ENGLISH ARMY SURPLUS
WHITE WOOL BLANKET
During the war, the Confederate government faced chronic shortages of clothing and bedding and relied heavily on imported goods. Orders were filled using existing stocks of wool blankets, including commercial goods and surplus originally produced from companies like Benjamin Gott & Sons of Yorkshire, England for British military use. As a result, blankets reaching Confederate hands were not always newly made. Many had been manufactured years earlier, held in warehouses, or released from surplus before being sold through British exporters and shipped via neutral ports. Many such blankets found their way into Confederate supply lines particularly through blockade runners. Contemporary records show that British blankets of varying ages, weights, and markings were issued side by side, reflecting the realities of wartime supply rather than standardized production. The British military stamped their property in the 18th and early 19th centuries with the broad arrow and “G.R.” “GR” stands for Georgius Rex (Latin for ‘King George’) Surviving examples are from earlier wars (Revolutionary War / War of 1812) and so on.
Great care was taken to make sure these stamps were exactly as the blockade run imports as ours were cut from detailed photos from the originals.
So many were shipped into the CS by Blockade Runners that if you check the surviving manifest of those ships they list blankets not as individual blankets but by how many BALES of blankets were loaded. The standard cotton bale weighted 500 lbs. if that gives you any idea of just how many blankets were brought in. And yes damn near every manifest list blankets as part of their cargo.
Check out the book "ENTREPOT" which contains hundreds of blockade runner manifest, it's a real eye opener.
These blankets are 66 inches by 90 inches and made from 80% wool just as the old American made Woolrich blankets were. The edge is stitched all around with a heavy red thread.
Item # 0168 $119.95
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DID THE ARMY OF TENNESSEE
USE ENGLISH SURPLUS BLANKES?
In a letter to his father dated Nov. 11, 1863, Near Chickamauga Tenn. He discribes a recent issue of goods by the army. Here's what wrote; "The caps and underwear are miserable but quantities of English Blankets have been issued."
WHITE WOOL BLANKET
Our white wool blanket measures 66 inches by 90 inches. They are made from 80 percent wool just like the old American made Woolrich blanket were. They are "blanket stitched" all the way around with heavy cotton thread. They weight 3 lbs. and are perfect for folding double on those cold nights or just go ahead and buy 2 of them!
These may not last long and if you have tried to find a white wool blanket in the past you know they are not easy to come by. American Navy blankets of the period as well as British imports that ran the Blockade (and there were thousands of them) were white / off white wool. When the Union captured Fort Morgan Ala. one union officers remarked in a letter to his wife that all of the bunks there were outfitted with white wool blankets. Get yours now before they are all gone.
Item # 0112 $79.95
TEMP. OUT OF STOCK.
From the book "Infantryman Pettit", Fred Pettit writes home. Near Fredricksburg Va. Jan. 28, 1863. "I have learned that I sleep as comfortably on the ground in our little tent with 2 blankets over me as I ever slept at home."
MATTRESS & PILLOW
Get ready for one of the most comfortable nights sleep you have ever had shipboard or in the field. I am a hammock man, I sleep in one every night and often nap in one during the day. I have had no better night's sleep in my life than I have since I started using this mattress and pillow. Warm and comfortable without over heating. No more hammock chill butt! I sleep soundly all through the night and all of my patrons report the same. You will not be disappointed.
Works just as well on a cot too!
Our 1st rate mattress and pillows are made from 100% blue and white cotton ticking just as the originals were. Our standard length is 6 foot by a width of 2 foot with a 1 1/2 inch gussett all around. Then we over stuff it to measure about 3 inches thick. The pillow measures 12 by 10 inches and again about 3 inches thick. Rolls up easily and ties with string to make a small bundle for transport. I don't know how you could make a good nights sleep any easier than this.
Now some folks have questioned the size of our mattress thinking it a bit small. I admit that crossed my mind too, at first. Then I slept on one. I assure you for the average Joe this size is just about as perfect as you can get. However, if you disagree, we do offer custom mattress work. Inquiries are welcome.
Item # 0025 $124.95 BUY NOW!
