Hi folks
Getting this one ready for the brush
Using this one from Fort D
Bit of background on the unit
Washington Artillery "dress" uniforms consisted of dark blue frock coats , royal blue or sky blue pants with a wide red stripe down its outer seam, red kepi with peacock blue band having brass cross cannon and the Zouave-style letters "WA."
Collars were red with sewn cloth dark blue crossed cannon.
Cuffs were red.
Enlistedmen and officers wore standard brass epaulettes attached to the shoulders,
Louisiana pelican buttons adorned the front, and white buff belt with shoulder strap.
Staff officers wore gold bullion shoulder epaulettes.
The buckles were of several variations, including a rectangular plate with a pelican within a circle, a rectangular plate with a pelican with rays radiating behind it, or a US Model 1838 two piece sword buckle, altered by removing the "US" and either engraving or casting "WA" on its tongue.
Accoutrements consisted of Model 1842 US muskets, cap boxes, and cartridge boxes with brass crossed cannon on their flaps.
Knapsacks were black tarred leather with a script "WA" on its flap and a red blanket roll. Every man also carried a sword and pistol.
Swords were of various makes and models, some preferring the Thomas, Griswold-made artillery saber with brass scabbard and a white buff leather sword knot.
Pistols varied in make and model.
The unit's gold badge of crossed cannon within a circular artillery belt was usually attached to the uniform by a clasp and watch chain as added security against its loss.
White gloves, and sometimes even white gaiters, completed the ensemble.
However, as early as September of 1861, the Washington Artillerists' uniform and accoutrements changed.
Their blue coats looked too much like the Union troops causing confusion and fatalities in battle.
William Miller Owen commented, "The blue cloth dress uniforms have been shipped to Richmond and will there remain for swell occasions. We have reduced our equipment since active service began. Knapsacks have been voted a bore, and have been or will be thrown aside. On leaving home each man had his revolver for 'close quarters' and the sabre was part of the regulation uniform. Both are in disgrace. The revolver will be traded off, sold, or sent home, and the sabres (all that are left, for many have disappeared during the past week) will be turned over to the cavalry."
By March of 1862 Confederate General Joe Johnston would distribute General Order 34, forbidding non commissioned officers and privates from carrying pistols.
Here are some references
Using the osprey book as a good reference as well ( the uniform is on the cover as well )
The unit on campaign .....certainly very different in dress !!!
Here is where I am at the moment ..
I have added the rank bars as in the first reference plate ...but the more I look at the brass versions ....the more I think I might give it a go !!!
Also added the unit badge with a chain on the chest
Going to higher the collar and add the crossed cannons as well
Stay tuned in ...
Thanks for looking
Happy benchtime
Nap
Getting this one ready for the brush
Using this one from Fort D
Bit of background on the unit
Washington Artillery "dress" uniforms consisted of dark blue frock coats , royal blue or sky blue pants with a wide red stripe down its outer seam, red kepi with peacock blue band having brass cross cannon and the Zouave-style letters "WA."
Collars were red with sewn cloth dark blue crossed cannon.
Cuffs were red.
Enlistedmen and officers wore standard brass epaulettes attached to the shoulders,
Louisiana pelican buttons adorned the front, and white buff belt with shoulder strap.
Staff officers wore gold bullion shoulder epaulettes.
The buckles were of several variations, including a rectangular plate with a pelican within a circle, a rectangular plate with a pelican with rays radiating behind it, or a US Model 1838 two piece sword buckle, altered by removing the "US" and either engraving or casting "WA" on its tongue.
Accoutrements consisted of Model 1842 US muskets, cap boxes, and cartridge boxes with brass crossed cannon on their flaps.
Knapsacks were black tarred leather with a script "WA" on its flap and a red blanket roll. Every man also carried a sword and pistol.
Swords were of various makes and models, some preferring the Thomas, Griswold-made artillery saber with brass scabbard and a white buff leather sword knot.
Pistols varied in make and model.
The unit's gold badge of crossed cannon within a circular artillery belt was usually attached to the uniform by a clasp and watch chain as added security against its loss.
White gloves, and sometimes even white gaiters, completed the ensemble.
However, as early as September of 1861, the Washington Artillerists' uniform and accoutrements changed.
Their blue coats looked too much like the Union troops causing confusion and fatalities in battle.
William Miller Owen commented, "The blue cloth dress uniforms have been shipped to Richmond and will there remain for swell occasions. We have reduced our equipment since active service began. Knapsacks have been voted a bore, and have been or will be thrown aside. On leaving home each man had his revolver for 'close quarters' and the sabre was part of the regulation uniform. Both are in disgrace. The revolver will be traded off, sold, or sent home, and the sabres (all that are left, for many have disappeared during the past week) will be turned over to the cavalry."
By March of 1862 Confederate General Joe Johnston would distribute General Order 34, forbidding non commissioned officers and privates from carrying pistols.
Here are some references
Using the osprey book as a good reference as well ( the uniform is on the cover as well )
The unit on campaign .....certainly very different in dress !!!
Here is where I am at the moment ..
I have added the rank bars as in the first reference plate ...but the more I look at the brass versions ....the more I think I might give it a go !!!
Also added the unit badge with a chain on the chest
Going to higher the collar and add the crossed cannons as well
Stay tuned in ...
Thanks for looking
Happy benchtime
Nap
