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Civil War Military Insignia and Rank Identification
Identify Civil War rank and branch insignia on Union and Confederate uniforms, from officer straps to enlisted chevrons, and spot common reproductions.
American Militaria
Civil War Era Militaria
Union and Confederate insignia, buttons, kepis, swords, canteens and uniforms through the Spanish-American War.
Civil War Canteens and Haversacks: A Collector's Guide
A collector's guide to Civil War canteens and haversacks, covering Union and Confederate types, materials, maker marks, reproductions and careful storage.
Civil War Kepis: Identification and Makers' Marks
How to identify Civil War kepis and forage caps, covering Union and Confederate styles, insignia, sweatbands, maker labels and later reproductions.
Civil War Military Medals
A guide to Civil War military medals, from the Army and Navy Medal of Honor to later veterans' badges, with tips on documentation and replicas.
Civil War Militia Uniforms
How Civil War militia and early volunteer uniforms varied, from Zouave-style dress to homespun grey and butternut, compared with regulation issue.
Civil War Sabers and Swords: How to Identify Them
How to identify Civil War sabers and swords by model, blade markings, grip and scabbard, plus signs of reproductions and tips on preserving an original blade.
Confederate Uniforms: How to Tell Them Apart from Union Issue
How to tell Confederate uniforms from Union issue, covering cloth and dye, cut, buttons, insignia, inspection marks, and captured or altered uniforms.
How to Identify Civil War Uniform Buttons
How to identify Civil War uniform buttons by design, backmark, size and material, with notes on Union and Confederate patterns, reproductions and value.
Spanish-American War US Army Uniforms
Spanish-American War US Army uniforms of 1898, from blue wool to the new khaki field dress, with branch colors, insignia and authenticity tips for collectors.
What does the US Army call their uniform?
The US Army has no single name for its uniform; it uses named uniforms by purpose, and this guide explains the main ones and how historical uniforms differ.
What is the insignia shape of major in the Army?
A major's insignia is a gold oak leaf, in both Civil War Union service and the modern Army. Here's how it compares with other officer ranks and where it's worn.
Where can I buy Civil War uniforms?
Where to buy Civil War uniforms, from reproduction sutlers and auctions to dealers and online sellers, plus tips on provenance and return policies.
Who was the meanest general in the Civil War?
No official ranking names a meanest Civil War general. Here are the names most often raised, and why 'meanest' and 'worst' mean different things.
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