CANVAS HAMMOCK
Cotton Hammock Large Soft Breathable Camping Hammock Holds Up to 660lbs Portable Tree Hammocks with Detachable Spreader Bar, Pillow, 2 Strong Webbings and 2 Carabiners
The spreader bars enhance stability, preventing excessive swaying or flipping,ensuring a secure and safe experience,especially when entering or exiting the hammock. With the included suspension system comprising two infinitely adjustable straps and two carabiners, you can easily and securely set up the hammock,promoting safe and enjoyable lounging.The suspension system's carabiners further enhance safety by offering reliable and secure attachment points.
A good quality, heavy duty canvas hammock can be hard to find. So we thought we had better hunt one down ourselves. This is the same hammock that I sleep in every night and have been for years. Mine is right next to a standard bed with a mattress that I paid $2000.00 for. (yeah I know, I can't believe I did that either.) I prefer the hammock hands down!
The hammock, not counting the ropes is a little over 7 ft. long and about 3 foot wide. If you are hanging it outside your going to need a couple of post or trees at least 10 ft. apart and up to 20 ft. or just use the standard metal hammock stand.
Item # 0027 $74.95 BUY NOW!
HAMMOCK STAND
Our metal hammock stand breaks down to fit into a bag (included) just 40 inches long. No tools are required for assembly and it takes about 3 minutes to put together. Light weight yet strong and durable. Should last you a lifetime.
You will need 8 ft. of space (length) to set this up. The "feet" that it rest on are 40 inches. So this can be easily be set up in a 9 ft. A frame tent. You're welcome to stay in touch with your chiropractor but you won't need him anymore.
Item # 0028 $94.95 BUY NOW!
MATTRESS TICKING
For some of you with limited space, (car pooling to an event) a mattress ticking that you can empty out and roll up into a small bundle is just the thing. Our mattress ticking measures 6 ft. long and is 2 ft. wide. It fits a standard cot perfectly. When you arrive at the event just take your ticking and stuff it full of straw or hay. Then tie the end shut. You are good to go for the whole weekend! A nice soft mattress for your cot or the ground. If using it on the ground be sure to put a gum blanket under it with the black side down. You'll sleep like a champ. Then when the event is over just empty your ticking, fold it up and away you go.
#0047 $59.95
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#0047A $59.95
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So you can now get your ticking stamped in just that way.
We could stamp the outside but you just can't see it.
#0047B $59.95
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SEWN ON LABELS
Or if you prefer we can sew a US Sanitary Comm. label onto you ticking. Or a Soldier's Relief Society label. Very similar to the the one you'll find on the surviving USSC quilts. ONLY $10. BUCKS!
Purchase the ticking above with NO STAMP, then choose which of these labels you would like. We will sew it right onto your ticking.
#0047-A $9.95
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SOLDIER'S RELIEF SOCIETY SEWN ON LABEL
#0047-B $9.95
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Here's a few period references to having a straw fill mattress ticking.
John Spence's Diary, 1861 Murfreesboro Tenn. Page 13. Speaking of the local Soldiers Relief Society he says; "In a short time large quantities of clothing were made: sheets for bunks, ticks and straw to put in, stoves, kettles and pans.
Fannie Beers volunteered as a nurse during the Atlanta Campaign. She recalls, "Sick and awfully wounded men were hurriedly placed upon stretchers and their bearers formed an endless procession to the rough cars, some of them lately used to transport cattle and dreadfully filthy. Here they were placed upon straw mattresses.
February 1862. U.S. Sanitary Commission, Cincinnati Ohio branch publishes a pamplet on how to make a "bed ticking" that you can then donate to them - which they will then provide to the soldiers.
The Whaler Ocmulgee with a large sperm whale alongside, just captured , and being stripped of blubber and bone on the whaling-grounds of the Western Islands tell the "art of firing a ship" "so listen to the modus operandi First, you cut up with your broadaxe the cabin and forecastle bunks, generally of white pine lumber. You will find, doubtless, the mattresses stuffed with straw, and in the cabin pantry part as least of a keg of butter and lard. Make a foundation of the splinters and straw, pour on top the lard and butter. One pile in cabin, the other in forecastle. Get your men in the boats, all but the incendiaries, and at the given word-- 'Fire!' shove off, and take it as truth, that before you have reached your own ship, the blaze is licking the topsails of the doomed ship."
