14th Brooklyn at 165th Antietam
Uniform & Equipment Authenticity Guidelines
The 14th Brooklyn impression for the 165th Anniversary Antietam Campaign is intended to recreate the distinctive appearance of the regiment during the Maryland Campaign of September 1862.
The 14th Brooklyn was anything but a generic Federal regiment. Its distinctive chasseur uniform—most notably the red trousers, short jacket or tunic, kepi, and gaiters—created one of the most recognizable appearances in the Army of the Potomac.
By September 1862, however, the regiment presented an interesting mixture. New recruits had joined the ranks wearing the full chasseur uniform and distinctive tunics, while veterans who had already experienced months of campaigning appeared in a mixture of tunics and Federal fatigue blouses.
That combination is exactly what we want to recreate.
The objective is not to make every man identical. It is to create the appearance of the 14th Brooklyn as it entered the Maryland Campaign in September 1862—distinctively Brooklyn, unmistakably Federal, but already showing the effects of active campaigning.
HEADGEAR
Preferred — 14th Brooklyn Kepi
A high-quality reproduction 14th Brooklyn kepi is strongly preferred.
The kepi should reproduce documented examples appropriate to the regiment and period.
No corps badges.
Accepted in Limited Numbers — Federal Forage Cap
A properly constructed Federal issue forage cap appropriate to 1862 is acceptable in limited numbers.
These should provide variation rather than dominate the regiment.
Accepted in Very Limited Numbers — Civilian Slouch Hat
An appropriate mid-19th-century civilian slouch hat may be worn in very limited numbers.
This should be the exception.
Not Accepted
- Corps badges
- Modern cowboy hats
- Theatrical slouch hats
- Costume-quality kepis
- Later-war headgear
- Excessive or unsupported insignia
The overall appearance of the regiment should remain unmistakably 14th Brooklyn.
JACKET
Preferred — 14th Brooklyn Tunic
A high-quality reproduction of the distinctive 14th Brooklyn chasseur tunic is preferred.
This is particularly appropriate for the newer recruits who entered the regiment wearing the complete chasseur uniform.
Construction, materials, trim, buttons, and overall appearance should be based upon documented examples of the regiment's clothing.
Accepted — Federal Fatigue Blouse
A properly constructed Federal fatigue blouse appropriate to 1862 is accepted and encouraged among the veteran portion of the impression.
Both garments are important to creating the correct appearance.
By September 1862, the regiment contained new recruits wearing the full chasseur uniform alongside veterans wearing a mixture of the distinctive tunic and Federal fatigue blouses.
We specifically want that variation represented.
SHIRT
Preferred — U.S. Issue Domet Flannel Shirt
A properly constructed U.S. issue domet flannel shirt is preferred.
Accepted — U.S. Contract Wool Shirt
Appropriate U.S. contract wool shirts are accepted in:
- Gray
- Red
- Blue
- Tan
Accepted in Limited Numbers — Civilian Shirt
Properly constructed civilian shirts appropriate to the period may appear in limited numbers.
Avoid obviously modern fabrics, buttons, and construction.
TROUSERS
The distinctive red trousers are one of the defining characteristics of the 14th Brooklyn impression.
Preferred — Madder-Red Chasseur Trousers
High-quality reproduction madder-red chasseur trousers are strongly preferred.
Accepted — Red Private-Purchase Trousers
Appropriate red private-purchase trousers are accepted.
They should be based upon documented mid-19th-century construction and should complement the appearance of the regiment.
Accepted in Extremely Limited Numbers — Sky-Blue Federal Trousers
Federal sky-blue trousers may appear in extremely limited numbers.
They should be the exception rather than a significant portion of the regiment.
The overwhelming visual impression should be red trousers.
DRAWERS
Preferred
U.S. issue drawers.
Accepted
Appropriate civilian drawers.
Also Acceptable
None.
Modern undergarments, if worn, must remain completely concealed.
GAITERS
Quality reproductions only.
Gaiters are an important component of the 14th Brooklyn chasseur appearance.
Preferred
Laced or buttoned canvas gaiters appropriate to the regiment.
Accepted
Properly reproduced leather gaiters.
Also Accepted
None.
Gaiters should not be worn simply for appearance if they are poorly constructed or based upon an incorrect pattern.
A quality impression without gaiters is preferable to an impression wearing inaccurate gaiters.
SOCKS
Preferred
U.S. issue socks.
Accepted
- Civilian wool socks
- Civilian cotton socks
Modern athletic socks must not be visible.
SHOES
Preferred — U.S. Issue Bootees
Properly constructed U.S. issue Jefferson bootees/brogans are preferred.
Accepted — Private-Purchase Boots
Appropriate period private-purchase boots are accepted.
Modern footwear is not acceptable.
WAIST BELT
Preferred — U.S. Issue Waist Belt
Properly constructed U.S. issue waist belt with sewn leather keeper.
Avoid later-war or otherwise inappropriate belt configurations.
CARTRIDGE BOX
Required — M1861 Pattern Cartridge Box
A properly constructed M1861 pattern cartridge box with plate is required.
Important
The cartridge box is to be worn on the waist belt.
For this impression, do not wear the cartridge box suspended from a shoulder sling.
This is an important visual characteristic of the 14th Brooklyn impression and should be followed throughout the regiment.
CAP BOX
Preferred
Properly reproduced arsenal- or contract-made Federal cap box appropriate to the period.
