Although there are no surviving examples of Civil War documented shelter tent poles, two contracts for over 160,000 poles were let and there are numerous contemporary references to these poles.  Pole is 46" long when assembled, 25" when taken part.  Poles are treated with Linseed Oil to resist moisture.

See The Federal Civil War Shelter Tent by Frederick C. Gaede, pages 74 through 76. The pole here conforms to the specifications of 1879, and is very likely the same pole as issued during the Civil War.

	No more looking for forked sticks and ridge poles, you and your pard can have shelter in less than 5 minutes. It takes two poles (a total of 4 pieces) to pitch a shelter tent. One Pole (two pieces) $15.00, plus $9.00 priority mail. Gift Certificates Available
The poles can be carried best in the French manner, i. e. vertically tied to the side of the knapsack utilizing the rope provided with the shelter tent.