I have no expertise in the WSS period so I have no reason to buy into the learned argument about the forth-coming French pike set below (though I read it with great interest).

However, there was one attempt to resurrect the pike as a primary infantry weapon which occurred during the ACW when the Confederates evidently planned to recruit twenty regiments of pikemen in 1862.

In April 1862 it was authorized that every Confederate infantry regiment would include two companies of pikemen. This was supported by Robert E. Lee, no less. Many pikes were produced but were never used in battle and the plan to include pikemen in the army was abandoned - probably because it was insane.

So, can I ask Strelets if they intend to produce a set of Rebel pikemen?
I hope this won't spark a fierce debate over whether they should wear kepis or broad-brimmed hats?

donald:grinning:

Fascinating insight Paintdog, thanks! I had no idea this had been suggested in 1862.

I guess that when better weapons (ie: firearms, preferably with bayonets) are not available, then pikes become the next/only other option if you want to have bodies of troops who are 'trained' (or being trained) to fight in some sort of formation. So, we have Prussian Landwehr in 1813, and some American militia units (or parts of) in 1776/77, Russian peasant militia circa 1812 etc

Back to 1862...and for that matter, periods before this: If I had the choice, I'd go with the kepi as headgear. I've never quite understood how you could go through pike drill wearing a broad-brimmed hat - or tricorne for that matter - without knocking the ****ed item off your head all the time!

'Yankee Re-constructionist Kepist..' I like it!!:smiley:

Although....perhaps a good solid pikeman's morion helmet would be safer??

I agree Mark. I have read a fair bit about the American Civil War, but had never come across this fascinating information. A real gem of information from a gem, thanks Donald.

Still, the contradiction about knowledge is that the more one knows the more you realise the less you know as the grey areas around established 'facts' become more evident.


James

In the old Red Badge of Courage movie they mentioned Union lancers which I had never heard of.
Now Rebel pikemen! I learn something new about history every day it seems.
An interesting idea.
All the best! Cappy

Or a set of British Waterloo-period infantry with long-bows.

Yes, it was suggested at the time!

I'd like to see sets of Rebel (Irish) pikemen circa 1798! Plus British militiamen, etc., etc.