CONFEDERATE ARMY

Cavalry
Confederate cavalry were subject to exactly the same problems of supply of clothing that afflicted the infantry. Consequently after the early months of the war there was little uniformity amongst cavalrymen. The range of colours within a unit therefore mirrors that of the infantry - shades of brown and grey running through light to dark.

Both the roundabout and sack coats were in evidence but it is suggested that there was a more concerted attempt to display the yellow arm of service colour in kepis and jackets.

The waist belt was of black or brown leather and supported the cap box on the right hit followed by a pistol holster, pistol cartridge box and a carbine cartridge box. The steel scabbard, when worn, was slung from the left hip with two black leather straps.

The carbine was carried on a swivel attachment from a broad leather belt slung over the left shoulder.

Officers wore similar uniforms with rank indicated by braiding as with the infantry.

Musicians wore plain coats.

The illustration shows what would have been an ‘ideal’ uniform for a confederate cavalryman. However, this combination would have been relatively rare with a civilian hat replacing the kepi and brown appearing as often as grey for the jacket or blue for the trousers.