31337
W. Britain
This figure represents the classic Johnny Reb foot soldier of the
American Civil War. He wears a short shell jacket made of “butternut”
material. This widely-used homespun fabric was dyed brown with extracts
from the white walnut or butternut tree, hence the name. This cloth was
primarily used to replace official-issue uniform jackets and trousers as
they wore out. The actual color of butternut fabric is under debate.
The surviving samples have oxidized over the years, which means what you
see at a museum does not necessarily resemble what was worn at the
time. His trousers are made from imported English Army cloth, and his
wide-brimmed felt hat is well worn but still prized for its protection
from the sun.