Standards
of the Columbia Rifles
All leather accoutrements should be worn at the proper height. The waist-belt shall be worn about the center of the stomach (over the navel). Cartridge Box slings came in only one length, and when this sling is used, you will want to adjust the billets so that the top of the box rides just below the bottom edge of the waist-belt. Haversack and canteen straps shall be the proper length, so that the top of the haversack and canteen are approximately equal with the elbow. If necessary, straps shall be shortened for the haversack (cut and hand sewn shorter), and canteen (knotted up or cut-and-sewn). If a knapsack is used, it is recommended that the canteen strap be over the knapsack straps to facilitate both drinking and refilling the canteen while on the march.
A. U.S. Issue Haversack: Painted (black) canvas with buckle and inner canvas bag. Closure buckle shall be japanned, painted black steel, or unfinished iron; nickel-plated and stainless steel buckles are not allowed. The buckle should be on a leather strap preferably fastened to the haversack with rivets (rivets are correct for New York Depot haversacks). Maximum size of the haversack shall be 12 inches by 12 inches. Straps on period haversacks were generally approximately 42 inches in length. [EOG/US pages 199, 210, 211]B. Items carried in the haversack should be period-correct. Note that modern blue/red bandanas sold by most sutlers are incorrect and are forbidden. The haversack was intended to carry food; personal items should largely be carried in the knapsack.
C. Items in the haversack should be carried in small cotton or muslin "poke bags" with drawstrings or wrapped in period-style newspaper.
D. Haversacks will generally not be worn at dress parade, modern parades, etc.
E. Tinware should be hitched to the outside of the haversack only when there is insufficient room for mess gear within the haversack.
F. Commissioned Officer Haversack: Commissioned officers may use either an
enlisted haversack or an officer haversack. Officer haversacks shall be either
patent leather with adjustable leather strap, or painted canvas [EOG/US page 201].
A. U.S. Issue Model 1858 (Smoothside), New York or Schuylkill Depot pattern: Tin-plated sheet iron oblate spheroid canteen with three strap keepers. One keeper may have a punched hole (to hold the cork attachment) per New York Depot canteen specifications; only canteens issued by the New York Depot had this hole. Corrugated canteen bodies (i.e. "bullseye" canteens) were issued only by the Schuylkill Depot and after mid-1862.
B. Cover: Canteens shall have a gray or brown colored cover of jean or satinette. Although original canteens exist with kersey covers, they were uncommon and are therefore grossly over-represented in today's reenacting world; they are therefore strongly discouraged.
C. Strap: Straps should be white cotton drilling, approximately 3/4-inch wide and 72 inches in length. New York Depot canteens often used the same drill that was used to fabricate shelter tents, with a visible twill weave. The Schuylkill Arsenal usually used twill tape after 1862. In August 1862, the New York and Schuylkill arsenals discontinued use of leather canteen straps, although some leather straps remained in use in the field until at least the summer of 1863. Leather canteen straps should be russet-colored (brown), 1/2-inch wide with a buckle closure. Leather canteen straps shall not be used for impressions after summer of 1863.
D. Cork: Should be secured with tin-plated iron chain (correct for New York Depot canteens) or string. [EOG/US pages 198, 206, 207]
E. Stainless steel canteens are allowed, but the spout shall be pewter or tin; stainless steel shall never be visible.
F. It is preferred that canteens be unadorned by superfluous decorations or identification. Most marked canteens, particularly after the early-war period, include only the owner's stenciled initials.
B. Pistol Box: Shall be worn only by commissioned officers who elect to carry side-arms. Pistol box shall be black leather and shall have two belt loops sewn or riveted to the back side of the pistol box.
C. Pistol Holster: Shall be worn only by commissioned officers who elect
to carry side-arms. Holster shall be black leather, with one belt loop riveted
or sewn to the holster. Holster should have a brass closure. Preferred (common)
holster is right-side, butt forward. Presumably, in battle an officer would have
a sword in the right hand, and would prefer to draw the pistol with the left
hand from the right hip. Other holster configurations are acceptable [EOG/US page 201].
C. NCOs may wear the Federal non-commissioned officer waist-belt with rectangular eagle plate closure. Belt shall be dyed black leather approximately 1 3/4 inches wide. The belt length shall be adjustable by means of a brass hook, and shall include a leather keeper. Buckle closure shall be a brass rectangle with eagle insignia and hook to mate with the brass eye at opposite end of belt.
D. Commissioned Officer Sword Belt: Officers' sword belts were black-dyed,
brown, black patent leather, maroon, or embroidered cloth. All of the following
dimensions are given as a guide only, because original sword belts have
significant variations. Members are advised to copy an existing original
that has a documented provenance. Sword belts for commissioned officers
should be approximately 1 5/8 inchese wide. Belt length should be adjustable
by means of a brass buckle and should include a leather keeper. Buckle-closure
may be a brass rectangle with eagle insignia and hook to mate with the brass
eye at opposite end of the belt. Belt should include two square brass loops, each
approximately 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches, each fastened to the belt with two
pieces of leather reinforcing sewn to the belt. Belt should include two 1-inch
wide leather straps looped through the brass loops and secured with removable
brass rivets. Each strap shall have a brass swivel snap (note: there are no
known accurate reprodution swivel straps-- members are encouraged to use originals
snaps if available). The belt should have a 1-inch wide adjustable baldric
with leather keeper and brass closure hook. The baldric may be removed at
the officer's discretion [EOG/US page 200].
B. Bayonet: Carbon steel bayonet correct for the weapon. Bayonet shall have a locking ring. Members should replace the reproduction locking-ring on their bayonet with an original locking ring. Remove the "INDIA" stamp from the bayonet with a file and emery cloth. Either leave this area blank or stamp in the letters "US". Sharpening of bayonets is expressly prohibited. Best results (durability) will be obtained through use of an original bayonet.
A. Federal Issue Double Bag Knapsack: Painted (black) canvas or drilling with black-dyed (not painted) leather straps, mid-war pattern. Closure buckles shall be japanned, painted black steel, or unfinished iron; nickel-plated and stainless steel buckles are not allowed. Hooks shall be brass. [EOG/US page 213]B. Members are allowed to utilize blanket rolls ("mule collars") in lieu of knapsacks.
C. "Hardpack" knapsacks and wood frames inserted into the double-bag knapsacks are discouraged unless specifically condoned for an event. These pieces of equipment were early-war items and their use in post-1862 scenarios is generally incorrect.
D. Unless specifically dictated otherwise by the scenario, members are highly encouraged to wear knapsacks ("full marching order") to all marches, battles, and demonstrations where the Rifles are portraying soldiers on campaign. Knapsacks may or may not be worn when soldiers are detailed to guard duty (depending on the scenario); wearing of knapsacks is never required when actually posted as a sentinel.
E. Packing of knapsacks for an event shall be as light as possible. Pack only what you can carry on a march of at least five hours. A knapsack is generally packed too heavy if it weighs more than 14 lbs. fully loaded, including the blanket, gum blanket, and shelter half.
F. Knapsacks are not appropriate at dress parade, modern-day parades, and ceremonies.