The "Real" Thing: Robert Lee Hodge in Confederate Uniform

As I mentioned in the previous post, Robert Lee Hodge is shown in a Confederate enlisted man's re-enactment uniform. And, he definitely looks authentic. None of that new "sutler store-bought" or officer stuff for Hodge. A sidebar points to four items he is wearing and gives you more information.

SLOUCH HAT-- The broad-brimmed sluch hat was often more suitable to endure the rain and sun. This slouch hat is made of wool felt and has seen, according to Hodge, some "hard campaigning."

COAT-- The cloth is a jean-weave of 85% wool and 15% cotton. North Carolina was the leading domestic manufacturer of uniforms. A whole army of principally women and slave labor was heavily involved in the production of Confederate uniforms.

BUTTONS-- The non-matching buttons are a combination of domestic North Carolina manufacture and federal officer and enlisted buttons. Brass buttons were the most common, but there were also those made of pewter, tin, glass and wood.

SHIRT-- The shirt is a reproduction of a Confederate-issue cotton shirt.

--A Properly-Dressed Sesh. --Old Secesh