sources: South Union Mills, S&S Sutler, Wambaugh, White, & Co.
Greatcoat
Preferred: Either a Schuylkill Arsenal or quality Contract
Unacceptable: Prewar coats, double-breasted (mounted service) coats, gray, dark blue, or brown coats, those made of jean cloth.
Sources: K. Windahl & Co, The Honest Sutler, The Smoked Yankee Tailor
“What equipment items do I need?”
Rifle Musket
Preferred: Enfield (P53) three-band rifled musket, Model 1861 or 1863 Springfield.
Unacceptable: Any other type of weapon, (e.g. flintlocks, ’42 .69 cal, Lorenz, etc.), any original weapon, any 2-band variation of the Enfield or Springfield.
Sources: Comers Gunworks, Taylor’s Firearms, Fall Creek Sutler.
Defarb: Comers Gunwork and Tom Watts
Optional: Gun sack/case – Ace Case, etc
Bayonet and Scabbard
Bayonet Sources: See Rifle Musket vendors (make sure it fits your rifle)
Scabbard – Preferred: 2-rivet early war version- Acceptable: 7-rivet late war version
Unacceptable: Enfield (straight) scabbard and frog
Sources: L.D. Hanning, Merrick’s Custom Leather
Musket Sling (Required)
Preferred: US-Issue oiled leather sling (with brass hook)
Unacceptable: British friction slings, canvas slings, white or black leather slings
Sources: L.D. Hanning, Merrick’s Custom Leather, The Depot Historic
Waist Belt
Preferred: Pattern 1858 (early war) or 1861 oval US buckle. Leather or brass keeper (leather is preferred).
Unacceptable: Brown, white, or buff leather, any belt buckles other than regulation oval US.
Sources: L.D. Hanning, Merrick’s Custom Leather
Cartridge Box and Sling
Preferred: Model 1857 or 1861 .58cal box, with corresponding 1858 (early war) or 1861 oval US box plate
Acceptable in limited numbers and only with leadership permission per event guidelines: Model 1864 (Late war impressions only)
Unacceptable: Brown or buff leather, any belt buckles other than regulation oval US, wearing it on your belt unless directly specified, anything but leather cordage to attach brass
Sources: L.D. Hanning, C.A. Davisson, Merrick’s Custom Leather
Cap Pouch
Preferred: Tabbed front
Acceptable block front
Unacceptable: Brown or buff leather
Sources: L.D. Hanning, C.A. Davisson, Merrick’s Custom Leather
Haversack
Preferred: Early war style (11.5” x 12”)
Acceptable: Mid- to -late war (2” wider)
Unacceptable: White or blue-white tick, leather, anything not black.
Sources: L.D. Hanning, K. Windahl & Co., Missouri Boot & Shoe, The Depot Historic, S&S Sutler
Knapsack
Preferred: Federal issue two-bag knapsack of black-tarred canvas.
Unacceptable: Anything else, including militia hardpacks, wooden insert, 1864 models.
Sources: L.D. Hanning, S&S Sutler
Wool Blanket
Preferred: 100% wool, gray or brown, hand sewn “US”, unfinished edge
Unacceptable: Any modern material, period civilian blanket, coverlets, quilts, jean wool blankets.
Sources: Wambaugh, White & Co, B&B Tart, S&S Sutler, South Union Mills, The Depot Historic
Gum Blanket
Preferred: Vulcanized rubber
Acceptable: Painted cloth, poncho
Unacceptable: Any modern poncho or ground cover
Sources: South Union Mills, S&S Sutler, L.D. Hanning
Shelter Tent
Preferred: Type IIa
Acceptable: Type III (mid- to late- war)
Acceptable in very limited quantities: A-frame tents
Unacceptable: Tents with brass grommets, Sibley tent, anything modern
Sources: Wambaugh, White & Co, S&S Sutler, The Honest Sutler, The Depot Historic
Personal Articles
Mess Equipment
Preferred: Period accurate tin cup, a tin plate, and knife, fork, and spoon.
Optional: skillet, boiler, mucket, coffee pot, canteen half
Unacceptable: Anything modern, stainless steel or copper
Sources: South Union Mills, Dixie Tin Works, The Depot Historic, S&S Sutler
Eyeglasses and Case
Unacceptable: Sunglasses, modern frames, darkened/transition lenses
Sources: Historic Eyewear Company, Fall Creek Sutlery
- Note – modern eyewear for new recruits may be worn only at the Captain’s discretion. Contact him prior to the event.
