5^th Virginia Co. D Southern Guard

Authenticity Standards & Guidelines

To better their impression members are expected to follow these set standards as they upgrade their current uniforms and equipment. Those uniforms and equipment that do not meet the Authenticity Standards of the 5^th Virginia may be phased out over a reasonable amount of time. However, such items may be subject to approval by the Authenticity Committee from time to time. Constructive comments on these guidelines is solicited and welcomed. Liberal exchange of historical knowledge and interpretation should always be a feature of the 5^th Virginia. We hope all concerned will work together to create an organization which the "Southern Guard" would find familiar and of which they would be proud of.

1.   Headgear & Hair:

Slouch hats are considered the primary headgear. Slouch hats should be trimmed around the brim and the base of the crown. The slouch hat may have a high or low crown; period lining is encouraged along with a rolled brim. No cowboy hats, hats with brass, feathers, coon bones, tails, or any other decorations. A great variety of hairstyles are possible, however men would not have extremely long hair.  No red, green, etc. dyed hair. Nor did men of this period wear earrings, nose rings, eyebrow rings etc.

2.   Shoes:

Shoes should be the correct style for the period of 1855-1865. Brogans are considered the primary and most desirable footwear. Although, the Jefferson bootie, or low quarter British import styles shoes are acceptable. Shoes should be black or russet leather and have wood pegged or sewn soles and heel plates are recommended. Boots are reserved for Officers and must be the correct style for the period. All materials used in the construction of the footwear must be period correct.

3.   Socks:

Wool and cotton socks are preferred in gray, brown or off white. Two pairs are recommended.

4.  Trousers:

Jean cloth, Satinet, or wool military trousers are acceptable. Colors should be natural jean, walnut dyed, sheeps gray, federal sky blue, and brown Jean wool. Civilian and canvas style may be used. However, check with the Authenticity committee before you commit to purchasing.

5.  Suspenders:

Cotton or ticking with leather tabs or buttonhole attachments. Leather tab should be sewn or riveted. No modern metal snaps, no clip on, or colored elastic.

6. Drawers:

Period style cotton, osnaburg, muslin, or Canton flannel (for winter).

7.  Jacket:

    The Richmond Depot Clothing Bureau shell jacket Type II is the primary jacket of the 5^th Virginia.

Characteristics of the Richmond Depot Type II jacket:

a. Correct material would be wool, satinette, kersey, and cassimere or jean cloth, of a grey or brownish gray color.

b. Lined in Osnaburg, muslin, waverly, cotton drill or correct cotton color/pattern.

c. The buttons for the jacket are to be either VA state (correct period brass), brass block, "I" script, Script "I", Federal eagle, coin, or plain brass. Pewter buttons are not  acceptable. No muffin buttons unless you are an officer.

d. Jacket will be plain and have no colored trim or piping.

The Richmond Depot Type II shell jacket is characterized by a six piece body and two piece sleeves, with shoulder straps and belt loops, and a nine button front. In terms of construction, the only real difference between Type II and Type III is the Type III did not have shoulder straps or belt loops. The Type II jacket was produced from the spring of 1862 through mid-1864 and quite probably through the end of the war, making it the type of jacket issued for the longest duration of time from the depot and therefore the most common. This makes the Type II jacket the most appropriate for mid-war impression.

Records found at the National Archives in Washington reveal that after 1862, 100% grey woolen material was not produced in any significant amount. In 1863, 90% of the uniform material produced for the Richmond Depot was jean cloth or cassimere. This material was usually dyed gray or brownish gray by using natural dyes from sweet gum bark, logwood, and sumac. The natural dyes would fade in the sun into a variety of brownish/ earth tone hues.

 Great coats are at the discretion of the member but should be of the proper style for the period.

8.  Shirts:

Civilian shirts woven in solid, stripes or check patterns and military pattern shirts in cotton, wool, and flannel in colors that are appropriate to the time. To better your portrayal hand stitch your buttonholes and top stitching.

9. Vests:

The Confederate States of America did not generally issue vests, however if you so desire to wear a vest then it must be a Civilian pattern vest. The vest must be made with the proper materials and colors of the period. (1860-1865). Military vest that are federal blue are not allowed. Buttons would have been cloth covered, plain brass or small eagle buttons.

10.  Eyeglasses:

Members who require glasses need to obtain period style and construction eyewear as soon as practical or wear contacts if possible. Handouts are included in your packets that show examples of the correct eyewear.

11. Accouterments:

 Cartridge boxes:

a)      Cartridge boxes must be black, russet, or dark brown

b)       Model 1841 (54 cal) or

c)       Model 1842 (69 cal) or

d)       Model 1855 (58 cal) or

e)       Enfield Pattern Cartridge box ( imported).

 Cap boxes:

a)      U.S. Model 1850

b)      Federal issue shield front

c)      Black, russet or dark brown leather or canvas materials.

 Waist belts:

a)      Black, dark brown or russet leather, or blackened canvas

Buckles:

a)      Virginia state

b)      Georgia style frame

c)      Appropriate eastern theater C.S. buckles.

Bayonet scabbards:

a)      Bayonet scabbards must be black, dark brown or russet leather

b)      They may also be blackened canvas in Gaylord pattern (US or CS)

c)       British Enfield pattern (with a black frog).