Two Years on the Alabama - Lieutenant Arthur Sinclair C.S.N.
TARRED WATERPROOF BAG
RAIN COAT
When you need one, well there's not much else that will work now is there. Sure ponchos are great but they have their limitations. This coat is very well made, vulcanized rubber right down to the buttons. Should last for years if treated properly.
I'm not sure what the guy on the right is getting ready for. The "Library of Congress" list him as a 49'er (1849-1851). One thing's for sure, he has a great looking rain coat.
I think our coat to be very similar to the one Stonewall Jackson was wearing the day he was shot. Hopefully that won't happen to you but if it does at least you'll be nice and dry. (You know, except for the blood.)
When ordering please include your coat size in the comment section of the order form.
ITEM #349 $124.95
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SIZE 42 RAIN COAT
ITEM #349 $124.95
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SIZE 44 RAIN COAT
ITEM #349 $124.95
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SIZE 46 RAIN COAT
ITEM #349 $124.95
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SIZE 48 RAIN COAT
ITEM #349 $124.95
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SIZE 50 RAIN COAT
ITEM #349 $124.95
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SIZE 52 RAIN COAT
ITEM #349 $124.95
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SIZE 54 RAIN COAT
ITEM #349 $124.95
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SIZE 56 RAIN COAT
ITEM #349 $124.95
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RAIN CAPE
Now this is a different animal. I have to believe that these were designed with the ladies in mind. Of course a gent can use one and they are marketed mainly to men. But you know full well that your wife and or girlfriend is going to take this away from you the moment it starts to sprinkle. You might as well go ahead and get two of them and be done with it.
These are very well made and quite frankly they are the most conveinant piece of rain gear ever made. Made of vulcanized rubber over cotton, even the buttons are covered with rubber.
SIZE 44 RAIN CAPE
ITEM #351 $124.95
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SIZE 48 RAIN CAPE
ITEM #351 $124.95
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SIZE 52 RAIN CAPE
ITEM #351 $124.95
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SIZE 56 RAIN CAPE
ITEM #351 $124.95
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PONCHO AND GUM BLANKETS
MEASURES 72 X 48 ITEM # 347 $59.95 BUY NOW
GUM BLANKET, GOODYEAR PATENT, CORRECT GROMMETS
MEASURES 72 X 48 ITEM # 348 $59.95 BUY NOW
PRE-WAR CIVILIAN GUM BLANKET
Civillian gum blankets were commercially available pre-war both north and south. That is why our gum blanket is stamped with a pre-war patent of 1854, it measures 46 inches by 72 inches.
Besides it's normal mode of employment this thing has 101 other uses, military and civillian. What about using it as a waterproof tarp to cover - well just about anything. You don't have to leave it as is, sew several together or cut it up and make what ever you want. It is afterall just rubberized cloth and sews easily on a home machine. Just paint your seams for a water tight seal. Make a rain slicker or hat. How about a cannon / limber cover? There are some great books out on pre-war rubber products if you need more ideas.
If you think a soldier would not have one of these you should read Virginia French's War Journal for an account of Union soldiers stealing them from civiilians.
ITEM # 2530 $59.95
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MURFREESBORO TENN. DEC. 30, 1862
(Lying in an open field before the Confederate lines, no fires to be lit for fear of giving away their position.)
"In an attempt to stay warm, Some of my messmates and I started to build a rail pen and line it with long dry grass from the field. One of my messmates Sgt. Wertz took no interest in our work but sat silently all night with his face buried in his hands. He gave no heed even when I threw my rubber blanket over his shoulders. Perhaps the shadow of impending fate darkened his mind."
WOOL BLANKETS
BROWN WOOL BLANKET
This blanket measures 90 x 67 inches and wieghs almost 4 lbs. That's one big blanket. I'm tempted to make a cape or a great coat out of one.
FLAX W RED STRIPE WOOL BLANKET
This blanket measures 60 x 80 inches and wieghs almost 4 lbs.
