Fort Boise Garrison Mounted Cavalry

1st Oregon Vol. & 1st US Regulars

Gear:

This comprised list of weaponry, tack, saddles, uniforms, gear and etc., is

meant as a guide for the new cavalry reenactor in the FBG. The list is not an

end all of all the items one can purchase while building your impression. The

items listed are the most common available as of date, and subject to future

change. Listed in red are notes under certain items that are required or

only available in originals, no current reproductions. As part of the

enjoyment of the hobby, research is recommended as you will learn more

about the different gear used by the cavalry on the frontier guarding the

overland trails and etc.

Weaponry: Listed below are weaponry used by the 1st Oregon Volunteers and the 1st US

Regulars stationed here in Idaho and Eastern Oregon during 1862 to 1878. It will be your

choice weather you want to use originals or reproductions, it’s up to member discretion.

Watch for notes indicating weather members will be able to find reproductions or will have

to purchase original due to no reproductions currently being made.

Colt Army Model Revolver

36 Caliber

Model 1873 Single Action Army Revolver

.45 Caliber

Colt Army Model 1860

44 Caliber

Remington New Model Army Revolver

44 Caliber

Model 1859 Sharps Carbine

54 Caliber

Model 1868 Sharps

50-70 Caliber

Model 1865 Spencer

.56-50 Rim Fire Caliber

Originals can be used if desired but must install conversion center block in order to shoot modern

ammunition as there is no rim fire manufactured today, only center fire

Maynard Carbine

50 Caliber

(Only originals, no reproductions known to exist as of date)

Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Carbine

45-70 Caliber

Model 1841 US Percussion Rifle (Mississippi Rifle)

54 Caliber

(Used extensively by 1st Oregon Volunteer Cavalry, Only 54 caliber Mississippi’s were issued)

Model 1860 Cavalry Saber

(Most common saber used, other models can also be used as well depending on era/ impression.

No known perfect reproduction at this time)

Saddles and Tack

Having a good quality saddle and tack is extremely important, for both you and your horse. Having cheap

saddles and tack can lead to issues for both you and your horse while on the campaign trail. Buy only

from reputable vendors when it comes to your saddle. As we cover many eras in the FBG, it’s important to

build a foundation to work off of and then you can choose acquire additional tack and saddles.

Pattern 1859 McClellan Saddle

A board of senior cavalry officers convened in January 1859 to develop recommendations for the new

cavalry equipage. After consideration of the then current Grimsley cavalry saddle, and experimental

saddles submitted to the board, the board recommended a McClellan Saddle somewhat changed from the

Pattern 1857.

As a unit, this saddle is strongly recommended to buy as your first saddle, as it can be used for many

era’s, as Civil War surplus was used well into the Indian Wars. If you can only afford one saddle, this is the

one that is recommended.

The Model 1872 McClellan Saddle

In 1872, as reflected in the Ordnance Memoranda No. 13, the Ordnance Department made yet another

change to the standard McClellan Saddles (many now leather –covered). This change specified a new

standard, now called the Model 1872.

The Model 1874 McClellan Saddle 1st & 2nd Patterns

The Model 1874 McClellan Saddle is probably the most evocative and sought –after saddle of the Indian

War Period, but research indicates few M1874 Saddles were made prior to 1876 due to severe budget

constraints that impacted all Indian War procurements.

The 1847 Grimsley Dragoon/Mounted Rifleman’s Saddle

The 1st Oregon Volunteer Cavalry, were required to issue their own horse and equipment. They also

received old surplus that were available at various Forts and etc. One example of saddle that was issued

as surplus is the Grimsley Saddle. Please also keep in mind that they were receiving modern weaponry

and gear by 1864.

M1859 Cavalry Curb Bit

The M1859 Cavalry Curb Bit was adopted by a board of officers who convened in January, 1859, which

included Col. Cooke, Lt. Col. Lee, and Lt. Col. Johnston. The board had been called to review a number of

experimental horse equipment, in which the 59 Curb Bit was adopted.

The M1859 Curb Bit is a good, and it is highly recommended to purchase first as it can cover many eras. If

you can only afford one set of tack and saddle, buy the 59 Bit.

Nosebag or Feed Bag

This was an issued item and comes very handy while on the campaign trail, such as it was intended for

and another way to carry items.

Picket Pin & Lariat

This was another issued item to the Cavalrymen, which is often an overlooked piece of gear, but important

to purchase. There are no guarantees while on the campaign trail that you will be able to tie your horse to

a tree or etc., in which this comes handy.

Note: This is a required to have in order to attend campaign events that we do as a unit. Also, it’s very

important to train your horse on the picket pin and rope before doing an event.

Halter & Lead Strap

Another handy item that was issued to the trooper, and often overlooked by people while purchasing gear.

