![]() allowed the substitution of "Waxed Leather" in lieu of Blackened Buff Leather due to the expense and time required to make the latter. ![]() In the later part of the 1850's, the US Ordnance Dept. Many pre- and early-War Militia also had their Accoutrements made from White Buff leather. Prior to the Civil War the US Arsenals would have had a large stock of Blackened Buff Leather Accoutrements on hand, although it is apparent through examination of surviving originals that White Buff Accoutrements still existed in limited numbers at some State Armories. ![]() White and Black Buff leather will have a rough appearance on both sides (the smooth, or grain, part of the leather is removed during the chemical process). changed the Leather used in these items to "Buff Leather, Blacked." Hence, all existing Accoutrements in the US Arsenals made with White Buff Leather were Blackened and all new Accoutrements were made with Buff Leather that was processed without the whitening elements and was Blackened. Without getting too technical, this is Leather that has been whitened through a complex, expensive and time consuming chemical process. US Infantry Accoutrements in the 1839-1851 Antebellum period ( specifically Frogs on Bayonet Scabbards, Waist Belts and Cartridge Box Slings) were made from White Buff Leather. TYPES OF LEATHER USED IN US ACCOUTREMENTS These types, such as the Mann's Pattern Accoutrement sets, saw a very limited issuance and use. As a side note, this article will not discuss the numerous experimental and limited production Cartridge Boxes that saw use in the War. However, it will first be necessary to discuss the various types of Leather used in the making of US Accoutrements just prior to and during the Civil War to fully understand how things progressed. Knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, straps and tinware are worthy of separate articles. I will deal with each type of Accoutrement in turn (an Accoutrement is a piece of equipment that is, or is used in conjunction with, the Waist Belt). Cartridge Box and Box Sling, Cap Pouch, Waist Belt and Bayonet Scabbard), so I felt a handy guide to the development of US Infantry Accoutrements would be helpful to those who are not totally familiar with this topic, and would serve as tool in putting together this element of one's impression. There seems to be a general lack of knowledge among Federal Living Historians regarding US Infantry Accoutrements (i.e. While it is many times stated in Civil War Living History circles that one must "Move beyond the Gear," it is the Gear that comprises a key part on one's total impression. Definitions of Leather and US Infantry Cartridge Boxes: A Guide to Their Use By Larry McIrvin
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