2nd United States Sharpshooters, Company D
  • Home
  • About
    • Meet Company D
  • Military Life
    • Uniforms and Gear
    • Drill and Tactics
  • Research Library
  • Civilian
  • Armory

Uniforms and Gear

Welcome to our uniforms and gear page.  These resources explain our gear and list articles and resources to improve your impression.  Texts in italics are straight from army regulations.

De-Farb Your Hardware

8/27/2014

1 Comment

 
     Improving your impression isn't always expensive.  In fact, it can be nearly free!  In the past we've discussed getting rid of those farby canteen chains and replacing them with twine.  Today we're talking woodworking.  To the savvy reenactor details stand out.  One such detail is the fastener or screw.  There should be no philips head screws anywhere on anything of yours if you are striving towards authenticity.  They only place a philips head belongs (if it must, which it doesn't) is some place completely hidden.  And then, it's presence should still haunt your dreams Tell-Tale Heart style.
     That said, not all flat-head wood screws are equal.  The typical shiny zinc coating they often have is nothing short of a farby eyesore.  To hardcore up your screws:
  1. Soak them in hydrogen peroxide (or muriatic acid found at hardware stores) for 30 minutes to an hour or until the peroxide dissolves the zinc coating off.  
  2. Drain peroxide and rinse thoroughly with water.
  3. Soak screws in baking powder and water solution to neutralize any remaining acids.  The amounts don't really matter.
  4. Dry and they are now iron and ready to use.  However, if screws are left un-oiled after peroxide treatment, they will rust lightening fast.  This aging and patina may be a great addition to your impression however, if you want period rust protection continue:
  5. In a pre-heated oven (350 or so) heat your screws for about 10 minutes or so.  You can also use a propane torch or carefully use MAPP gas.
  6. Then, outside in a well ventilated area,  drop your screws into a bowl of linseed oil or motor oil or that protected, blacksmith-y look and feel.  
  7. Carefully remove the hot screws with something other than your bare fingers, allow to cool, dry, and put to use!

You can use this treatment on any zinc coated metals such as brackets or hinges for that period-correct finish.
1 Comment

    2nd USSS, Co. D

    Contact:
    Captain Ethan Whitehall:
    ethanbugs17@gmail.com

    ​Vendors:
    NJ Sekela
    Wambaugh & White
    Regimental Quartermaster
    Townsends

    Dell's Leather Works

    Gun Parts:
    VTI gun parts
    Flintlocks, Etc.
    ​Taylor's & Company


    Firearms Dealers:
    Gun Broker
    Dixie Gun Works

    Other Links:
    Washington Civil War Association
    Happy Friends of Civil War Farb
    Company C Berdan Sharpshooters

    Historically Speaking

    New Recruits:
    WCWA Safety Test


    Other Resources:
    Company D Standing Orders
    Company D Drill Guide
    Berdan Brochure

    Officer Responsibilities

    Handy Reenacting Forms
    Form 4. Accouterments Inventory
    Form 5. Camp and Garrison Equipage 
    2nd USSS Inventory Receipt 

    Archives

    January 2022
    August 2021
    January 2021
    February 2020
    July 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    September 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    October 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    June 2015
    March 2015
    August 2014

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly