IN STOCK. The 1st Virginia stood out from other cavalry units of the time, not only because of its gifted leader, but also for the quality of its horses and men. Like most southern horse soldiers early in the war, the men of the 1st provided their own mounts, and these tended to be particularly fine animals. John Irvine of Company I, wrote to his wife in June 1861 that "Col. Stuart said about 40 of our men are the best mounted men he ever seen." From the ranks of the men themselves came many of the south's best cavalry leaders, including John Singleton Mosby, the famous raider. The 1st Virginia cavalry was also notable for its distinctive uniforms, which early in the war featured a shell jacket trimmed in black (rather than the standard cavalry yellow) with a series of black "hussar bars" sewn on the front. The men were generally well armed, usually with a saber, one or more .36 caliber revolvers, and a Sharp's carbine. As the war progressed, much of their clothing, gear and weaponry were captured from Northern sources.
Equipped with:
CS Cavalry Shell jacket
Trousers
Slouch Hat w/ Black Feathers
Cavalry Boots w/Spurs
Leather Gauntlets
Saber Belt w/Buckle
1860 light Cavalry Saber w/ Saber Knot
51' Colt Navy Pistol
Holster
Cap Pouch
Carbine Box
Sharps Carbine
Carbine Sling w/Swivel Hook
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