Handkerchief
Acceptable: Period style design
Unacceptable: Modern bandanas
Sources: South Union Mills
Housewife (AKA Sewing Kit)
Acceptable: Something as pictured
Unacceptable: Anything modern
Sources: South Union Mills, Sutler of Fort Scott Button Barron, Carter and Jasper
Tooth Care
Acceptable: Something as pictured
Sources: Sutler of Fort Scott, South Union Mills, Amazon (Powder)
Writing Material
Acceptable: period style stationary (as pictured)
Unacceptable: Anything modern
Sources: The Sullivan Press
Wallet and Money
Acceptable: Period style wallet and currency – as pictured.
Unacceptable: Anything modern
Sources: South Union Mills, Merrick’s Custom Leather, The Sullivan Press (Money)
Matches, Match Case, Candles and Candle Holder
Acceptable: Period pieces as pictured
Unacceptable: Anything modern
Sources: Sutler of Fort Scott, South Union Mills, Blockade Runner
Poke Sacks and Ration Bags
Acceptable: Period pieces as pictured
Unacceptable: Anything modern
Sources: South Union Mills, K. Windahl & Co, S&S Sutler
ID Badge
Acceptable: Period recreation (as pictured). A coin sized disc on a cord, usually with one side having a period design.
Unacceptable: Modern dog tags
Source: The Badge Maker
Pocket Knife
Acceptable: Period style folding knife, as pictured
Unacceptable: Anything modern
Source: South Union Mills
Cold Weather Items
Preferred: Period accurate wool hat, scarf, and gloves/mittens /wristers
Unacceptable: Anything modern
Sources: South Union Mills, S&S Sutler
Final Thoughts
Again, don’t feel pressured – reenacting is a journey, and we’re here to help. If you’re just trying it out, the unit has loaner uniforms, gear, and weapons available. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
See you in the field!
Links to Sources
B&B Tart – Wool Blanket
The Badge Maker – ID Tag
Blockade Runner – Matches/Match Case, Candles/Candle Holder
Button Barron – Housewife
C.A. Davisson – Waist Belt, Cartridge Box w/Sling, Cap Pouch
Capital District Arsenal and Depot – Sack Coat, Trousers
Carter and Jasper – Housewife
Comers Gunworks – Rifle Musket, Bayonet, Defarb
The Depot Historic – Sack Coat, Shirt, Trousers, Braces, Brogans, Drawers, Musket Sling, Haversack, Wool Blanket, Shelter Tent, Mess Equipment
Dirty Billy – Forage Caps
Dixie Tin Works – Mess Equipment
Fall Creek Sutlery – Brogans, Rifle Musket, Eyeglasses/Case
Goober Grabber Headgear – Forage Caps
Historic Eyewear Company – Eyeglasses/Case
The Honest Sutler – Sack Coat, Shirt, Trousers, Great Coat, Shelter Tent
K Windahl & Co. – Sack Coat, Shirt, Trousers, Great Coat, Haversack, Poke Sacks & Ration Bags
Kepi Nation/Greg Starbuck – Forage Caps
L.D. Hanning – Scabbard, Musket Sling, Waist Belt, Cartridge Box w/Sling, Cap Pouch, Haversack, Double Bag Knapsack, Gum Blanket
Merrick’s Custom Leather – Braces, Scabbard, Musket Sling, Waist Belt, Cartridge Box w/Sling, Cap Pouch, Wallet
Missouri Shoe & Boot Co – Brogans, Haversack,
Old Timey Rags – Sack Coat, Trousers
Russell Osmianski – Forage Caps
S&S Sutler – Canteen, Drawers, Period Socks, Haversack, Double Bag Knapsack, Wool Blanket, Gum Blanket, Shelter Tent, Mess Equipment, Poke Sacks & Ration Bags, Cold Weather Items
The Smoked Yankee Tailor – Sack Coat, Shirt, Trousers, Drawers, Great Coat
Stand by your Colors, Avery Miller – Forage Caps
South Union Mills – Shirt, Canteen, Braces, Brogans, Drawers, Period Socks, Wool Blanket, Gum Blanket, Mess Equipment, Handkerchief, Toothbrush/Powder, Housewife, Wallet, Matches/Match Case, Candles/Candle Holder, Poke Sacks & Ration Bags, Pocket Knife, Cold Weather Items
The Sullivan Press – Writing Material, Period Money
Taylor’s Firearms – Rifle Musket, Bayonet
Sutler of Fort Scott – Toothbrush/Powder, Housewife, Matches/Match Case, Candles/Candle Holder
W. Hutzell & Co. – Sack Coat, Trousers
Wambaugh, White & Company – Sack Coat, Shirt, Canteen, Trousers, Braces, Drawers, Period Socks, Wool Blanket, Shelter Tent