So you want to be a Civil War Cavalry re-enactor
If you are thinking about getting into the reenacting hobby there is one important
element you cannot get away from, and that is it is an expense hobby. We hope not to
discourage you with the costs but you should have an idea of the cost for a cavalry
impression. Although everything need not be purchased at once, and in fact it is wiser to
check with others before you purchase, the 15th can help in providing some of
the more expensive equipment. Recently the unit has purchased two Sharps carbines, and the
leather accouterments necessary to field two troopers who have not yet purchased these
items.
I have attempted to break down the minimum necessary to take to the field, and those
optional items which can be procured as your wallet can afford. The costs sited are
representative of what items were selling for in 1996. You will find differences from
sutler to sutler (merchant who sells soldiers things they need). You will also find big
differences in quality so check with the troop for recommended sutlters. In addition check
out the drawings which follow to see what a fully outfitted trooper looks like.
The Basics ……….
 | Federal Forage Cap (not to be confused with a kepi) - $30 |
| Cavalry Shell Jacket w/yellow trim - $115 |
| Period Shirt (regulation white muslin or civilian pattern) - $30 |
| Trousers, sky blue, mounted pattern $75, or foot pattern $65 |
| Suspenders (no elastic here) - $10 |
| Socks, wool (2 pair) - $7/pair |
| Boots (period style square toe black) $150 - $250 |
| or Brogans (shoes) - $80 - $90 |
| Canteen, blue or tan - $35 |
| Tin Cup - $12 |
| Tin Plate - $6 |
| Period knife, fork, spoon - $15 |
| Blanket , blue or gray - $30 |
| Rubber blanket (ground cover) or poncho - $35 |
| Total so far ………………….. $620 minimum |
The above uniform and equipment will allow you to participate in Living History events, and Encampments.
The 15th Cavalry has 4 - 6x6x9 foot tents which we provide for new
recruits until they can get there own tent. In addition, we have candle lamps, and tables
for the general camp.
The next step or "So you want to participate in the battles …………………."
| Federal saber belt with buckle - $65 |
| Sharps carbine - $475 - $500 |
| Carbine sling and swivel snap - $45 |
| Carbine cartridge box - $40 |
| Cap pouch - $18 |
| Black powder - $10/can, caps $8/can, paper tubes or make your own - $12 |
| Total so far ……………………$1,253 |
This equipment, along with all of the basics will allow you to participate as a
dismounted trooper in all living history encampments, parades, and battles.
Other equipment which would be nice, but can be acquired as time goes by ………………….
| Revolver (Colt or Remington) $100 and up |
| Revolver holder - $30 |
| Sabre (1860 light cavalry) - $100 |
| Hat insignias (crossed saber's, "15", "L") - $6 |
| Spurs brass w/straps - $30 |
| Gauntlets (gloves) - $25 and up |
| Tent (w/stakes and poles) - $120 |
| Lantern - $20 |
| Grand total ……………………..$1,684 |
Oh…….if you want to participate mounted (assuming you have a horse), add
another $800 for a period saddle (can't participate without one).
Well that about covers it but if you want more stuff, there is no end of sutlers that will take your money for anything the original fella's actually had, and some they didn't.
Click
on images to the right for a full size picture