Florida Frontier Guard Authenticity Guide

Coats, Jackets, Vests, Shirts, may include any 1800-1840 period coat , frock coat, or jacket, including hunting frocks, or shawl collar vests. Any early 19^th Century style shirt with correct sleeves, cuffs, and collar, is acceptable. Cravats should be of white, black, or colored cotton or linen, of period style. No “John Wayne” shirts. No Civil War Union or Confederate coats or jackets. No railroad bandanas.

Trousers, should be of the broad or small fall type of cotton, linen, or wool. Button fly trousers of early 19^th Century pattern are acceptable. No breeches, kilts, or modern trousers.

Period Civilian clothing is hard to find off the rack. We can recommend you contact one of the following vendors regarding your interests:

Allegheny Arsenal. Master Tailor Steve Abolt. Steve's work is without peer. His specialty is Uniforms of the 1812-1850 period. He makes the 1832 regular army fatigue uniform in a reasonably priced kit form, [roughly the same cost as the ready made Jarnigan clothes] but cut to measure and guaranteed to fit as they should... Email: SACBG7@lynchburg.net

Carter & Jasper Mercantile. Managed by Joe Blunt, mudcatsgt@earthlink.net Makes a wide variety of 19th century clothing and uniforms to measure.

Custom Vestments. Joe Kleffman. Makes citizen's clothing for the 1830s period, etc. Made to measure. www.customvestments.com

Jas. Townsend & Sons. Offers "off the rack" small and broad fall trousers, vests, and shirts, etc. These are acceptable for Seminole War reenacting. http://jas-townsend.com/index.php

Patterns! After a considerable period of experimentation with the commerically available patterns for clothing of the ca. 1830-1845 period, we can absolutely recommend only Saundra Altman's "PAST PATTERNS" men's small fall trousers pattern for skill of drafting, comprehensive research, ease of construction, and of course, results! There are many other patterns out there, all useful of course, but these are a cut above:

http://www.pastpatterns.com/008.html

For necessary vests, we also recommend Past Patterns. While the vest pattern dates beyond the 2nd Seminole War a few years, it is very similar to the drafts given in 1830s tailoring books...

http://www.pastpatterns.com/018.html

There are some commerical patterns for 1830s men's coats, but we cannot recommend them.

For Regular Army Uniforms of the 1832 Pattern: We realize many of our prospective hobbyists are interested in portraying regular army personnel at Seminole War events. Such a kit is necessary to participate at the annual Dade's Battle event at the close of each year.

Without Question Steve Abolt makes the best reproduction 1832 pattern US Army clothing... He can cut a jacket and trousers to measure and provide it in kit form for roughly the same cost as the ready made versions sold by the vendors below. The difference is Steve's are cut using period systems guaranteeing the correct military fit of the 1830s! No Comparison. But for those who are less interested in the details, the below fellows produced "ready made" 1832 uniform clothing:

Quartermaster Depot: Dan Gianini makes 1832 jackets and trousers, etc. http://www.quartermasterdepot.com/shop08/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=7

C&D Jarnigan: Makes ready made 1832 pattern uniforms [visit their "Mexican War" section.] Though be warned... the fit is a modern one, and they put the wrong size buttons on the jackets, etc. [We recommned Steve Abolt listed above!] www.jarnaginco.com/

Equipments:

The volunteer troops who served in Florida were issued accouterments stored in US Government arsenals in the various states. These accouterments were often of older patterns than that of 1828 used by the regular army in the 1830s. Indeed, many old pattern 1808 oval brass bayonet scabbard belt plates have been dug in Florida proving the use of War of 1812 surplus M1808 accouterments. Records show these accouterment belts were of white and black leather. Either is acceptable for the FFG. Riflemen carried US Government rifle pouches, with white or black leather belts. For more information of 2nd Seminole War period military equipments, we reccommend R.T. Huntington's pamphlet on the equipments of US Infantry, Riflemen, and Dragoons, available here:

R.T. Huntington’s “Accoutrements of the United States Infantry, Riflemen, and Dragoons, 1834-1839.”

$9.95 from http://www.caldwellandcompany.net/Books4.html

$11.95 from: http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(z0ytakmhmprd1y554fuqqn55))/categories/partDetail.aspx?catId=4&subId=22&styleId=62&partNum=BOOK-AUSIRD

Among the Indian auxillary troops of the 2nd Seminole War, Creek Indian or Delaware and Shawnee impressions should be based on the clothing of those tribes in the 1837 period. We will create a separate page with such details as come to us in the future.

