Federal Iron Brigade Standing Firing Wearing Gaiters

1/30 Scale
Matte Finish
Single Figure

Although linen or canvas gaiters of some description had been worn by soldiers for over a hundred years before the American Civil War, the higher quarters of the Jefferson style boot worn by most soldiers of the period made the foot coverings more of an encumbrance than a necessity. Earlier infantry shoes were low quartered design so mud and debris would make its way into the shoe causing discomfort.

As one would expect, military organizations also required the men to keep these items of dress clean which was not always an easy task – one of the many reasons the citizen soldiers of that war hated them so much.