Richmond Depot Jackets

Sorry for being MIA! I have decided to write a post that’s bit more clinical in nature today. The topic is Confederate uniforms, specifically Confederate Depot jackets.

When painting an ACW army, the first thing one must do is decide whether to go early mid or late war. This is a bit easier with US forces, early war has more frocks, and state issue jackets, some shoulder scales and some more Hardee hats then you would see later on. With CS forces however, there are many styles you can choose from depending on the area as well as the phase of the war.

A close study of CS records reveal some startling statistics. During the last six months of 1864 and including to 31 January 1865, the Army of Northern Virginia alone was issued the following:

104,199 Jackets
140,570 Pairs of Trousers
157,727 Cotton Shirts
170,139 Pairs of Drawers
74,851 Blankets
27,011 Hats and Caps
21,063 Flannel Shirts
4,861 Overcoats

These were field issues only, and did not include issues to men on furlough, detailed at posts, exchanged prisoners or any other issues. Moreover, these were over­whelmingly central government issues, and did not include issues by any states except part of North Carolina's. During this same period, Georgia provided to the Confederate Army as a whole, over and above the figures quoted above:

26,795 Jackets
28,808 Pairs of Trousers
24,952 Shirts
24,168 Pairs of Drawers
7,504 Blankets

With all of these choices, none of which account for state issues or the commutation system, narrowing down the field is most important

I tend to concentrate on the Eastern Theater and the ANV as a result most of my troops from mid to late war wear some form of Richmond Depot Jacket, The Richmond Depot jacket had 3 styles for early mid and late war, Richmond Depot I, II, and III or RDI/RD II/ RD III. It should be noted that these terms are modern and were not in use during the war.

The RDI is great for early war. It features twill tape edging along the collar cuffs and shoulder flaps

The RDII below is basically the same as the RDI but the trim is gone. There are some slight differences in construction but more mini painting these are not noticeable.

Last we come to the RDIII. No shoulders straps, belt loops or piping. This is the simplest of the designs and was made as it was to save on time and materials.

I have not even gotten into commutation jackets, Tait jackets, or the various frocks . If you would like any further info on different types of uniforms email me!You can also follow up with the Company of Miltary Historians.