The following information comes from the Uniform Regulations of 1861.

Coat:

The regulations specify that "The uniform coat for all enlisted foot men, shall be a single breasted frock frock coat of dark blue cloth, made without plaits, with skirt extending one-half the distance from the top of the hip to the bend of the knee; one row of nine buttons on the breast placed at equal distances; stand up collar to rise no higher than to permit the chin to turn freely over it" The frock coat was to have sleeves "pointed according to pattern." Branches of service were denoted by colored cording or weltings of cloth along the collar and sleeves: "Scarlet for artillery; sky-blue for infantry; yellow for engineers; crimson for Ordinance and Hospital stewards." The Regulations call of a "narrow lining for skirt of the coat of the same color and material as the coat, as well as " pockets in the folds of the skirt with one being at each hip . . ." Nowhere do the Regulations call for an inside breast pocket in the frock coat. Despite this information, many sutlers continue to manufacture frock coats that often bear little resemblance to the originals. One must be cautious when purchasing a frock coat, as this tends to be one of the more expensive investments one can make, and there are many poorly made frocks on the market. According to my admittedly limited research, frock coats should also have hook and eyes at the collar and in the tails (the tails could be hooked to make a more rakish appearance). In addition, the frock should also have a lining of polished cotton in the chest.

What baffles me more than the often blatantly inaccurate reproductions of frock coats is the lack of a widely available, accurately constructed sack coat. Note the following specs from the "Regulations: For Fatigue Purposes--a sack coat of dark blue flannel extending halfway down the thigh . . ." The majority of sack coats found on sutler's row are constructed of 18 ounce wool, which is much heavier than flannel. Most sack coats are unlined, and yet the Regulations clearly state that "For Recruits--the sack coat will be made with sleeve and body linings, the latter of flannel." Lined sack coats should have flannel, rather than muslin body linings (the sleeves are a different story). Additionally, the body lining should not be flush with the bottom edge of the sack coat (this is beautifully illustrated on page 125 of Echoes of Glory). As with the frock coat, hand sewn buttonholes are highly desirable.

Hat:

33. For Enlisted Men: Of black felt . . . with double row of stitching, instead of binding, around the edge.

49. For fatigue purposes, forage caps, of pattern in the Quartermaster General's office: Dark blue cloth, with a welt of the same around the crown . . .

Boots:

55. For Enlisted Men . . . Jefferson, rights and lefts, according to pattern.

Shelter Tents:

There are many reproduction dog tents tents with brass grommets in the field. Based on the specs (and once more illustrated in Echoes of Glory on page 214), the shelter tent should have hand sewn grommets and button holes. Early war examples should have bone buttons, and measures 5'2" x 4"8". That late war tent measures 5'6"x5'5", and includes buttons on the ends for end closures. The M1864 model tent also employs tin buttons, and is constructed of 8 ounce cotton duck. There are some variations in original models, but the vast majority of modern reproductions, including my own tent, are incorrect. They either have machine-sewn buttonholes, heavier canvas, brass grommets of a combination of the above.