If My House Burned Down Tonight

[Phil McBride]

I live in Texas. If my house burned down tonight and I had to re-outfit myself as an Army of Tennessee Reb reenactor, here's what I'd buy.

These items and choices of vendors reflect my 18 years experience in outfitting myself and 2 sons. I believe in putting a top quality hat on my head and the best brogans available on my feet. After that, it's value shopping balancing quality and price.


Hat: Clear Water – Beehive- dark brown 130

Jacket: Ben and Beth Tart – Civilian Sack Coat – gray or brown jean wool 156

Trousers: Ben and Beth Tart – Mule Ear gray or brown jean wool 115

Shirt: Pick one off a rack at James Country Sutler or most any sutler 40

Suspenders: Missouri Boot and Shoe - Striped Ticking 30

Socks: 2 pair tightly knit Wool w/ thin undersocks –Cabela's 30

Shoes: Missouri Boot and Shoe Co -Sewn sole US brogans black w/heel plate 211

Accouterment : Missouri Boot and Shoe Co.- Dalton GA Depot set:

roller buckle russet belt, bayonet scabbard, cap box & cartridge box: 305

Canteen: Blockade RunnerUS Smooth side stainless steel w/ jean wool cover: 50

Haversack: Blockade Runner. - White canvas 18

Musket: Blockade Runner – Armi Sport 1842 Smoothbore 69 cal. 840

Bayonet: Blockade Runner – Armi Sport 1842 bayonet 50

Gum Blanket: Blockade Runner 50

Wool Blanket: Blockade Runner 50

Tin Boiler with hinged lid and wire handle: Blockade Runner 30

Tin Cup: Blockade Runner 12

Fry Pan: Blockade Runner- Pressed Steel small: 10

Poke Sacks: 3 to fit in haversack – Any sutler at an event 15

Handkerchief: --Any sutler at an event 4

TOTAL 2113

Only Four main sources: Clear Water for the hat; B & B Tart for jeanwool garments and the civilian sack coat is the choice both for cost, it's generic nature, and how many are seen in the photos of Reb POWs; Missouri Boot & Shoe for high quality leathers and shoes at a fair price; Blockade Runner for musket, and camping gear, for the prices. All are Southern companies from four different states. All are vendors I've used

What do you think?.

 

[zburkett]

I think, thanks. That's a lot of information in few words./

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Some great suggestions.

BTW, I read Whittled Away again over the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Excellent novel !

 

[chellers]

I live in Texas. If my house burned down tonight and I had to re-outfit myself as an Army of Tennessee Reb reenactor, here's what I'd buy.

These items and choices of vendors reflect my 18 years experience in outfitting myself and 2 sons. I believe in putting a top quality hat on my head and the best brogans available on my feet. After that, it's value shopping balancing quality and price.


Hat: Clear Water – Beehive- dark brown 130

Jacket: Ben and Beth Tart – Civilian Sack Coat – gray or brown jean wool 156

Trousers: Ben and Beth Tart – Mule Ear gray or brown jean wool 115

Shirt: Pick one off a rack at James Country Sutler or most any sutler 40

Suspenders: Missouri Boot and Shoe - Striped Ticking 30

Socks: 2 pair tightly knit Wool w/ thin undersocks –Cabela's 30

Shoes: Missouri Boot and Shoe Co -Sewn sole US brogans black w/heel plate 211

Accouterment : Missouri Boot and Shoe Co.- Dalton GA Depot set:

roller buckle russet belt, bayonet scabbard, cap box & cartridge box: 305

Canteen: Blockade RunnerUS Smooth side stainless steel w/ jean wool cover: 50

Haversack: Blockade Runner. - White canvas 18

Musket: Blockade Runner – Armi Sport 1842 Smoothbore 69 cal. 840

Bayonet: Blockade Runner – Armi Sport 1842 bayonet 50

Gum Blanket: Blockade Runner 50

Wool Blanket: Blockade Runner 50

Tin Boiler with hinged lid and wire handle: Blockade Runner 30

Tin Cup: Blockade Runner 12

Fry Pan: Blockade Runner- Pressed Steel small: 10

Poke Sacks: 3 to fit in haversack – Any sutler at an event 15

Handkerchief: --Any sutler at an event 4

TOTAL 2113

Only Four main sources: Clear Water for the hat; B & B Tart for jeanwool garments and the civilian sack coat is the choice both for cost, it's generic nature, and how many are seen in the photos of Reb POWs; Missouri Boot & Shoe for high quality leathers and shoes at a fair price; Blockade Runner for musket, and camping gear, for the prices. All are Southern companies from four different states. All are vendors I've used

What do you think?.