14.   Miscellaneous Equipment:

  a)  Canteens:Canteens may be federal issue, smooth-sided or bulls-eye pattern, wooden canteens are also accepted. Cover for canteens should be gray, brown jean wool or jean cloth. 

  b)  Haversacks: Any federal issue or Confederate style and may be plain or tarred.

  c)   Knapsack: Knapsacks may be any style of Confederate or Federal, double bag, U.S. single bag or Isaac Campbell types. Bedrolls are also preferred. Knapsacks will be carried, as we are an Army on the move.

  d)  Blanket rolls: Blankets (quilts or plain wool) oilcloths, gum blanket, shelter halves, etc. must be proper period construction and material and may be utilized and worn as bedrolls, (horseshoe) or otherwise carried in an appropriate manner.

   e)  Groundcloths: Rubber U.S. issue, painted cloth or oilcloth and U.S shelter half.

   f)   Watches:Key wind originals with chains and keys or regular pocket watches can  be used. No wrist       watches.

  g)   Tinware:

    Plates- tin or of an U.S. Canteen.

    Cups- U.S. issues or smaller issues cups. Civilian cups are easier to carry. In addition, they should be      

     considered over the larger US issed cups. No stainless steel, aluminum, or enamel 

     Skillets-Six- (6) inch sheet iron with riveted handle. No cool handles.    

13. Weapons and Ammunition:

Note: No young gentlemen under the age of fourteen (14) years of age will be allowed to carry any firearm. If an event organizer stipulates an age older than 14, the age stipulated is the age that the 5th will abide by. If approved by the staff and/or event organizers, young gentlemen under the age of 14 may serve as a color bearer, messenger, fife or drum, etc. Please refer to the 5th Virginia by-laws for further information.

a)  Musket and Rifle:All muskets and rifles must be percussion, three band, muzzleloading type. 

 It should have a barrel length of no less than 38 inches and have a proper bayonet that fits the weapon. Acceptable models are; U.S. Model 1816 (converted to percussion), U.S. Model 1842, 1855, 1861 and 1863 Enfield pattern 1842 or 1853, Richmond Arsenal (1^st & 2^nd) model, Austrian Lorenz model 1842, and Belgian model 1859.

b)  Sidearm:Sidearms of any kind are restricted to Officers and must be of period pattern and percussion ignition.

c)  Knives:Only one knife may be carried on the field and must have a blade length not to exceed six (6) inches. It also must be fully secured in its sheath.  Tomahawks or hatches of any kind are not allowed.

d)  Cartridges:Cartridges should be of period construction, plain paper, and closed with string or folded.

e)   Bayonets:Bayonets must be carried in sound scabbards complete with metal tips. Bayonets should be carried by all musket-carrying participants and should be serviceable with the weapon they are carrying.   

14.  Camps and Mess Equipment:

       Note: Whatever food you decide to take or eat at an event must be in a period container or under cover, No non-period items will be in clear view.

a)  Military camp will be set up according to the Officer or NCO in charge. Only dog tents, shelters or campaign style are allowed in military camp. Chairs, lounges, grates, etc. are not appropriate in the military camp. Wooden or canvas stools should be in limited use. Every item in the military camp must have a purpose; we are an army on the move. Military camp will be inspected to assure a period military appearance during public hours and guards may be assigned if necessary. Use historically accurate rations like corn meal and cornbread, parched corn, bacon, dried foods and (foraged) fresh fruit and vegetables in season. Whenever possible avoid taking modern food packaging into camp and the field.

15.  Officers:

a)   In general, our officers should portray southern gentleman, in dress and actions.

b)   Officers, especially field officers, in mid war were issued single and double breasted frock coats and Type II jackets without trim in jeans wool and satinette. The frock coat was gradually being used less and less.

c)   Officers are welcome to wear hats, caps, or Kepis

d)  Officers should be treated with the proper military courtesy. Enlisted men and NCOs should salute them when required by regulation and custom. Officers should conduct themselves in a manner deserving of such courtesy.

16.  Conduct:

a)  Military participants should conduct themselves in a military manner of the time. Officers and NCOs shall be responsible for, and perform, duties commensurate with their rank and should be afforded the proper military courtesies due their rank and titles. Roll call will be designated by an Officer in charge and is generally held each morning in military camp. All members should make every effort to be present if they will be participating in the event. Attendance at drill during an event is required for participation unless otherwise authorized by an officer in charge.

b)  Smoking in the ranks is not allowed but may be designated at appropriate times by the Officer in charge. Modern cigarettes must be kept out of sight at all times and field stripped after use.

c)   All members of the organization shall follow the reasonable order and direction of elected corporate and military officials.

d)  Alcohol is prohibited and the use of it in the military or civilian camp of the 5th, or the use of it in any camp of any unit, and returning to the 5th camp under the influence may result in removal from an event and/or the possible termination of membership.

f)   Any member or participant not conducting them selves in a proper manner may be asked to leave the event and their future participation with the 5^th shall be determined in accordance with the corporate by-laws.

17.  Drill:  

a)   Hardees and Gilhams Manual

b)  All NCOs are required to drill the troops from time to time. Please read the NCO duties and responsibilities.

18.  Specialized Impressions:

a)  The 5^th Virginia does not use engineers, signalmen, nurses, provost marshal, minister, field doctor or other obscure impressions without the explicit and advanced permission of the Board.

b)  The 5th Virginia did not have any women in its ranks, and the 5th Virginia Reenactors do not allow women in their ranks. Although, there are a few documented cases of  women who were able to pass as men in the military, there are no documented cases of this in the history of the 5th,  based on this  historical information and the desire to be as historically correct as possible women will not be allowed to have a military impression.