Weapons:

The overwhelming majority of volunteers in the 2nd Seminole War were armed with US 1816 muskets and bayonets. Some units are known to have carried US M1803 Harper's Ferry Rifles. For re-enactment, any flintlock muskets, or early American hunting rifles are acceptable. Single and double barreled fowling pieces are acceptable.

http://www.dixiegunworks.com Dixie Gun works carries a wide variety of Pedersoli military flintlock muskets, besides Kentucky/Tennessee/Pennsylvania hunting rifles and fowling pieces.

http://fcsutler.com/fcweapons.asp Fall Creek Sutler sells the basic Pedersoli replicas most suitable for Seminole War reenacting as well (the 1795/1816/1803 rifle).

A cheaper alternative to the Italian replica muskets are Indian/Pakistani made muskets. We will update this section soon, but some vendors of these include:

Veteran Arms: [sells a 1777 Charleville Musket not shown on web. Have seen an example and found it a suitable duplicate for an 1816... some issues with the stock shape aside...] http://www.veteranarms.com/

Middlesex Village Trading Company: http://www.middlesexvillagetrading.com/

The Discriminating General: www.militaryheritage.com/

Loyalist Arms & Repairs: http://www.loyalistarms.com/

Camp Kettles.

Army camp kettles were heavy sheet iron vessels, cylindrical in form, and without a lid, some 13-15 inches high, and several inches in diameter. They were fitted with a heavy wire bail or handle with which it could be carried or suspended over a fire on a tripod of sticks etc. They were issued in nesting sets of three kettles to ease their storage and transportation. On the march the smaller ones were to buckled to the knapsacks, while the larger ones were carried by hand. [1825-1837 Army Regulations]

The most historically accurate, full three-kettle set might be had from Wendy K. Osman (as available) at foragecap@earthlink.net

Of course, three kettles may be overkill for the individual re-enactor. An acceptable individual camp kettle can be had from Avalon Forge. They sell these in five different sizes, as their “Rust Free Cook Kettles” but most are too small for our period. Their “11¾ by 11 3/8 in., weight 3 ¼ lbs. #CAMK21” ($69.00) version is roughly the size of the smallest of the army’s three kettle sets and is considered acceptable for Seminole War interpretation: http://home.comcast.net/~avalonforge/MainCookEat.htm

Note: frying pans were not in use by the Army in the 1835-1842 period. In fact, army regulations forbade the frying of issued rations. Regardless, there is an account recording the soldier’s using their issued mess pans to fry their bacon in camp. Thus, frying pans of the typical handled configuration are unnecessary, while the mess pan is:

Mess Pan.

The mess pan was another open vessel, with sloping sides ca. 12 inches in diameter at the top, and ca. 6 inches high. [Todd, 217-218]

Historically correct mess pans can be had from:

The Village Tinsmith’s #32 “Round Camp Basin” (12-inches diameter, 5 inches high) $33.00

http://www.csa-dixie.com/villagetinsmith/c.html

Canteen

The correct early 19^th Century barrel-style wooden canteens can currently be had from Jas. Townsend & Sons. These are the metal banded wood canteens. One is made of correct hardwood, but his pine version is nearly identical, and when painted with “two coats of light blue paint” they are indistinguishable. Both are acceptable for the Florida Frontier Guard.

The most accurate of these is “Oak Canteen OC-770” at $80.00. http://jas-townsend.com/product_info.php?products_id=822

Townsend’s “Metal Banded wood canteen WC-769” thought made of pine is also acceptable, and at $45.00 each is a considerable savings vs. the above. http://jas-townsend.com/product_info.php?products_id=369

(Warning! Before you try to outsmart yourself and save $3, do not order Townsend’s “Pine Canteen WC-760 as it is akin to a toy canteen in construction, with leather keepers tacked to the sides to hold the sling, etc.)

Another acceptable pattern is more modern in design, but acceptable

James Country Mercantile’s “CS Wood Drum Canteen #MR15” includes a plastic liner, copper neck, and canvas sling. The copper neck and spout are the most glaring outward error, but tolerable once painted. At $48.00 it is not bad and will likely never leak. http://www.jamescountry.com/militaryrelated.html

(Note: Blockade Runner sells the same Canteen, #317, for $48.95.)

Also, note that the cotton web slings which come with these canteens are not period correct for the Seminole War. The correct sling is russet leather, 5/8-inches by 60-inches (5 feet), and sewn together at the ends. These are simple to fabricate at home.

Knapsack.

The exact pattern of knapsack made and issued to U.S. soldiers of the 1830s is not known. However, there is enough detail in period records to know it was a black painted bag with black leather straps. It is believed to have been similar to some surviving Confederate Army knapsacks of the 1861-1865 period, specifically the “Johnston” or “Kibbler” patterns. Thus, the Florida Frontier Guard uses reproductions of these to represent the 1830s knapsack.