Great list. Thanks for posting.

 

[War Horse]

Awesome list. I've often wondered where a serious re-enactor would purchase his gear and how much would be invested. Thank you

 

[Phil McBride]

Some great suggestions.

BTW, I read Whittled Away again over the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Excellent novel !

Thank You, Sir. You made my day. I can't imagine a higher compliment than someone reading my novel twice. Hope you'll give Tangled Honor a try, as well. The main character is a company captain in the 5th Texas.

 

[Ferris41st]

I live in Texas. If my house burned down tonight and I had to re-outfit myself as an Army of Tennessee Reb reenactor, here's what I'd buy.

These items and choices of vendors reflect my 18 years experience in outfitting myself and 2 sons. I believe in putting a top quality hat on my head and the best brogans available on my feet. After that, it's value shopping balancing quality and price.


Hat: Clear Water – Beehive- dark brown 130

Jacket: Ben and Beth Tart – Civilian Sack Coat – gray or brown jean wool 156

Trousers: Ben and Beth Tart – Mule Ear gray or brown jean wool 115

Shirt: Pick one off a rack at James Country Sutler or most any sutler 40

Suspenders: Missouri Boot and Shoe - Striped Ticking 30

Socks: 2 pair tightly knit Wool w/ thin undersocks –Cabela's 30

Shoes: Missouri Boot and Shoe Co -Sewn sole US brogans black w/heel plate 211

Accouterment : Missouri Boot and Shoe Co.- Dalton GA Depot set:

roller buckle russet belt, bayonet scabbard, cap box & cartridge box: 305

Canteen: Blockade RunnerUS Smooth side stainless steel w/ jean wool cover: 50

Haversack: Blockade Runner. - White canvas 18

Musket: Blockade Runner – Armi Sport 1842 Smoothbore 69 cal. 840

Bayonet: Blockade Runner – Armi Sport 1842 bayonet 50

Gum Blanket: Blockade Runner 50

Wool Blanket: Blockade Runner 50

Tin Boiler with hinged lid and wire handle: Blockade Runner 30

Tin Cup: Blockade Runner 12

Fry Pan: Blockade Runner- Pressed Steel small: 10

Poke Sacks: 3 to fit in haversack – Any sutler at an event 15

Handkerchief: --Any sutler at an event 4

TOTAL 2113

Only Four main sources: Clear Water for the hat; B & B Tart for jeanwool garments and the civilian sack coat is the choice both for cost, it's generic nature, and how many are seen in the photos of Reb POWs; Missouri Boot & Shoe for high quality leathers and shoes at a fair price; Blockade Runner for musket, and camping gear, for the prices. All are Southern companies from four different states. All are vendors I've used

What do you think?.

Thanks a bunch! I'm looking to get a kit arranged this is a big help!

 

[Patrick H]

Now, Phil, I'm not questioning your list. I couldn't do that if my life depending on it. But, WOW.... please don't even contemplate your house burning down. Think of it in another way like: "If I had to start all over..." or whatever. Don't take us to a mental image of you house burning down. Man, even if that doesn't freak you out, it CERTAINLY freaks me out!!!

 

[Private Watkins]

Someone once asked if my house was burning, and I could grab just one thing to save, what would it be...? My mind went to some family heirlooms, then to some old rare books handed down from my father, then to some cherished Civil War relics... and at last I concluded that if all of my family and loved ones were safe from harm, including our pets, then every thing else could just burn... end of story.

 

[Craig L Barry]

What Phil is basically saying is if he had to do all over again, here is what he would get. I think my comrade in arms Phil McBride is a lot fonder of Blockade Runner products than he should be. Essentially Phil, you are saying if you had it do all over again you would load up on garden variety mainstream foreign made **** from BRI? And a stainless steel canteen at that? Say it ain't so! Some of their stuff is adequate but you can do better for at or near the same price. Here are some of my choices, same house burned down scenario, Western Theater Federal:

Hat: US 1858 Infantry dress hat Tim Bender $125

Jacket: Regqtm N Sekela Economy Lined Sack Coat – $115

Trousers: you pick 'em $100

Shirt: Ross Lamoreaux custom civilian $100, or the Sekela from Regqtm at $60

Suspenders: N Sekela- Striped Ticking braces $40

Socks: 2 pair tightly knit Wool $30

Shoes: Regqtm Sekela bootees $199

Accouterment : Regqtm Duvall US set $350

Canteen: Regqtm US Smooth side stainless steel w/ jean wool cover by A. Ulrich: $49

