Company E

First Regiment Of (Berdan`s)

United States Sharpshooters

Uniform

The regulation pattern, frock coat & trousers, were made from dark, forest green kersey wool with black buttons Head gear was a green forage cap with McDowell peak, and a black ostrich feather plume.   leather gaiters that buckled high to the knee, held the  trousers to the black leather brogans The Sharpshooters were also issued a standard light blue greatcoat   Federal issue enlisted mans shirts & civilian pattern waistcoats

Accoutrements

Black cartridge box sling (with eagle plate), cap pouch & M1855  Cartridge box (with US oval plate) Bayonet & Scabbard   Tin plate, cup, knife, fork & spoon Rubber poncho or gum blanket Canteen (smooth or bulls eye) covered in dark blue wool     Black tarred Haversack (bread bag) Shelter half (Pup tent)

Back Pack

The U.S. Sharpshooter's used a Prussian style knapsack, made from tanned leather with the hair on the outside, fitted over a wooden frame . It was heavier than regulation knapsack, yet fitted the back well, was roomy and appreciated by the men, these when lost would be replaces by Model 1855 rifleman's knapsack also called the  "double bag" or "soft pack.