Authenticity Standards for the Columbia Rifles 
A Founding Unit of the Potomac Legion

Updated: April 7, 2008

Preface

The Columbia Rifles was formed to provide a more authentic alternative for federal infantry reenactors and, as such, it is expected that Members of the Columbia Rifles and men who fall in with or camp with the Columbia Rifles are interested in an authentic living history experience.  These standards have been created to achieve and maintain a high level of authenticity and provide a more-accurate impression of the original units that are portrayed by the Columbia Rifles.

These Authenticity Standards are based on research contained in The Columbia Rifles Research Compendium (1st Edition, April, 2001), and The Columbia Rifles Research Compendium (2nd Edition, December 2006). This is the unit handbook, and while neither volume is currently in print, a small quantity has been held in reserve for sale to new members.

Although the Columbia Rifles’ “unit impression” may change from event to event, the chronological starting point of the Columbia Rifles’ group impression is May 1, 1863, as soldiers serving in the Army of the Potomac. Uniforms and equipment items can be backdated or updated to reflect earlier or later timeframes for specific events, and further modified for other theaters. Since the Columbia Rifles impression begins, but does not end, with the Army of the Potomac,  members are encouraged to procure uniforms and equipment that are accurate reproductions of Schuylkill Arsenal equipment.  Uniforms from the New York City Depot (such as the popular reproduction “J.T. Martin” uniforms provided by many vendors) are also acceptable. Unless a weekend scenario dictates otherwise, the Columbia Rifles’ impression is that of soldiers on campaign and/or at a picket post; however, there are events where we portray soldiers in training camps, garrisoned towns, winter huts, permanent forts, and "military through the ages" type living histories. Some of our members have tried their hand at other branches to include artillery, medical, quartermaster, commissary, and cavalry impressions.

Nearly all of the uniforms and equipment items recommended in these Authenticity Standards are illustrated in the book, Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the Union (Editors of Time-Life Books, Alexandria VA, 1991); images from this book are referenced in these Standards by page number, abbreviated as [EOG/US page ###].  References to Echoes of Glory are included only as visual references and are not the sole source of documentation for items appropriate for the Columbia Rifles or the scenario portrayed.  The book and its two companion volumes (an atlas and a book on Confederate equipment) can be obtained at most bookstores (in hardbound or inexpensive paperback) and libraries.

Actual items carried in the field, as listed below and otherwise, are subject to review for correctness based on scenario and vignette specific documentation from the period. It is intended that the Columbia Rifles portray and display the correct look of the campaign soldiers we represent.

Improvement to our reenacting impression should be an on-going and never ending process. New research and improved products appear on a regular basis. Members are highly encouraged to upgrade their clothing and equipment as promptly as their circumstances allow.  Although attitude is more important that equipment, an increased attention to correct construction and materials is both instructive and necessary in order to achieve the look of the soldiers we attempt to portray.

The Authenticity Triad: Man, Methods, and Material Culture

A quality historical impression will concentrate on more than just “kit”, and even the casual reader of these standards will notice the attention paid to non-material items .  The reenactor who is dedicated to authenticity will divide his efforts between three facets of equal importance:  man, methods, and material culture.

“Material Culture” refers to all the physical items that are part of the reenactor’s impression: weapons, uniforms, equipment, food, personal items, etc.  The importance of high standards in this area is fairly obvious, since its elements can be seen at all times. This is the easiest of the three facets to master.

“Methods” answer the question, “How were things done?”  By showing how the material culture was actually used, reenacting transcends a historical fashion show.  Drill is probably the best example, but there are many other methods that deserve consideration: how the soldiers cooked their meals, how they made their camp, how they cleaned their weapons, issued their rations, and passed the time.  There are plenty of guys with nearly-perfect kit, but very few who are nearly-perfect in the “methods” category. Simply put, this is reading about history and then doing it in the field, whether it is building a sheband with fencerails, starting a fire in the pouring rain, or preparing rations per a period account. If in doubt, drill and drill some more.

Attention to the “Man” element is a hallmark of the highest-quality reenactors.  “Man” relates to the person in the uniform: his thought patterns, speech, mannerisms, and physical condition.  The recent activity known as “first person impression” is an example of attempts to round out the historical presentation by creating a 19th-century social environment. This is without a doubt the single most difficult facet to master.

It is the Columbia Rifles’ philosophy that each of the above-mentioned “facets of authenticity” is equally important, and our members and guests should be prepared for a certain level of expectations in each category; the minimum expectations to which members and guests are expected to conform are presented in the following pages.

Our standards are organized by topic into seven separate categories:

1.0 Uniforms

2.0 Blankets, Tentage and Waterproofs

3.0 Accoutrements and Camp Equipage

4.0 Weapons

5.0 Rations and Cooking

6.0 Camping

7.0 Drill

Original Guidelines: November, 1997, by Kevin O’Beirne
Revision No. 1:  January, 1999, by Kevin O’Beirne
Revision No. 2:  April-May, 2000, by Kevin O’Beirne, Jeff Henion, and John Tobey
Revision No. 3:  January 11, 2001, General Revisions, and added requirements for commissioned officers
Revision No. 4:  January 26, 2002, General Revisions.

Revision No. 5:  April 7, 2008, General Revisions.