Early in the war, volunteers proudly donned local militia uniforms of varying colors,
including rebel gray, which attracted friendly fire from unwitting comrades. The dark
blue frock coat and light blue trousers then became standard issue for infantrymen.
CLASH OF ARMIES 1862■^ Militia officer’s kepi, 23rd Regiment, New York State
Militia. ■ Infantry forage cap with hunting horn insignia.
■^ Model 1858 Dress Hat or Hardee hat—the army’s
regulation prewar dress hat. ■ Officer’s slouch hat, popular
in the Western Theater. ■ Zouave fez of the 114th
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Zouave units were raised by
both sides in the war and initially sported highly colorful
uniforms. ■ Officer’s epaulets. Epaulets were specified for
all U.S. Army officers in 1832. They were fastened to the
shoulder by a strap. ■ Militia frock coat. At the outset of
the war, state militia units wore a large variety of uniforms in
various colors. ■ Caped greatcoat, issued to Union cavalry
for use in cold conditions. ■ Cartridge box, used to store
ammunition for a pistol. ■(; Tin canteen, covered with a
cotton and wool cloth that would, when wet, help keep the
water cool. ■(2 Belt plate. This embossed brass plate was
standard issue for Union soldiers. ■(3 Belt set, issued to
infantrymen. It came with a cartridge box, percussion-
cap pouch, and bayonet scabbard. ■(4 Belt and pouch
for percussion caps, 8th New York Infantry. ■(5 Shell
jacket. This short, hip-length style of jacket was worn
chiefly by the cavalry and artillery, but the white
piping on this one shows it belonged to an
infantryman. ■(6 Cavalry pants. The yellow piping
on these blue wool pants indicates the cavalry branch
of service. ■(7 Frock coat. The frock coat was piped
with the branch of service color around the cuffs and
collar. Light blue signified the infantry.■^ OFFICER’S EPAULETS
■ INFANTRY FORAGE CAP ■ MODEL 1858 DRESS HAT
■ CARTRIDGE BOX
■ MILITIA OFFICER’S KEPI ■ OFFICER’S SLOUCH HAT
■ ZOUAVE FEZ
■^ CAVALRYMAN’S
CAPED GREATCOAT■^ MILITIA FROCK COAT
■(; CANTEEN
Union Uniforms