This is a must have item in order to secure your mount while at events.

The Model 1859 McClellan Saddlebags

The saddle bag is another important piece of gear to acquire with your tack. They serve an important

function on holding the necessities while on the campaign trail. There are other various models of saddle

bags, but the 1859 is a good base model to start with and can be used with other eras. If you can only

afford one saddle, tack, and bag, it is strongly recommended that you purchase the 59.

Brush & Hoof Pick

Another set of crucial of issued items to the Cavalryman. These items will help maintain your mount while

in the field and are required pieces of gear.

Note: As of date, there are no current reproductions being made. Look for period looking brushes and

hoof picks, or check out the second hand reenactor market place.

Saddle Blanket

The lowly saddle blanket, while not as beautiful as the shabraque nor the saddle pad, was probably second

only to the saddle itself in importance to the military saddle equipage. While it helped to keep the

cavalryman from freezing at night, its primary purpose was to provide an absorbent padding between the

saddle and the back of the horse.

Note: Be sure to purchase a quality saddle blanket due to the importance of absorbing sweat from the

horse, and to help prevent saddle sores which can render a horse out of action.

Ration Bag

The ration bag is designed to carry two days of grain rations while in the field for your mount.

Coat Straps

This is used to secure your blanket roll and great coat to your saddle while on campaign. It is highly

recommend to have a couple extra on hand due to them breaking with use.

Currycomb

The currycomb was an issued item to the cavalryman to break caked mud from the horse’s coat. The

currycomb that was made of assorted patterns from the Civil War through the Indian Wars.

Leathers

When it comes to purchasing leathers such as saber belts, cartridge boxes, holsters, cap pouches, and

etc. It is important to keep in mind of what impression you’re portraying, represent, or particular era. Be

sure to buy decent leathers, you want them to be durable and to withstand the rigors of field use. Some

leather such as footwear is extremely important as it can make or break a pleasant experience at an

event.

Footwear

A good quality boot or shoe is essential for impression, high quality footwear is recommended. Nothing is

worse than blowing a sole out at an event or poorly made that causes foots issues. There are various

models of shoes and boots available on the reenactor market. Such models are: Civil War Period Boots,

1872 Boots, 1876 Boots, and various U.S. Military Brogans & Shoes.

Spurs

Having correct spurs are important to have if you choose to wear them. It is highly recommend that you

acquire originals as reproductions can vary of dubious quality. Some reproduction spurs are too short to

fit on the boot properly.

Carbine Sling

A good quality carbine and snap swivel is essential to secure your carbine on you while in the field. It is

strongly suggested that you buy only original snap swivel as reproductions lack quality control and

proper tension to secure your weapon.

In the photo is a reproduction in the center and an original to the right. There is a huge difference in

quality in manufacture between the two. As of today there is no know quality reproduction snap swivel

available on the market. Don’t risk losing your weapon with poorly made snap swivel.

Holsters, saber belts, cartridge boxes

There are many different saber belts and etc. that one can purchase. In this area be sure to research

first of what era and impression you are portraying. Lots of Civil War Surplus were used into the late

1870’s during the Indian Wars. Some examples are 1851 sword belt, 1872 saber belt, Thimble/Prairie

cartridge belts.

Be sure to have a good quality holster as you do not want to lose your weapon while riding in the back

country. Once again there many different types of holsters that were available to the soldier, be sure to

research. Many Civil Holsters were converted/ modified for post-Civil War usage, along with newer model

of holsters such as the 1872 with the Hoffman swivel.

Uniforms and Headgear

With our impression there were a variety of uniforms and headgear used from 1860 -1878. As with any

impression be sure to do your research on the uniform you choose and pay attention to the years it was

used. Please note that Civil War surplus was also used well into 1870s. Cavalryman would have a good

mixture of Civil War surplus and more modern attire on his person, which you would use if depicting post-

Civil War impressions.

Mounted Services Uniform Jacket

The mounted uniform jacket was used by the 1st Oregon Volunteer Cavalry, as there are photographs of

them wearing it, Please note: It’s up to debate as to whether the uniform jacket was of cavalry issue or

left over from Dragoon era. This jacket can also be used by 1st US Cavalry Regulars.

Note: When it comes to ranks within FBG Cav Unit, be advised that you cannot show up as any rank you

want. Ranks are by appointment only; this way we do not become top heavy.

Federal Fatigue Blouse (Otherwise known as a sack coat)

According to regulations, all men of all service branches received one of these coats for fatigue

purposes. Revised US Army Regulations of 1861 section 1485 states for fatigue purposes a sack coat of

dark blue flannel, extending half way down thigh and made loose without sleeve or body lining, falling

collar, inside pocket on left side, 4 coat buttons down the front. Otherwise under the section 1486 for

recruits the sack coat will be made with sleeve and body lining, either of these is allowed. The sack coat

became the mainstay of cavalrymen and should be highly recommended as a foundation uniform before

purchasing other models. The sack coat was used well into the 1870s until surplus stocks were used up.

