Washington Artillery 1850-1860

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Nap

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Hi folks

Getting this one ready for the brush

Using this one from Fort D

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

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The unit on campaign .....certainly very different in dress !!!
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Here is where I am at the moment ..

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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
 
The unit badge is a nice addition to this bust, which I assume you will be depicting in the "dress uniform"


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
 
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



I'm aware of the badge, I'm working on a pair of WANO figures currently for a vignette
 
I'm aware of the badge, I'm working on a pair of WALA figures currently for a vignette


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
 
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



Nap,
If I am understanding your question any Rank insignia would be within the crescent. Ill post a pic ASAP
 
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, 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


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 !!

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Thanks for looking in

Nap
 
Hi everyone

Iffyvision presents ....

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


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Also need to put the crossed cannon insignia on collar sides

Basecoated the cap and collar

Thanks for looking in

Nap
 
Hi folks

Iffyvision presents

Buttons on and crossed cannons in place

Leaving to fully go off before paint!

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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
 
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