Federal Painted Groundcloth

[Devildog0311]

Pards,
Would anyone happen to know what the dimensions are for a Federal Painted Ground cloth? Does anyone know if there are any existing examples without grommets? Does anyone have the details about the gromments as far as the number and spacing? I do not have access to an original and hopefully someone can help me out. I am attempting to make my own. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Marc29thGA]

Justin,

Try this: http://www.33wis.com/articles/pdf/Gum%20Blanket%20Regs.pdf

I believe CRRC2 also has what you are looking for.

Y.O.S.,

[lukegilly13]

Justin
I don't know if you've looked into this part or not...:
paint:http://www.geocities.com/union_guard/oilcloth_and_painted_accoutermen.htm
Some discourage period painting, others encourage, this is a judgement call you must make.
I have some sources for the cloths that I made for Ryan and Sean...I will dig those out when the baby goes back to sleep and shoot you those.

[Devildog0311]

That's exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[lukegilly13]

Justin,
Take a look at this image. Just out of color change/contrast it appears to me that the solider (in the famous punch bowl scene) is carrying either a painted cloth or some type of tent. Now, look at the grommet....it's a sewn on loop. To me, whatever he's carrying, it looks painted because the outside is significantly darker than the inside. It also does not look large enough to be an A-frame. So either this soldier is carrying a shelter half with this type of loop sewn on, or he has done some modifications to his gear. To me, it may be easier for a soldier to add this loop than a grommet hole if he is not particularly experienced with a needle. I know, "If if's and But's were candy and nuts, we'd all have a Merry Christmas." But this at least opens a door. Haha, welcome to my imagination land....but groundcloth or not, it's a possibility.http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff320/olemisscub/belle22.jpg

[plankholder]

What about a civilian or miltary tent fly of some type? Meybe its darker on the side he always lays on? Interesting train of thought here.

[Clsinclair]

The Federal Quartermasters specifications were that the cloth be 71" X 46" with 18 grommets spaced no more than 14" apart. One side and one end had a 2" hem and the other end and side had a 1 " hem. Two Grommets were spaced along the edge of the 2" grommet to be used with 1" tape to tie off as a shawl. Grommets were 1/4" and brass. Given the fact that drill and canvas had widths of 27.5 early war and 33.5" later war there should be a seam somewhere in there.

Claude Sinclair

[Chad Wrinn]

All of the originals that I have seen have handsewn grommets or brass grommets, I have not seen one without them.

[Devildog0311]

That's a very interesting picture Luke. I have another question. Were the gromments put on the cloth before or after it was painted? Were the gromments supposed to be painted or japanned?

[lukegilly13]

Justin, was looking at canteens and started browsing through Jim Mayo's website....thought it might be of use to you...It includes a pic of an original grommet from a poncho/rubber cloth.
http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/j_mayo/relics.html

[Devildog0311]

I wonder if the US government had contractors who made painted ground cloths without grommets?

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

If I remember correctly...in one of the old threads it was discussed that Federal Painted Ground-Cloths were pulled up from a wreck (The Bertrand??). The old thread, probably dating to 2004-2005, had pictures and dimensions of the clothes from the wreck.

If this rings any bells with anyone, please post with a follow-up.

Paul B.

[yipper]

Gents,

Mr. Boulden is referring to the Maple Leaf. Here’s a link to the website: http://mapleleafshipwreck.com

Search their database for “blanket” and you’ll get 29 returns with descriptions.

Regards,

geoffrey lehmann

[lukegilly13]

Justin
I don't know if you're still working on this project or not...this image may be of use...I thoroughly enjoyed it and use it often working on shelter halfs and ground cloths.
I stold it from the Sykes Regulars website.
http://www.cwreenactors.com/~sykes/images/LOC/camps/64AJ_01824u_05.jpg
Any brass grommets that I have ever seen were added after the painting. If the grommet is sewn, then it will pierce the paint and cause the grommet to be a leaking spot...however, soaking the thread in beeswax prevents this and triples the life of the grommet. Hope this is helpful.