Haversack: you pick 'em Regqtm $18-25

Musket: Cabela's– Pedersoli 1853 Enfield three band $750

Bayonet: original (ebay) $60

Gum Blanket: Regqtm $80

Tin Cup with wire handle : Regqtm Village Tinsmith or A Ulrich $15

Fry Pan: Regqtm forged iron $39

Poke Sacks: 3 to fit in haversack – Any sutler at an event $ 15



TOTAL $ 2052

In other words if I were doing it all over again, I'd avail myself of the gear currently available in Regqtm's campaigner section over anything made or sold by anybody, except as noted. A lot of it is from Sekela and frankly, if Sekela makes it that's probably the best version of that item you can get. One exception though, the current Cabela's $750 sale price on the Pedersoli 3 band Enfield w free shipping is the steal of the century. And Phil...seriously, a stainless steel canteen? The Metallica song "Unforgiven" comes immediately to mind.

 

[Ferris41st]

I'm only seeing a "two band"?

 

[MaryDee]

Learn to sew and you can save a bundle! $3 or less for fabric for 3 poke sacks, just straight flat sewing. Underdrawers (not mentioned)--nobody will see your crooked seams. Shirt for about $25 including pattern--be sure to use handmade buttonholes. The sack coat and trousers might be too advanced for the beginner, but there are instructions available online. If you want to try, sew a mockup in cheap muslin and get help fitting it properly before doing anything with the wool fabric.

Unfortunately the wonderful Village Tinsmith is out of business, as I found out recently when I wanted to order an item for a gift. Does anyone know of a comparable crafstman/vendor?

 

[Craig L Barry]

I'm only seeing a "two band"?

They sold out! I'm telling you it was a great sale. I picked up another one. Watts is doing it as an early contract Barnett for me. They are $950 from Dixie Gun Works...and worth that. $750? We'll be telling our grandchildren about that bargain.

 

[Craig L Barry]

Learn to sew and you can save a bundle! $3 or less for fabric for 3 poke sacks, just straight flat sewing. Underdrawers (not mentioned)--nobody will see your crooked seams. Shirt for about $25 including pattern--be sure to use handmade buttonholes. The sack coat and trousers might be too advanced for the beginner, but there are instructions available online. If you want to try, sew a mockup in cheap muslin and get help fitting it properly before doing anything with the wool fabric.

Unfortunately the wonderful Village Tinsmith is out of business, as I found out recently when I wanted to order an item for a gift. Does anyone know of a comparable crafstman/vendor?

Axel Ulrich tinware. See the Regqtm website. I recently picked up his Cincinnati Depot canteen. I have had others he made as well. Strongly recommended tinware, none of your stainless steel ****.

 

[kepi]

I live in Texas. If my house burned down tonight and I had to re-outfit myself as an Army of Tennessee Reb reenactor, here's what I'd buy.

These items and choices of vendors reflect my 18 years experience in outfitting myself and 2 sons. I believe in putting a top quality hat on my head and the best brogans available on my feet. After that, it's value shopping balancing quality and price.


Hat: Clear Water – Beehive- dark brown 130

Jacket: Ben and Beth Tart – Civilian Sack Coat – gray or brown jean wool 156

Trousers: Ben and Beth Tart – Mule Ear gray or brown jean wool 115

Shirt: Pick one off a rack at James Country Sutler or most any sutler 40

Suspenders: Missouri Boot and Shoe - Striped Ticking 30

Socks: 2 pair tightly knit Wool w/ thin undersocks –Cabela's 30

Shoes: Missouri Boot and Shoe Co -Sewn sole US brogans black w/heel plate 211

Accouterment : Missouri Boot and Shoe Co.- Dalton GA Depot set:

roller buckle russet belt, bayonet scabbard, cap box & cartridge box: 305

Canteen: Blockade RunnerUS Smooth side stainless steel w/ jean wool cover: 50

Haversack: Blockade Runner. - White canvas 18

Musket: Blockade Runner – Armi Sport 1842 Smoothbore 69 cal. 840

Bayonet: Blockade Runner – Armi Sport 1842 bayonet 50

Gum Blanket: Blockade Runner 50

Wool Blanket: Blockade Runner 50

Tin Boiler with hinged lid and wire handle: Blockade Runner 30

Tin Cup: Blockade Runner 12

Fry Pan: Blockade Runner- Pressed Steel small: 10

Poke Sacks: 3 to fit in haversack – Any sutler at an event 15

Handkerchief: --Any sutler at an event 4

TOTAL 2113

Only Four main sources: Clear Water for the hat; B & B Tart for jeanwool garments and the civilian sack coat is the choice both for cost, it's generic nature, and how many are seen in the photos of Reb POWs; Missouri Boot & Shoe for high quality leathers and shoes at a fair price; Blockade Runner for musket, and camping gear, for the prices. All are Southern companies from four different states. All are vendors I've used

What do you think?.

