SECOND WISCONSIN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY REGIMENT
Introduction: The following list has been developed to assist all members of the Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Association, Inc. in setting a standard for uniform & equipage based on each year this regiment was active in the War of the Rebellion.

1861 Research in progress.

(Unless listed elsewhere for Artillery-14.00, Commissary-8.00, & Medical-9.00, Field Commands.)

The complete uniform for all Privates and NCO’s of the Infantry, Artillery, Quartermaster, Commissary, and Medical Field Commands will be kept in good field condition, including but not limited to, removal of excessive dirt, and the mending of holes and tears. The general appearance will be presentable in order to reflect pride and honor on each member and the Unit as a whole. The intent of this section is to create a consistent appearance of the Unit. The Unit’s appearance is critical in terms of reputation and pride, which then influences possible recruits, hosts, moral, and other units. Further, the uniform speaks very strongly on how we feel about ourselves and how we are organized. Each uniform is subject to inspection by the appropriate Field Commander or his designee. This section is not to be confused with a list of approved merchants. Do not purchase any uniform items without consulting a designated Company representative. Each Company within the Association has their own standards and preferred suppliers. Be advised if you purchase items without guidance, you may be making a financial error. Unacceptable uniform and equipage will be removed regardless of the expense! The Unit Commander will ultimately determine the definition of "period wear".

6.01 Minimal Uniform Required

New members are greatly encouraged to attend events even if various items are missing from their uniform. Arrangements and offers to lend equipment to new members should be made whenever possible, and prior to an event. It is the responsibility of the new member to pay the lender for any damage or loss of loaned equipment. New members must understand that in order to remain consistent, a minimal uniform requirement is essential in order to participate with the Unit at an event. Therefore, any member may only take the field, camp, participate in battles or skirmishes, etc, when equipped in and with the following uniform items. A pattern 1858 Dress Hat, Fatigue Blouse or Dress Coat, Sky Blue Kersey Trousers, Jefferson Bootees, Spectacles (if necessary), Civilian or Issue Shirt, Suspenders, Wool Socks, Waist Belt, Canteen, Haversack, and Mess Furniture. All items must be of proper construction, materials and patterns. Additional leathers, equipment and/or weapon may be acquired through time. It should be remembered that there are positions often available in the Color Guard, Medical Field Command, and Commissary, and as "runners" in case a member does not have needed leathers and/or weapon. Nevertheless, the minimal uniform as listed in 6.04 thru 6.15 will still be required in order to participate. This is not intended to alienate any person, but is simply a matter of needed consistency. Further, the impression of the entire Unit becomes detracted when even one person is seen milling around with anything less than the minimum required uniform. New members should remain diligent in acquiring the minimal equipment necessary and are encouraged to seek out help from veteran members who will gladly assist. It will be customary that a period of one year should be enough time to acquire the minimal equipment. WARNING: Any member arriving without the minimum required uniform will be required to obtain the missing items or will be required to remain outside of camp. The only exception will be Camp of Instructions, meetings, and other such appropriate settings.

No member will be required to acquire or use a weapon for any reason. Ample opportunities exist for other participation such as Commissary, Color Guard, and Medical Unit, along with basic drill, and are greatly encouraged.

Modifications to the 2^nd WVI uniform, equipment, and method of wear may only be approved on a temporary basis by the Unit Commander as dictated by the event, documentation or safety circumstances. Permanent changes may only be made through the prescribed Handbook process. The Unit Commander will have the authority to reject changes required or requested in the 2^nd WVI uniform by anyone. The 2^nd WVI uniform will be as follows with exceptions listed elsewhere according to the specialty needs of the respective Field Commands.

(Unless listed elsewhere; see 8.00, 9.00, & 14.00)

The hat for all Privates and NCO members of the Unit will be the Pattern 1858 Dress Hat. This hat was traditionally associated with the Iron Brigade and can be worn as follows:

With the brim folded at the wearers discretion or left unfolded.

With a black plume attached to either side.