Note: If you can only afford one jacket, its highly recommended you purchase a sack coat, as it can be

used for many eras.

1872 Blouse

The 1872 blouse was produced only for a short time, perhaps 1.5 years at most. Approximately only

69,000 lined and 7,000 unlined were manufactured by government. Though superseded by 1874 pattern

blouse the 1872 was still in use into the 1880s.

Mounted Pattern Overcoat (Otherwise called a Great Coat)

This is a highly recommended garment as it gets cold on the campaign trail and is often the last thing re-

enactors think to get until they pay the consequences when they get cold on the campaign trail. Be sure

when purchasing, to pick the right cut as there is a different between mounted and infantry great coats.

When it comes to headgear, there are various models and types you can purchase; from civilian hats to

military issued hats. When purchasing your hat, be sure to research the type of hat or forage cap before

purchasing, be sure you are buying for the appropriate era. Some examples of hats that you can

purchase are the 1872 Andrew’s hat Enlisted Model which was military issue or you can purchase a

civilian model which would also be appropriate.

Books and References:

Within this unit it is highly encouraged that you read and research for your impression of the men who we

portray. Our job is to portray the 1st Oregon Volunteers and the 1st US Cavalry to the best of our abilities.

Below are the following books that are highly recommended to read as it will offer you a greater

understanding of the history, uniforms, gear, and tack so that we can portray these men honorably and

with historical accuracy.

References:

The following is a list of sutlers for tack, saddles, uniforms, gear, weaponry, and ect…

www.Dirtybillyhats.com – Dirty Billy’s – Head gear

www.jarnaginco.com – C & D Jarnagin Co - Uniforms

www.missouribootandshoe,com – Missouri Boots and Shoes- Boots

http://www.carterandjasper.com/index.htm - Carter and Jasper Mercantile – 1872 Blouse high quality

www.dixiegunworks.com – Dixie Gun Works –Firearms, blanks, Canvas tents ect

www.atlanticwallblanks.com – Atlantic Wall - Blanks

www.carricoleather,com – Carrico Leather Works – Saddles and tack

www.borderstatesleatherworks.com – Border Sates Leather Works – Saddles, Bridles, Halters

www.mcpheetersantiquemilitaria.com – McPheeters Militaria – Original Items

www.whatpriceforglory.com – Affordable Indian War gear

www.cimarron-firearms.com – Cimarron – Firearms

www.dreamhorse.com – Dream Horse – Listing for horses for sale

www.11thovc.com – 11th Ohio Volunteers Store – Larriats, Pickett Pins, Hobbles

www.mullerslanefarm.com – Muller’s Lane Farm – Hand Forged items like a pick, carbine snap, pickett pin,

lariat, and other forged camp items

www.quartermastershop.com –Quarter Master – Uniforms ect…

www.quartermasterdepot.com – Quarter Master Depot -1872 Pleated Blouse

www.regimentalquartermaster.com – Regimental Quarter Master -Misc

www.ccsutlery.com – C and C Sutlery – For Boxes only!

www.pantherprimitives.com – Panther Primitives Inc – Military Tents

www.woolrich.com – Woolrich – Blankets, horse blankets

www.atlantacuttlery.com – Atlantic Cuttlery - Repo Sabers

www.hamiltondrygoods.com – Hamilton Dry Goods –low end horse blankets

www.buffaloarms.com – Buffalo Arms – Ammunition and gun powder

www.cartridgescw.com – Mike Watson – Cartridges umlimited Unlimited for blanks and live ammo

Found on Facebook- Beauregards Tailor – Not one stich Back – Uniform Source

Found on Facebook – Ulrich’s Tin Shop, Hot Dipped Tin and Civil War Tinware

www.dfsmithhistoric.com – Modern Historic Leather Museum Quality Reproductions

www.southunionmills.com – South Union Mills – Hand Knitted items such as socks ect..

www.blockaderunner.com – Blockade Runner – Misc items

www.cooncreekoldwest.com – Coon Creek Old West – Misc Indian War Items

www.ssfirearms.com - S&S Fire Arms

www.collectorfirearms.com – Collector Firearms- Original Fire Arms ect..

www.joesalter,com – Joe Salter Antiques

NOTE : All subject to change as new vendors and research are discovered. This document is not an end

all to beat all list of gear, weaponry, and ect,,, This is meant for new cavalry re enactor getting settled in

the hobby so they can locate items, research material ect.. If you have any questions on anything reach

out to your fellow cavalry re enactors.