Best Spanish American War Uniform Reference

[1961MJS]

My grandfather, John Gaberial Smith (standing) was in the Spanish American War.  This is the only photo we have of him in uniform.

Dang, I wish WPG would start selling that uniform.  Quartermaster Shop's version is kind of high for a 48 Long, but those look good.

Later

[Pitspitr]

Dang, I wish WPG would start selling that uniform.  Quartermaster Shop's version is kind of high for a 48 Long, but those look good.

Have you checked with Coon Creek?

[1961MJS]

Have you checked with Coon Creek?

Nope, but I remember that they do things that aren't on their website.  I'll work that later in the year, I just got a Schofield.

Good idea though.

[Pitspitr]

The uniform in the picture looks like the Enlisted M-1899 to me. Col. Drydock got his officer's M-1899 from Coon Creek IIRC.

[1961MJS]

Wow, I finally enlarged the picture from Dutch Al.  A LOT of those guys are wearing the 1896 British Tunic with the Standing Collar.  I might have to try that one.

Later

[smoke]

I wash my wool shirt in the machine with lots of fabric softener on the gentle cycle, then line dry and stretch it as it dries.

I received this 1899 photo from Dutch Al.

That is an interesting mix of uniforms!  A lot of British 1896, some US 1899 but also a couple of 5 button tunics with lower pockets on them.  The Brits also did blouse/tunic with lower pockets only on it.  I wonder if those are from the Brits also.

[pony express]

That is an interesting mix of uniforms!  A lot of British 1896, some US 1899 but also a couple of 5 button tunics with lower pockets on them.  The Brits also did blouse/tunic with lower pockets only on it.  I wonder if those are from the Brits also.

I don't know about the British, but the Germans had a khaki tunic for the Seebattalion that only had lower pockets.

[smoke]

I don't know about the British, but the Germans had a khaki tunic for the Seebattalion that only had lower pockets.

The Brits had a few different patterns during the ABW.  I think Rattlesnake Jack posted did a thread on them at one point.

[MUD MARINE]

I acquired my Marine Corps summer shipboard uniform using Brassey's.

[Bat 2919]

I don't know about the British, but the Germans had a khaki tunic for the Seebattalion that only had lower pockets.

The issue enlisted uniform only had lower pockets.  The Officers had their uniforms made and were authorized a breast pocket.

[1961MJS]

Hi

The guy on the front row, right side (from our view) appears to be wearing his Navy blue shirt under his uniform with the collar folder over the khaki uniform blouse.  I haven't seen that done since the 1980's on Banana Republic shirts.  Is this how it's supposed to be?

Later

[Robert Swartz]

Cold water wash on gentle cycle, hang dry.  My cotton flannel shirts from River Junction get the same treatment, the wool flannel gets Woolite in the sink.

That's the only way I wash ANY of my period clothes. Woolite and a bucket of water, just enough to shake out the dirt and sweat. Occasionally the wife will wash some of my shirts, socks, bandanas or hankies in cold water. Nothing sees the dryer. Everything goes on the clothesline.  My wife has a home kit to dry clean wool clothes in the dryer. Plus, I never bought into the "don't wash things to give them a field look". Since I'm the point of issue, I can't be replacing things that often (especially now that I'm on a fixed income).

[Dusty Tagalon]

 This  "Stupid Old Fool" is in isolation now! Yesterday, skipped family's gathering. Today, find myself Covid positive! Not serious, my symptoms, elevated Blood Pressure, taste & smell out the door!
I can't accept any duties with DAV or VA!
Brian

[Robert Swartz]

What are the opinions on the canvas trousers offered by Coon Creek or S & S Firearms? Those and River Junction are the only mainstream offerings I have viewed. Only other option is having a high end vendor make a pair. No more of this than I do nowadays. I'm finding that avenue to be less cost effective for my budget unless I just can't find what I'm looking for.

[smoke]

What Price Glory has them on Ebay but not on their website.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Army-M1885-Brown-Canvas-Trousers-size-38/233216490656

WPG stuff seems to be uniformly good but I don't know how the price compares.  I do know a pair of Coon Creek I had years ago was well made but size were not consistent with other Cowboy type clothing.  They ran large.

[Robert Swartz]

What Price Glory has them on Ebay but not on their website.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Army-M1885-Brown-Canvas-Trousers-size-38/233216490656

WPG stuff seems to be uniformly good but I don't know how the price compares.  I do know a pair of Coon Creek I had years ago was well made but size were not consistent with other Cowboy type clothing.  They ran large.

Sorry, I neglected to check WPG. They are split, offering some items on their website and others on Fleabay. As far as sizing, if they are fitted like period trousers and come to your natural waist. They will be big. Period size for me runs 4-6"s larger than modern pants or bluejean size.

[smoke]

I usually wear a 38 in a cowboy/old fashion pant.  The ones from Coon Creek were marked 40 and were loose.  They could have been mis-marked or a mistake.  I think they are made to order?

[pony express]

I don't know about WPG's cotton pants, I have the wool ones, and they are 6" bigger size than my blue jeans size. What I use for my cotton SAW trouser are actually just COWS Cowboy pants, with the label removed. They have a brown/tan  that is close to the color for the 1884 uniform, that's what I have. Also 6" bigger than blue jeans size.

[Pitspitr]

Coon Creek and WPC are the 2 sources of of the shelf clothing I'm the most comfortable with for the Span-AM period.

[smoke]

Coon Creek and WPC are the 2 sources of of the shelf clothing I'm the most comfortable with for the Span-AM period.

Are Coon Creek made to order?