With sky-blue infantry worsted hat cord attached.

With all brass attached and polished including the Jager horn with the numeral 2 centered in the horn, the company affiliation, an eagle shield holding the brim (if folded).

All hats will be kept in good condition.

Any, or none of the above may be implemented based on the desired impression, for the event, to correspond with the appropriate time frame. Item #4 represents a fully "dressed" hat. It is not necessary for everyone to wear their hats exactly as prescribed. Soldiers personalized their hats and members are encouraged to do the same. Ostrich plumes should be limited to an 1862/63 (see Appendix) impression and should be trimmed to the top of the dress hat. Corps badges should only be worn for an 1863 (see Appendix) impression and a limited number worn in the Unit for an 1864 impression (see Appendix).

The coat will either be an enlisted U.S. Dress Coat (Frock) or an enlisted Fatigue Blouse (Sack Coat). The Fatigue Blouse is preferred over the Dress Coat but is not mandatory. All buttons should be attached. NCO’s may choose to wear proper chevrons and or NCO waist belt and buckle. The Fatigue Blouse and Dress Coat should be of a documented pattern, construction and materials.

Your first purchase should be Sky-blue trousers, after which Dark-blue trousers can be purchased after the minimal uniform requirements are met. Dark-blue trousers should only be worn for an early war impression (pre-1863, see Appendix). All trousers should be of a documented pattern, construction, and materials.

Period leather bootees with stitched or pegged soles. Orthopedic customizing is allowed if necessary. Heel plates recommended. No modern foot apparel.

Members with corrected vision must wear either period glasses or contact lenses. However, period glasses are recommended as means of eye protection over contact lenses. Period frames are readily available from sutlers and the prescription can be filled out at most optometrists. Many re-enactors who otherwise have a splendid uniform, only to be ruined by modern glasses, often overlook correct eyewear.

Any long-sleeved civilian shirt of documented pattern and material (100% cotton) is acceptable. Civilian shirt buttons should be comprised of bone, shell, porcelain, milk glass, hard rubber, or wood of two or four hole styles. Issue shirts must be of a documented pattern and material (100% domet wool flannel). Issue shirt buttons should be comprised of paper backed, stamped tin, four hole buttons. White linen and bleached muslin Issue shirts are inaccurate and are discouraged.

Documented period pattern suspenders only.

Either wool or cotton, hand knitted, or period machine constructed, with period tops and side seams, available in varying lengths. Stick to dull colors such as gray, brown, cream, blue, dark green, tan, or dark-red.

Traditional U.S. Infantry, black leather, enlisted waist belt with U.S. buckle, worn around the coat. NCO’s have the option of wearing a standard enlisted waist belt or a NCO waist belt and buckle.

Pattern 1858, smooth side, canteen is preferred, but pattern 1862 bullseye canteen is acceptable. Also, the state issue canteens are allowed. The state issue canteens are appropriate for 1861-62 impressions. Pattern 1858 canteens are appropriate for 1861-65 impressions. Pattern 1862 canteens are appropriate for 1863-65 impressions. Brownish gray canteen covers are more prevalent. Stainless steel or tin canteens are acceptable. Stainless steel canteens must always be covered and kept in good repair. Do not fill your canteen with anything other than water if it is made of tin! The canteen straps should be shortened so that the canteen rides on the small of the back.

Pattern 1851, U.S. regulation, black-tarred canvas. The haversack strap should be shortened so that the haversack rides on the small of the back.

Documented pattern mess furniture only. No stainless steal mess furniture allowed.

Tin cup or coffee boiler only. No crimped bottoms.

Spoon: stamped steel or silver plated, fiddle back or oar shaped handle.

Fork: 2 to 4 tine steel, wood or bone handle.

Knife: straight steel blade with wood or bone handle.

Combination sets of a documented pattern are acceptable.

Plate: tin or steel, stamped, no pie plates.

U.S. Pattern 1858. Made of Dark blue wool with a polished cotton lining and leather sweatband. Thin patent leather brim a chinstrap, and two 5/8-inch general service eagle buttons on each side of the chinstrap.