A well made reproduction of this knapsack can be had from Missouri Boot & Shoe Company. It is a reproduction of the Confederate “Johnston” knapsack, which is the preferred pattern for the Florida Frontier Guard.

“Confederate Single Bag Knapsack, #CSB” $150.00 (incl. S/H)

http://missouribootandshoe.tripod.com/id24.html(note: the straps shown on the page are russet, and should be black for 1830s use. Missouri Boot & Shoe will provide the black slings on request. C & D Jarnigan Co. sells an identical item as their “Mexican War Knapsack, MX-306” at $295.00, though (in our opinion) Missouri Boot and Shoe’s is superior despite the lower cost.

Dell’s Leather Works sells a similar knapsack of the Confederate “Kibbler” pattern [the inside of the main bag is not painted, and the chest strap is sewn on the shoulder straps rather than sliding as in the “Johnston” pattern sold by Missouri Boot and Shoe), as “Soft Knapsack – “Kibbler” US Army, Mexican War Design” #PCH001, for $185.00. The slings should be blackened for 1830s use. http://www.dellsleatherworks.com/kibblerknapsack.htm

Frazer Brothers sells a replica of the Kibbler pack for $125.00:

http://www.frazerbrothers.com/item_directory/knapsacks.htmAn in-expensive version of the similar Confederate “Kibbler” pattern knapsack might be had from Blockade Runner Sutlery, as “CS Knapsack, #2279” at $99.95. Again, the slings should be blackened for 1830s use.http://www.blockaderunner.com/Catalog/catpg9b.html

Haversack.

Perhaps the best example of the 1830s haversack can be had from Phil Cavanaugh’s Haversack Depot. Although not listed on his web site, he can replicate an original from the Fred Gaede collection. Contact Phil for more details: http://www.haversackdepot.com/

If you want to go the cheap route, In-expensive versions can be had from [Note they do not have the correct pewter buttons on them...]

Fall Creek Sutler: ["Mexican War" 3-button, with scalloped flap] http://www.fcsutler.com/fcblankhavers.asp

Blockade Runner Sutler: "White Cotton haversack" http://www.blockaderunner.com/Catalog/catpg9b.html

…. , but in these cases we’ve found you get what you pay for.

Common Tent.

For the most part, any white canvas “wedge” or “A-frame” tent suitable for 19^th Century interpretation is acceptable for Florida Frontier Guard use. This includes the typical Civil War reenactment type. However, if you do not already have a tent, we recommend you procure one closer to the 1830s size. Panther Primitives sells one with similar dimensions to the 1830s tents (roughly 9x7 feet, and 7 feet high) as the “1812 American” Military Wedge Tent. These range in cost from $278 to $372 depending on material used for construction. Pole and pin sets are also available (or could be fabricated at home with ease.)

http://www.pantherprimitives.com/catalog18/CR18%20PG%2034.pdf

Regimental Quartermaster sells inexpensive, though still functional, common tents. Their #STO1B “6x7” tent ($150.00) is the closest of their offerings to the correct 1830s dimensions. (the single door option is the historically correct one). https://www.regtqm.com/tents.htm

Folding knives:

http://home.comcast.net/~avalonforge/MainTools.htm

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(eilqq255h3w5bkibzbg2302u))/categories/partDetail.aspx?catId=9&subId=58&styleId=224&partNum=KNIFE-FOLD

www.milwarehouse.com

PK101 Civil War period pocket knife.

Accoutrements.

Procuring the necessary accoutrements is of the utmost importance. Without them, you cannot correctly handle period weapons in a safe and efficient manner.

There is one reference which is highly recommended for any re-enactor of the 1835-1842 period. This small book will clarify that most confounding of subjects; viz: which accouterments are correct for 1830s period interpretation! This is R.T. Huntington's work on the accouterements of US Infantry, Riflemen, and Dragoons mentioned at the head of this page...

Volunteer/militia troops armed with rifles should be equipped with rifleman’s equipments of the period 1812-1834.

Heritage leather currently produces the 1839 pattern Rifleman’s pouch and shoulder belt. (#”CW22” for $56.65.) This set is similar to the 1834 pattern used in Florida during the 2^nd Seminole War. The difference being the 1834 pattern had a small oval belt plate on the front.

http://www.heritageleathercw.com/cart/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=965

S& S Firearms also sells the 1839 pattern rifleman's pouch and belt. They also sell the 1837 "peace flask" to go with it: www.ssfirearms.com/

Track of the Wolf sells the brass 1837 pattern “Peace Flask” as their “US Model 1855 Peace and Friendship” flask for $30.95. This is the correct flask to wear with the 1839 pouch and belt sold by Heritage Leather above.

