Myrtle Avenue Clothiers

Federal Items

If you would like to order any of these items, please contact Marc through e-mail at [email protected] or telephone (917) 407-9180 first to make sure we still have them, or to request additional pictures. For more information about ordering, please visit our Terms & Contact page. All prices include shipping and handling.

Schuylkill Arsenal Fatigue Blouse

A simple and utlitarian garment, the army fatigue blouse, or sack coat, was one of the most universally issued enlisted garment during the war. Our replica of a Schuylkill Arsenal blouse takes into account the many variations seen among surviving originals and photographs, including one in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution, and the blouse worn by Sgt. Franklin Smith of the 4th Mass. Cavalry (ref. page 107, Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the Union) which we had the opportunity to observe before it was recently sold.

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Federal Issue Shirt

Made and issued by the millions, the standard army shirt of the Civil War was issued at the rate of about three per year to soldiers. Coarse and scratchy, its domet flannel (blend of wool and cotton) content and simple construction exemplified the tendency of the government to worry more about durability and cost-effectiveness than comfort and style.

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Federal Issue Drawers

Many soldiers had no idea what was being handed to them when they were issued their first pair of army drawers. The veterans told them that they were part of a special uniform to be worn on parade. Some were also told that they should demand of the quartermaster the army issue umbrella. Fortunately, however, the recruits soon learned that these were not for parade use (and that there was no such thing as an issue umbrella) and the canton flannel drawers were properly worn under the trousers.

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Housewives

Ubiquitous, functional, and pretty -- these three words best describe the accessory that soldiers so frequently carried with them that it became one of their best friends on campaign. The sewing kit, affectionately known as the "housewife," was an item as individual and unique as the soldier himself.

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