Multiple questions

[Dullknife]

Hello,

If someone wants to get involved in a more civilian role but doesn't have a ton of money or sewing skill, is there a sutler with passable stuff out there who won't impoverish me?

I am looking for shirt, bracers, trousers, shoes....possibly a set of period eyeglasses too.( I have a top hat...which might not work)

I like the idea of being a home guard member, or maybe someone just doing daily activities like fishing, hunting, etc. I also like the idea of being some sort of intelligence gatherer....

Second,
I don't get out there much right now but are Civil War reenactors kinda on the older side these days?

Third,

Are there any reference books out there that show things like cook gear, knives, hatchets,( I have a decent forged tomahawk)blankets, fire starting kit.

Lastly,

Probably the weirdest question. Are there any accounts of people using slings in combat? ( as in the type David used to take out Goliath)


Thank you,
John




Second,

 

[SethJ]

First,
Blockade runner is a decent sutler. Plenty of USA made and import reenactment clothes, including civilian wear. I'll be honest and say I don't know how good the fabric is as far as weight, breathability, and authenticity. But, it is in the Sutler row category. Another is C&C, but I'm pretty sure blockade runner is your best bet.

If you're looking for authentic, but cheap(er) hats, I recommend checking out Russell on his Facebook group "Caps and Kepis" if you're looking for something like a forage cap or Kepi. If your looking for a felt or straw hat or any kind, I recommend watching "Campaigner Quality Trade Blanket" on Facebook. Plenty of people sell old gear on there. plenty of nice hats on there occasionally to.

My reproduction glasses came from a company called townshends. They have a nice pair of 19th century glasses. Not a bad price.
(Link here)

Second,
At my first reenactment there was plenty of older folks, as well as young folks. An they had no problem marching into battle or sitting in camp side by side with eachother.

Third,
I am no expert here, but I've got a collectors book which I have seen a few things that are helpful.
My book is "Civil War Collectors Encyclopedia" by Francis A Lord. Camp tools, hatchets, axes, etc.
Once you know what you want/need, if your looking for cheaper stuff, I'm sure Dixiegunworks will have you covered. Make sure you got your research down though.

Don't just take my word for it. Others here will have plenty more advice.. probably better than mine.

 

[Rusk County Avengers]

I would second Blockade Runner on a "don't break the budget sutler, however I will say the fabric they use is not breathable or entirely accurate from an authenticity standpoint and off. But it is top quality in comparison to many others, and they many goodies very usable for any impression. Also very good people. On another note though, if memory serves all the citizen/civilian stuff is black only, but some of their army stuff would be good for citizen impressions. Specifically CS jean cloth, "mule ear" trousers. The CSA did basically use civilian patterns for trousers.

If I were to suggest a similar sutler, The Sutler of Fort Scott would be a great choice.

But for top of the line, excellent in all regards authentic sutlers, I would highly recommend South Union Mills. They are the standard on civilian items.

 

[Dullknife]

Thank you.

 

[SethJ]

Paging @RedRover about the last one. They seem to have the most as far as original accounts.

Lastly,

Probably the weirdest question. Are there any accounts of people using slings in combat? ( as in the type David used to take out Goliath)

 

[RedRover]

Paging @RedRover about the last one. They seem to have the most as far as original accounts.

Regarding sling-shots. A Massachusetts soldier was struck in the head and robbed in New York City with one. About all that comes up on a news search.

 

[Dullknife]

So a sling or a Dennis the Menace sling shot?

 

[captaindrew]

If you're going to do civilian do civilian, I'd stay away from questionable things like slingshots. I'll also second Blockade Runner for an affordable place to shop. A step up but not as expensive as some of the high end vendors is South Union Mills. They have a bunch of civilian products. Age depends on which events you attend. The local mainstream events in New England is an older crowd although we do have a few young guys in our group. The young guys are into the hard core campaigner type events, you'll find a much younger crowd there. WWI and WWII reenacting is getting popular with the younger crowd as well, I've lost a few good young guys to a more modern war unfortunately. That didn't exist when I started reenacting, it was either Rev War or CW. Now there's reenactors doing everything, even Vietnam. Makes the tough job of recruiting even harder.

 

[OhioBlue16]

I seconded south union mills. Great people, good products made with the correct materials. Also since an amish seamstress does a majority of their sewing, i find their garments hold up a lot better than some other sutlers.