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Click here to view the Uniform Guide SWORDS: Officers were to have "yellow-mounted"
Sabres, with Gilt scabbards & white cross belts with Gilt plates"
according to the 1810 orders. While there is no solid evidence for a particular
model, later documented evidence of the Mameluke type saber might indicate
a preference by Marine officers, although almost any style was possible.
According to the Marine Corps Historical Center, the Mameluke Sword was
not used until the 1820's. The regulations were not specific until 1821
when the Mameluke hilt of white ivory and a gold thread was ordered for
officers. It is possible that this sanctioned an existing habit.
Marine officers used leather scabbards for swords during the 1812 period
while metal scabbards were available. Officers had to purchase their swords
as well asthe rest of the uniform. There is documentation of Marine Officers
carrying British swords at this time as well.
Documentation indicates Marines of the period
used knapsacks. Two types were available: the Revolutionary War Style,
and the Lherbetter Patent Knapsack, 1808. Research shows this pack was
painted black or red with USM in Roman letters in white within a white
circle painted on the flap. (We paint ours red). Red was a common color
for items to be waterproofed on shipboard. The paint was red lead.
There is no indication Marines used seabags on
ship. The knapsack was used for their belongings. However it is noted
that Sergeants had a "box" to store items in. HAVERSACK: There is also no documentation for any haversack
use by marines of this period or of periods before. CARTRIDGE BOX: The 1808 pattern of black leather with white strap. BAYONET STRAP: White with white frog attachment and black bayonet
scabbard. CROSS-BELTS: Cross belts were white buff, and there is no evidence
that black belts were used by Marines during the War of 1812. No cross-belt
plate of the period has been found to date. Research indicates it was
one piece, brass, with eagle upon it. The buckle may have had an anchor
also in order to indicate sea CANTEENS: There is only one documentation for canteens for
Marine use. This is listed in an order filled for Lt. McKnight for use
of Marines on board the ship of war " Delaware: 363, wooden canteens
with linen straps, 363 painted knapsacks with straps". This order
also indicates Marines were supplied with
ACCOUTERMENTS Canteen and Knapsacks: White USM, plus individual's number. Marine ship's equipment: MARINES, USS CONSTITUTION. Marines land equipment that was drawn from garrison: USM, BOSTON or MARINES, BOSTON. This would be
on camp items, field artillery, supply boxes, etc.. Ammo and gun equipment
supplies may have had Springfield Armory or Watervielet Arsenal on the
supplies. Click here to view the Uniform Guide
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