BLUE W YELLOW STRIPE WOOL BLANKET
This blanket measures 60 x 80 inches and wieghs almost 4 lbs.
NEW GREY WOOL BLANKET
THE BEST BUY YOU WILL FIND TODAY!
Comporable to Woolrich if not better. Over the past few years the price of just about everything has gone up and up. When ever I can find anything reenactors can use and save a few bucks on I "jump on it". We recently found a small amount of high quality 80 / 20 grey wool blankets that are awesome. I bought them all, I just wish there had been more. Buy now because when they are gone I doubt you will ever find another for this price, only $49.95! They are the same color grey as you normally see in blankets, they are brand new, they measure 80 x 67 inches and weighs 4 lbs. That is a lot of blanket for the price so don't miss out.
ITEM # 2531 $49.95
TEMP. OUT OF STOCK.
DEC. 30, 1862 MURFREESBORO TENN.
P.R. Jones, 10th Texas, Ector's Brigade, McCown's Division.When nightfall came we were in a lane behind a rail fence about 400 yards from the main body of the enemy. I fortunately had a good wool blanket that I had brought from home, one of the old fashioned kind, with a hole in the middle large enough for a man's head. I stuck my head through, pulled my hat down, took my loaded gun under the blanket and thought of what would take place tomorrow.
1858 U.S. REGULATION
#340 $49.95
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FROM THE BOOK, "INFANTRYMAN PETTIT", Fred Pettit's diary of his servise during the war.
Camp Curtin Pa. August 31, 1862.
" Yesterday we passed our Surgeon's examination and received our blankets and tin cups. Last night we slept first rate on the floor with our carpetsacks for pillows".
GENERAL ORDER NO. 121
As the sudden call for volunteers and militia has exhausted the supply of blankets fit for military purposes in the market and it will take some time to procure by manufacture or importation a sufficient supply. All citizens who may volunteer or be drafted are advised to take with them to the rendezvous, if possible a good stout woolen blanket.
"No soldier who furnishes his own blanket is required to draw one."
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. E.D. TOWNSEND, ASSIST. ADJ. GENERAL.
1861 Emergency blanket
Our 1861 Emergency blanket is made from 80/20 wool and weights almost 4 lbs. They are tan with a brown stripe. This is one of the many blankets that were issued by the union government to help cover the blanket shortage of 1861. They may have been issued by the union but you can see them in plenty of Confederate camp photos.
CAVALRY BLANKET
This is a good quality blanket.
ITEM # 341-A $59.95
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ARTILLERY BLANKET
The blanket is red with blue stripes, it measures 80 by 60 inches, some are a little larger than others but never smaller than the 60 X 80.
ITEM # 2299 $49.95 BUY NOW!
GREY WOOL BLANKET W YELLOW STRIPE
ITEM # 2300 $59.95 BUY NOW!
COLD WEATHER TIPS
A poncho/ground-cloth is one of the best pieces of equipment you can own. If you do not have one it should be your next purchase. Don't wait until you need it because the field sutlers will jack up the price in bad weather and they always run out of them.
Campaign Style
If you can obtain any dry straw, hay, or pine needles do so.
Lay out the straw as long and as wide as your bedding.
2. Lay your blanket down on top of the poncho.
If you are still cold then don't forget about that great coat!
It makes a "great" blanket in a pinch.
Most of your body heat is lost through your head. Wear a night cap or your kepi.
Just cover that ugly noggin' of yours up!
If you are using a shelter 1/2 (that's one half, like a lean to.) Where possible turn the open side toward the fire. The shelter will radiate the heat back toward the fire and your back side.
Stay Dry!
Do not wear your clothes to bed. Take them off, fold them up and use them for your pillow or just tuck them under your blanket with you. If you wear them to bed they will be damp when you get up in spite of everything.
When in doubt talk to any old G.I. who has gone through an arctic weather training course. He can give you more tips than I can possibly list here.
It's been a long time since anyone froze to death at a re-enactment.
You don't want to be the next, do you?
Click here to see
HAVERSACK STUFFERS
on page TWENTY EIGHT AClick here to refer back to catalog INDEX page.
www.blockaderunner.com
Phone: 931-389-6294 Fax: 931-389-0486
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