The Victorian gentleman had a variety of neckwear styles to choose from. Not only did ties come in a variety of styles, sizes, colors and fabrics, but there were several different methods of tying them on. The modern method of tying ties was about the only style not in use yet.
Most
ties, of any style, were about 2 to 3 inches wide and crafted of the finest
fabrics a gentleman could afford. Fabrics used included silk, satin, finely
woven & polished cottons, and other silky textured fabrics. High collars
which would be worn with a cravat were not as fashionable in the 1860's, so
variations of the bow tie were the most common fashion worn with turned down
collars.
Pre-tied ties were available during the Civil War, and fumble - fingered gentlemen could purchase these predecessors to the "clip on". These pre-tied neckwear were attached to a narrow band that tied, buckled or buttoned at the back of the collar. Some came on spring coiled wire.
Civil War era ties were not the colorful accessory they are today. Black was the standard color for neckwear. White and drab colors that were complementary to the gentleman's wardrobe were also worn.
Working class men often made use of kerchiefs tied around the neck. I have never seen any period images that featured the blue or red bandanna that are available today. Make your own neckerchiefs from period fabrics for an authentic look.
This is an essential, must have item for all gentlemen. Gloves would be necessary for occupational use, to keep warm, and were an essential part of the social etiquette of the era. While middle, lower, and working class men might go without gloves during the normal part of the day, upper class gentlemen would no go outdoors without gloves on.
Gloves for ordinary use were generally black, brown or dark gray and fashioned of leather, or knitted wool/cotton. (I suspect because they hid the dirt). Men would also have a nice pair of white gloves for dances and balls. It was expected that men should don gloves at the dance, so as not to soil the fair, delicate hands of lovely ladies.
Working men protected their hands with leather gloves in a variety of styles, with or without gauntlets attached. Mittens crafted of fur lined leather, sheepskin, or knitted of wool keep hands warm in the bitterest of cold.
Watches were the standard item of jewelry worn by men of the 1860's. Anyone who could afford one would have one displayed on the front of their vest, hanging from an elegant chain of fine metal or woven hair. Watches were cherished items. We shouldn't have to tell you that there were no wrist watches during this time, so leave the Rolex at home.
Rings were items worn more often that most folks think. Most married men were never seen without their golden band. School rings were worn with pride. Rings featuring emblems of clubs and societies were donned. The well-to-do could flaunt their wealth by wearing stunning rings with large gemstones.
Pins were another oft worn accessory. Lapel pins featuring emblems of a school, club, or society were the most common.
Earrings were not worn by any self-respecting gentlemen of the era, so leave yours at home. Only very rarely, by members of certain ethnic groups and a few sailors, were gold hoops worn. Needless to say, if you have any piercings that can be seen (including the tongue), remove the hoop/post/bauble before going to the reenactment.
Since all shirts of the era had long sleeves, they were impractical for some trades and activities. Men would roll up their sleeves for hard work, or keep the sleeves up by the use of arm garters. Arm garters of the period were fashioned of plain black elastic. I have yet to see photographic evidence of satin garters festooned with chantilly lace and rosettes sported upon the arms of gentlemen. Please, leave these embellished items at home or hang them on the rear-view mirror of your truck.
A truly multi-purpose item, canes and walking sticks provided support, a prop with which to gesture, and a weapon of self-defense. Walking sticks were crafted of virtually every substance around, with the majority made from wood, bamboo or plant stalks. Canes were bent or straight and sometimes featured carving on the shaft or head (pommel). Straight canes often had a decoration attached to the head, a carving of stone, antler, bone, ivory, or precious woods, or were covered in silver or gold of fine craftsmanship.
Umbrellas were crafted much as they are today, but were made of natural fabrics treated to be water repellent. Men's umbrellas were generally made of black fabric.
Men of all social and economic station carried handkerchiefs. Only the quality of the fabric used set them apart.
Men's handkerchiefs were made of cotton fabrics, usually in white (so they could be bleached & laundered). Other hankies had a printed border, a paisley print, or came in a variety of colors. A working man would most likely have the most colorful hankies, since his were likely crafted (recycled) from leftover fabrics or old clothes.
Images courtesy of The Daguerreian Society