US Army blue

[Tarok]

Hi all,

I'm hoping to start the Seil US Sergeant of the Mexican War and need some uniform advice.

Was the blue as worn by NCO's and officers the same as that worn by the Union army during the ACW? Also, would it be appropriate to portray the Sgt wearing enlisted man trousers - the lighter blue?

Any advice on which blues to use if I'm painting in enamels and oils?

TIA

Rudi

p.s. Happy New Year everyone! May 2006 bring you and your families good things!

 

[garyjd]

Rudi,

The figure is depicted wearing the winter fatigue uniform worn after 1839. It consisted of a sky blue kersey shell jacket with a single row of nine white metal buttons. The stand up collar was trimmed with white lace. The shoulder straps were also edged in white and secured at the base of the collar with a small white metal button. The cuffs had a single white metal button set high on the cuff. The trousers were made of the same kersey sky blue and an NCO would have had a white stripe going down the side seam of the trousers along with white chevrons on the jacket. The Model 1839 forage cap would be dark blue with a black leather visor and chinstrap secured by a brass button on either side. I hope this is of some help.~Gary

 

[Tarok]

Gary,

WOW! What can I say besides Thank you! That's exactly what I was looking for!

Thanks again!

 

[Steve]

Rudi, I would add a note to Gary's comprehensive description of that uniform. The "sky blue" that Gary so accurately describes is not what most of us would consider a true modern sky hue. I own a reproduction of that uniform and the blue is significantly dark, not a "dark blue" such as the M1839 hat, but not a light, pale color. Much more of what I would describe as a "medium" blue. The Mexican-American war is my favorite period and I have researched it quite a bit; in my humble opinion the vast majority of figures painted in this uniform have the blue way too light. Just a thought. Enjoy--Steve

 

[Tarok]

Thanks, Steve...

Gary & Steve,

I came across THIS re-enactors' supply site.... would you guys say that the Mexican War Infantry Shell Jacket is the correct Sky Blue to use? Or should I use a blue closer to that of the Dragoon jacket? I read somewhere that Non-coms and officers both wore a darker blue coat and trouser than those worn by enlisted men...

TIA

Rudi

 

[Johnsonva]

Hi Rudi,

I have sent you a couple of scans which may help with your Mexican War figure. One is by Charles McBaron, who painted a series of prints for the U.S. Army. The other is from "The United States Infantry, an Illustrated History 1775-1918" by Gregory J.W. Urwin. Hope the info helps.

Loren