Is this late war?

Ya know, I'm impress people could carry so much stuff on a 30 mile hike and still fight.

 

[Dave Hull]

As Marydee stated earlier, if you or someone you know can sew, you can dramatically drop the cost. Wambaugh White Federal kits for sack and trousers; bought the sack kit from them for $105 got the trouser kit off someone who never started the project for $50. First rate museum grade trouser and coat $155, plus extra duties around the house for the wife for a month. I believe doing both projects took my wife about a month to hand sew.
Confederate, even easier. Blanks from Ben Tart. Jacket and trouser blanks $195 total, set of buttons $25. Took my wife about two days to sew on the buttons, top stitch and button hole both the trousers and jacket.

I noticed no vest for either house burning redo. Lots of patterns out there. I picked up a Laughing Moon's combo pattern which contain three different patterns. The patterns are a bit more pricey than others, but according to my wife, hands down better for banging out a vest.

Shirts, same thing, you can get the pattern anywhere from $10-25 and the fabric is fairly cheap. Same with drawers. One hint, pre wash your cotton cloth before sewing, seems to shrink at least a size to a size and a half. Wambaugh White sells a bolt of Canton Flannel for cheap, do not recall what my wife paid, but the set of drawers she made from the stuff barely put a dent in the bolt and they are a must have for cool or cold weather. She used a Gala Rock pattern, which she cussed up one side and down the other and ended up totally redoing the crotch. I would not recommend Gala Rock's drawers pattern.

Tin stuff, Axel Ulrich, great stuff competitively priced. Canteen, cup, jeans cloth cover and WW sling $65.

Leathers, used, from any number of forums $50

Musket check out Gun Broker auctions. My 42 and 55 cost me $1050 for both, each was at least 30 years old, new in unfired, still in the box condition.

Cap or Kepi, Greg Starbuck or Russel Osmainski $75-125 depending on the level of detail materials etc.

Brogans- My first pair of brogans were from Blockade Runner $70. Great peg soled brogans, but heavy. They have worn like iron still look brand new, but I had them resoled with double soles. My second set of brogan come from Nick Sekela, the double soled Laphams about $200. Both brogans weigh half of one one of my BR brogans. Very supple soft leather, light on the feet and excellent support. No foot fatigue after marching five miles without insoles.

Total for both Federal and Confederate kits do it yourself, forum used buys and a few quality buys (includes two muskets and the Lapham brogans) $2035. Better quality shirts from quality bolts of cloth add another $100-200 (includes silk or polished cotton for upgrades to the vest/jacket.

I left off blankets and cookware. Blankets from ebay from mid to late 19th century $50-75 each. Dog tent shelter halves $50-75 for the pair used. Ground cloth from boutique sutlers $45 and a fry pan picked up from the Button Baron at an event $15.

So throw in another $285

Total Kit Fed/Confederate soup to nuts $2,520 all top end quality stuff, assuming you know a good seamstress.

 

[thomas aagaard]

Canteen: Regqtm US Smooth side stainless steel w/ jean wool cover by A. Ulrich: $49

With your other commends I think this need to be edited...


But this is a great list. I have been following the sales section on the authentic campaigner website... but even with some of the good deals there are from time to time, I currently don't have the money to buy new gear.
(with shipment to Europe and VAT even good deals cost a lot of money)

 

[Bonny Blue Flag]

Phil, I spent my childhood summers on my grandparent's farm in Vernon, Wichita Falls is my home town.

--BBF

 

[Craig L Barry]

With your other commends I think this need to be edited...


But this is a great list. I have been following the sales section on the authentic campaigner website... but even with some of the good deals there are from time to time, I currently don't have the money to buy new gear.
(with shipment to Europe and VAT even good deals cost a lot of money)

Yeah, the Axel Ullrich canteens are tin. Definitely not stainless steel.

 

[Legion Para]

I have been following the sales section on the authentic campaigner website... but even with some of the good deals there are from time to time, I currently don't have the money to buy new gear.
(with shipment to Europe and VAT even good deals cost a lot of money)

Putting together an impression isn't cheap and it takes time.

I strongly recommend using the secondary market. Some amazing museum grade items can be had for reasonable prices.