BAYONET SCABBARD
A properly constructed Federal two-rivet bayonet scabbard is required.
HAVERSACK
Preferred — U.S. Issue Haversack
A quality reproduction Federal issue painted or tarred haversack appropriate to 1862 is preferred.
Haversacks should reproduce documented originals in construction, dimensions, strap, and finish.
CANTEEN
Preferred — Federal Smoothside Canteen
Federal issue smoothside canteens appropriate to 1862 are preferred.
Appropriate patterns include:
Philadelphia Depot Style
Early-war Philadelphia smoothside canteens appropriate to the Maryland Campaign.
New York Depot Style
Early New York smoothside canteens appropriate to the regiment's New York origin and Federal supply system.
Avoid later-war configurations inappropriate to September 1862.
KNAPSACK
Required — U.S. Issue Double-Bag Knapsack
A properly constructed Federal double-bag knapsack appropriate to 1862 is the standard for this impression.
Not Accepted
- Hardpacks
- Militia packs
- Fantasy knapsacks
- Later or inappropriate patterns
No hardpacks or militia packs will be permitted.
BLANKET
Preferred — U.S. Issue Blanket
A properly reproduced Federal issue wool blanket is preferred.
Appropriate shades include:
- Gray
- Brown
- Gray-brown
Blankets should reproduce documented Federal examples in material, weave, dimensions, and overall appearance.
Not Accepted
Red blankets are not permitted for this impression.
GROUND CLOTH / GUM BLANKET
Preferred
Properly reproduced Federal rubberized ground cloth or gum blanket appropriate to 1862.
Accepted
Appropriate painted ground cloth.
SHELTER HALF
Shelter halves should be high-quality reproductions using appropriate:
- Material
- Construction
- Buttons
- Buttonholes
- Dimensions
LONGARMS
The 14th Brooklyn should present a relatively uniform Federal rifle-musket impression.
Preferred — M1861 Springfield Rifle Musket
The M1861 .58-caliber Springfield rifle musket is preferred.
Accepted — P1853 Enfield Rifle Musket
The P1853 .577-caliber Enfield rifle musket is accepted.
Weapons should be properly maintained, functional, and capable of safely participating in the event.
Not Accepted
- Short rifles
- Two-band Enfields
- Breechloaders
- Repeaters
- Other longarms inappropriate to the regiment and September 1862
CAMPAIGN APPEARANCE
The 14th Brooklyn had already experienced hard campaigning before reaching the fields around Sharpsburg.
We are not attempting to portray a regiment standing for dress parade in Brooklyn.
At the same time, the arrival of newer recruits in chasseur clothing means the regiment should contain an interesting contrast between newer uniforms and campaign-worn veterans.
Wear should look earned.
The regiment should show variation in condition while maintaining the unmistakable visual character of the 14th Brooklyn.
WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT CONDITION
Campaign wear does not mean neglect.
Weapons and military equipment should remain properly maintained.
Rifle muskets should be:
- Clean
- Functional
- Properly maintained
- Free of unnecessary rust
- Ready for inspection and field service
Leather equipment should likewise remain serviceable.
The soldier may show the effects of campaigning.
His weapon should remain ready for battle.
MODERN ITEMS
Modern items must remain completely concealed within the immersive area.
This includes:
- Cell phones
- Smart watches
- Modern eyeglasses
- Plastic bottles
- Modern tobacco products
- Modern lighters
- Modern food packaging
- Modern clothing
- Modern footwear
- Other obviously modern items
Necessary medication may be carried but should remain concealed whenever practical.
Phones carried for emergency purposes must remain silent and completely out of sight.
GROOMING & PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Hair and facial hair should present a believable appearance for a Federal soldier in September 1862.
Avoid:
- Obviously modern hairstyles
- Unnatural hair colors
- Modern jewelry
- Visible modern accessories
- Other unnecessary modern intrusions
Modern tattoos should be concealed whenever practical.
WHAT WE WANT TO SEE
When the 14th Brooklyn forms in the field, there should be absolutely no question which regiment is standing before you.
We want to see:
Madder-red chasseur trousers dominating the ranks.
14th Brooklyn kepis dominating the headgear.
Newer recruits wearing the distinctive 14th Brooklyn tunic.
Veterans providing natural variation through a mixture of tunics and Federal fatigue blouses.
Quality canvas or leather gaiters mixed with men wearing none.
Federal issue shirts with limited civilian alternatives.
Federal bootees with appropriate private-purchase boots.
M1861 cartridge boxes worn on the waist belt.
Two-rivet bayonet scabbards.
Federal smoothside Philadelphia and New York canteens.
Federal double-bag knapsacks.
Federal issue blankets—with no red blankets.
M1861 Springfield and P1853 Enfield rifle muskets.
And throughout the regiment, we want the natural contrast created by fresh recruits joining veterans who had already experienced the realities of campaigning.
THE STANDARD
The 14th Brooklyn was one of the most visually distinctive Federal regiments on the battlefield.
We intend to recreate that distinction.
This is not simply a Federal infantry impression with red trousers added to it.
The uniform, equipment, weapons, baggage, and appearance must work together to create a recognizable 14th Brooklyn impression appropriate to September 1862.
Some men will look newer.
Some will look worn.
Some will wear the famous tunic.
Others will show the increasing presence of the Federal fatigue blouse.
But when the regiment moves across the Maryland countryside in September 2027, the overall impression should be unmistakable:
The 14th Brooklyn has arrived.