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Washington Artillery 1850-1860

Discussion in 'vBench (Works in Progress)' started by Nap, Mar 4, 2020.

  1. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England
    Hi folks

    Getting this one ready for the brush

    Using this one from Fort D

    xxxxxxxx.jpeg

    Bit of background on the unit

    Washington Artillery "dress" uniforms consisted of dark blue frock coats , royal blue or sky blue pants with a wide red stripe down its outer seam, red kepi with peacock blue band having brass cross cannon and the Zouave-style letters "WA."

    Collars were red with sewn cloth dark blue crossed cannon.

    Cuffs were red.

    Enlistedmen and officers wore standard brass epaulettes attached to the shoulders,

    Louisiana pelican buttons adorned the front, and white buff belt with shoulder strap.

    Staff officers wore gold bullion shoulder epaulettes.

    The buckles were of several variations, including a rectangular plate with a pelican within a circle, a rectangular plate with a pelican with rays radiating behind it, or a US Model 1838 two piece sword buckle, altered by removing the "US" and either engraving or casting "WA" on its tongue.

    Accoutrements consisted of Model 1842 US muskets, cap boxes, and cartridge boxes with brass crossed cannon on their flaps.
    Knapsacks were black tarred leather with a script "WA" on its flap and a red blanket roll. Every man also carried a sword and pistol.
    Swords were of various makes and models, some preferring the Thomas, Griswold-made artillery saber with brass scabbard and a white buff leather sword knot.
    Pistols varied in make and model.

    The unit's gold badge of crossed cannon within a circular artillery belt was usually attached to the uniform by a clasp and watch chain as added security against its loss.

    White gloves, and sometimes even white gaiters, completed the ensemble.

    However, as early as September of 1861, the Washington Artillerists' uniform and accoutrements changed.

    Their blue coats looked too much like the Union troops causing confusion and fatalities in battle.

    William Miller Owen commented, "The blue cloth dress uniforms have been shipped to Richmond and will there remain for swell occasions. We have reduced our equipment since active service began. Knapsacks have been voted a bore, and have been or will be thrown aside. On leaving home each man had his revolver for 'close quarters' and the sabre was part of the regulation uniform. Both are in disgrace. The revolver will be traded off, sold, or sent home, and the sabres (all that are left, for many have disappeared during the past week) will be turned over to the cavalry."

    By March of 1862 Confederate General Joe Johnston would distribute General Order 34, forbidding non commissioned officers and privates from carrying pistols.

    Here are some references

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    xxxx.jpg x.jpg xxxxxxxxxx.JPG

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    image.jpeg

    Using the osprey book as a good reference as well ( the uniform is on the cover as well )

    X.jpg

    The unit on campaign .....certainly very different in dress !!! XX.jpg

    Here is where I am at the moment ..

    WIP 002.jpg

    I have added the rank bars as in the first reference plate ...but the more I look at the brass versions ....the more I think I might give it a go !!!

    Also added the unit badge with a chain on the chest

    Going to higher the collar and add the crossed cannons as well

    Stay tuned in ...

    Thanks for looking

    Happy benchtime

    Nap
  2. captnenglish Well-Known Member

    Country:
    United-States
    The unit badge is a nice addition to this bust, which I assume you will be depicting in the "dress uniform"
    Nap likes this.
  3. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England

    Thanks Capt ..the badge is seen in several references but not always worn ...adds more interest to the piece

    Yes he will be in the dress uniform as the references ....with the brass epaulettes ...all being well!!!

    Thanks for looking in

    Nap
    KenBoyle and captnenglish like this.
  4. Jed Active Member

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Looking forward to this one Nap
    Nap likes this.
  5. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England

    Cheers Jed he should look good once those brass epaulettes on

    Thanks for looking in

    Nap
    Jed likes this.
  6. captnenglish Well-Known Member

    Country:
    United-States


    I'm aware of the badge, I'm working on a pair of WANO figures currently for a vignette
    Nap likes this.
  7. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England

    A question if I may ....on the brass epaulettes are the officer rank bars just below the crescent rounded part ...woukd appreciate any references and advice from your research on the vignette


    Hope to see your figures as well

    Happy benchtime

    Nap
    KenBoyle likes this.
  8. Geoff Charman A Fixture

    That one looks interesting Nap.

    Geoff
  9. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England

    It is Geoff but as usual I decided to change it .....one thing led to another !

    Collar now heightened on it

    Nap
    Geoff Charman and KenBoyle like this.
  10. captnenglish Well-Known Member

    Country:
    United-States


    Nap,
    If I am understanding your question any Rank insignia would be within the crescent. Ill post a pic ASAP
  11. captnenglish Well-Known Member

    Country:
    United-States
    Scratch that, the rank insignia would be midway up the shoulder board
    Nap likes this.
  12. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England
    Thanks ........No bars 2nd Lt , 1 for Lt , 2 for Capt

    Nap
    captnenglish likes this.
  13. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England
    Hi everyone

    Couple of iffyvision pics

    Collar raised up and a base shape in place for the brass shoulder pieces which I will gradually build up ....

    Thanks for looking

    Happy benchtime

    Nap

    image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg
    KenBoyle and Geoff Charman like this.
  14. bucsfan21 Well-Known Member

    Country:
    United-States
    Nap, Definitely one of my favorite CSA regiments. Very nice touch the rank bars! Look forward to see it coming to life!:)

    Best of Everything, Terry Martin
    Member of the Atlanta Military Figure Society of Atlanta, GA, USA
    Nap likes this.
  15. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England

    Thanks for looking in ...it's a very interesting Regt for sure ....just putting the crescents on at the moment .....getting there !

    ...UPDATE

    Crescents in place ..need to let fully dry now !!

    image.jpeg

    Thanks for looking in

    Nap
    KenBoyle likes this.
  16. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England
    Hi everyone

    Iffyvision presents ....

    The shoulder details are complete ( put a wash over as the details small ) ..just need to add a button


    image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg

    Also need to put the crossed cannon insignia on collar sides

    Basecoated the cap and collar

    Thanks for looking in

    Nap
    KenBoyle likes this.
  17. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England
    Hi folks

    Iffyvision presents

    Buttons on and crossed cannons in place

    Leaving to fully go off before paint!

    image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg

    image.jpeg

    Thanks for looking

    Nap

    PS ..Might add rank bars or leave blank for a 2nd Lt ..thinking !

    Also going to join the lace at the top where the 4 bit sides meet the circle
    KenBoyle likes this.
  18. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England
    Hi everyone

    Update

    All basecoated ...eyes next ..Then flesh .Then headwear , shoulder brass , torso ....nameplate ( ordered )

    Iffyvision as usual

    Thanks for looking in

    Happy benchtime

    Nap

    image.jpeg

    image.jpeg image.jpeg

    image.jpeg image.jpeg
  19. Gary_81 Active Member

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Nice work Nap and great research.

    Gary
    Nap likes this.
  20. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England

    It's coming together !!!

    Enjoy these pieces ...I have a Zouave on the way as well from flea bay

    Thanks for looking in

    Nap

    image.jpeg
    KenBoyle likes this.

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