The Columbia Rifles’ recommended Vendor List supplements these standards.  These Standards are based on research contained in a book entitled, The Columbia Rifles Research Compendium (1st Edition, April, 2001).

Although the Rifles’ “unit impression” may change from event to event, the chronological focus of the Columbia Rifles’ group impression is May 1, 1863, as part of the Army of the Potomac.  Unless a weekend scenario dictates otherwise, the Rifles’ impression is that of soldiers on campaign and/or at a picket post.

Nearly all of the uniforms and equipment items recommended in these 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 and libraries.

The Columbia Rifles typically portray soldiers of the Army of the Potomac.  As such, 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.

Actual items carried in the field, as listed below and otherwise, are subject to review for correctness.  It is intended that the Rifles portray and display the correct look of the campaign soldiers we represent.

Improvement to our reenacting impression should be an on-going process.  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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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