Original Civil War Issue Shelter Half

Original Civil War Issue Shelter Half – Styled after the French tente d’abri, the Federal issue shelter tent half was a new and invaluable piece of equipment available to the Federal soldier of 1861. Previous types of tenting, such as bell, wall, and “wedge” tents, were deemed too cumbersome for campaigning soldiers to use since they demanded vehicular carriage in the field. The result was the Quartermaster’s adoption of the French shelter tent. Arsenal production of the shelter tent half was limited to a few government manufactories, most notably Cincinnati Depot’s “tent loft”, but contracts were let starting in late 1861 resulting in millions being produced by 1865. Stylistically the shelter tent was simple yet no two contractors made them precisely the same until an effort was made in 1864 to standardize the pattern, construction, and materials. Modern analysis has indicated that there were three types of these shelter halves produced, not surprisingly referred to as Type I, Type II and Type III – even within these designated categories, there are some variances or subcategories. This example remains in overall excellent condition, exhibiting one modest size, stress-induced hole and four smaller holes; there is some weather induced staining or slight discoloration, but the fabric remains retains strong integrity and flexibility. The half seemingly falls into the Type III category – these halves have two tent peg loops, with the main, central seams running horizontally, with additional vertical seaming of smaller segments and burned horn flap buttons (as seen on p. 57 of Fred Gaede’s significant work: “The Federal Civil War Shelter Tent”) around three sides. The body of the shelter half is constructed of a smooth, near linen-like cotton duck; most of the seams are hand sewn, as are the edges; all of the buttonholes are hand-whipped, as are the rope tent peg insertion holes; of note, there appears to be the letter “J” sewn in the body of the shelter half – perhaps, the maker or the period owner? Although millions of these shelter halves were manufactured during the war, few survive today.

Measurements: L – 66”; W – 57”