Period drawers of a documented pattern, material, and construction are acceptable. (Male)

U.S. regulation black rubberized ground cloth with small brass grommets. Ponchos are acceptable but the Gum Blanket is preferred.

Issue blanket of documented pattern, mouse brown or gray, with end stripe, without binding, with U.S. correctly attached in the center, is preferred. Also, the state issue blanket for 1861-62 impressions are acceptable (research pending).

U.S. Infantry cartridge box with U.S. plate attached to the outside flap. Positioned on the body with the proper belt, black side out, with eagle shield attached to the front center of the belt. The cartridge box belt should be shortened to ride at the waist belt.

U.S. Infantry cap box attached to the waist belt between the U.S. buckle and the brass belt keeper.

Two or seven rivet pattern scabbard attached to the waist belt. It must have a secure brass tip. Bayonet must fit the weapon properly. Defective bayonets must be removed or repaired. Purchase the correct pattern bayonet for your rifle musket. Springfield pattern scabbards are preferred. Scabbards of seven-rivet construction are appropriate for an 1863-65 impression.

3-banded, .58 cal M1861/63 Springfield, pattern 1853 Enfield, and .54 cal M1854 Austrian Lorenz (when available) rifle muskets are acceptable. These will be continuously inspected and should be constantly cleaned. In addition, the purchase of a cone wrench, cone pick and wiper is strongly recommended. Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle muskets may have either "blued," or "burnished" barrels.

Must be of a documented pattern, constructed properly of dark leather. The sling must be properly secured to the musket. No canvas.

Must be of proper pattern and material. Grommets should be hand sewn. Brass grommets are inaccurate but, are acceptable if purchased prior to the publication of this document. It takes two shelter half’s to make a shelter tent. No one under the rank of commissioned officers should have a common tent (wedge or A-frame).

Soft pack, double bag pattern only. Blanket rolls are also acceptable.

Foot pattern only. Sky blue kersey wool. Standing 3’’ collar. Body lining of wool or cotton. Cape. Unhemmed skirt bottoms. State issue overcoats are acceptable for 1861-62 impressions (research pending).

Standard red worsted wool sash for Sergeants used only at the Field Commanders discretion.

Correct Army of the Potomac, leather lace style or exact replica only. No other style acceptable. Attached with leather hoops to the out side. These will be severely inspected. Limited to 1862 impressions only (see Appendix).

19^th century style timepieces (pocket watches) only. No wristwatches.

Any documented civilian pattern or tailor made U.S army vest are acceptable.

They will be made of paper with no modifications such as staples or tape. The color should be white or off white. Securing strings are suggested. No coin wrappers, grocery bags or printed newspaper. Filled with 60 grains of FF or FFF black powder. NO PYRODEX. Keep in mind muzzle debris can travel up to 35 yards.

Commercially sold caps only.

FF or FFF black powder only. To be stored safely, and kept dry. NO PYRODEX.

Items such as bottles, pipes, matches, books, money, tobacco, cigars, housewives, etc, are acceptable but should be limited to what might actually have been possible to carry on the march. Cigarettes shall not be carried or used while in camp or in formation. Ammo boxes, furniture, lanterns, and other camp accessories are acceptable, but are subject to inspection and possible removal.

A 1 7/8’’ red 1^st Corps felt disk, attached to the front face of the Pattern 1858 Dress Hat. Appropriate for April 1863 through the end of the war.

Once again, do not purchase any uniform items without first consulting with a designated company representative. Each company within the Association has their own standards and preferred suppliers. Be advised, if you purchase items without guidance, you may be making a financial error. Unacceptable uniform and equipage will be removed regardless of expense. Ask the more experienced members for help. We will be happy to share our experiences and help you with the process of becoming a Union soldier of the Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry!

It is recommended that Battery members consult the infantry section of the Association Handbook in order to find the standards concerning uniform and equipment items not listed here.