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(svbzub2pj5qb0kafxgxyckaq))/popUps/popSingle.aspx?partNum=FLASK-PEACE

Cartridge Boxes.

During the 2^nd Seminole War, the US Army used a few different cartridge boxes for infantry accouterment sets. The regular army troops carried a box adopted in 1828 notable for the ornate embossed design of an eagle on the flap. Among the volunteer troops, many likely carried some of this design. Others carried M1808 cartridge boxes from federal arsenals. A third box, the pattern of 1837, was likely issued in Florida as well (this one has not been reproduced.) The Army’s 1839 pattern cartridge box (with a brass US plate on the flap) may have seen service in the last campaigns of the 2^nd Seminole War, but would not be suitable for most Seminole War reenactment events from earlier years.

The most correct replica for Seminole War reenactors is the 1828 “eagle” stamped cartridge box. This type is currently available only from C&D Jarnagin, as # 20033 “Pattern of 1828 Cartridge Box” for $192.50 (yes, you read right!) For what it is worth, this box is well made, and beautiful to behold.

http://www.jarnaginco.com/Mexican%20war%20cartridge%20boxes.html

Okay, the good news is there are a variety of M1808 style cartridge box replicas out there which ARE very affordable. These are acceptable at Seminole War reenactments. As usual the price usually reflects the quality/workmanship, etc. But all should be functional. Starting from costliest to cheapest, here we go...

C&D Jarnagin sells an 1808 pattern cartridge box as #201 “Pattern of 1808 Cartridge Box .69 caliber” for $163.00:

http://www.jarnaginco.com/Mexican%20war%20cartridge%20boxes.html

G. Gedney Godwin sells an 1808 cartridge box, as “1808 American Cartridge Box-26 rounds,” #373, for $126.00.

http://www.gggodwin.com/CartGenie/prod-539.htm

Heritage Leather sells an 1808 cartridge box replica, # WR70, for $98.25.

http://www.heritageleathercw.com/cart/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1029

Blockade Runner sells a replica 1808 cartridge box, #789, $49.95. (scroll down on the page below)

http://www.blockaderunner.com/Catalog/catpg10.htm

Finally, Dixie Gun Works sells an 1808 style cartridge box (incorrectly referred to as a Revolutionary War pattern) as #PL6610, “Revolutionary War Cartridge Pouch,” at $44.95. Despite the low cost we have found this box sturdy and suitable for years of use...

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=3986

Cartridge Box Sling:

Nick Duvall sells a correct 2.25-inch wide white buff leather cartridge box sling, 55.5-inches long, for $40.00 as “Federal issue cartridge box belt (white buff) (no breast plate)”:

http://duvallleatherwork.com/-strse-10/Buff-Leather%2CBox-Belt%2C-Buff/Detail.bok

C&D Jarnagin sells a correct 2.25-inch wide X 64-inch long white buff cartridge box sling as “#261, White Buff Cartridge Box Sling,” for $50.00

http://www.jarnaginco.com/Mexican%20war%20cartridge%20boxes.html

G. Gedney Godwin sells a 2.25-inch x 70-inch wide leather cartridge box sling to fit their 1808 pattern box, as #374, “1808 American Cartridge Box Strap,” in black or white leather, for $29.50.

http://www.gggodwin.com/CartGenie/prod-540.htm

Heritage Leather sells a white leather cartridge box sling, 2.25-inches wide, WR74, $40.70.

http://www.heritageleathercw.com/cart/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1033

Bayonet Scabbard Belt:

No contest, the best quality replica of the 1828 pattern bayonet scabbard belt is that made by Nick Duvall, as his “Federal Issue Bayonet Scabbard Baldric (Pre-Civil War)…” for $125.00: HOWEVER; while the oval 1808 style plate is not incorrect, the better plate for this belt for 2^nd Seminole War use is the round eagle plate like that on his black leather Civil War NCO’s baldrics.

http://duvallleatherwork.com/-strse-14/Mexican-War-Baldric-Buff/Detail.bok

Heritage Leather sells one as “Dbl. frog NCO sling (white leather)” #BL42, for $52.00.

http://www.heritageleathercw.com/cart/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=993

Dixie Gun Works, among others, sells the round eagle plate/buckle:

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_107_280&products_id=9745&osCsid=552187b93e62c8ac042c09a6235c0b08

Civil War re-enactors interested in participating in 2nd Seminole War events should also read our suggestions for what part of your current kit is passable for interpretation of the 1835-1842 period, here:

Civil War Re-enactor Guide to Seminole War Events.