Rare Maker-Marked Pair of Union Army Issue Gaiters. ... (Total: 2 Items)

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Rare Maker-Marked Pair of Union Army Issue Gaiters. Starting sometime around the summer of 1862, the Federal government began distributing white canvas gaiters to its troops to help keep dirt out of their shoes on the march and in camp. While made and issued by the many thousands, few examples can be found in collections today. This pair is in excellent condition and each is clearly marked on the inside with a large contractor's imprint and size designation "W. H. Johnson / 8 / N. Y." in an oval. Johnson had a contract in May, 1863 for 20,000 pairs. The gaiters retain the wide leather straps that go under the shoe and all but one of the leather loops that pass through brass grommets to fasten them around the ankle. Only the narrow belts for tightening them at the tops are missing. The stitching is sound and the canvas itself shows little wear. A common article of soldier's clothing now almost impossible to find.