Reenacting Gear

[Tennessee_Mountainman]

Greetings, I just got back from my first reenactment on Saturday. I was with the 27th MS at the Battle of Morning Sun. Since it wasn't well documented, we basically made our own scenarios. As it turns out, despite being outnumbered, we out maneuvered and won both phases, almost capturing the federal camp. However, there was a cease fire. I regret us not taking the camp, because later on I found out how much food the blue bellies had. Ham, eggs, veggies, everything! And our little camp had a ration of 2 pieces of meat and three crackers per man. Unbelievable! Overall, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I have never been so physically worn, as I'm typing, every muscle is sore from carrying all the gear and that heavy enfield. Even when ordered "arms port," my arms still get sore from holding that rifle. I'm definitely staying in the hobby, and plan to attend events till I die of age... So I had to borrow all the equipment for free since I had family connections, but I really need to buy my own equipment. I don't have a job yet, but I plan of getting one soon. When I do (it will probably be minimum wage) I plan to make reenacting gear (and maybe a car) my first priority. Do any of you "veterans" know good places or websites to get gear with the best cost/quality ration? Thanks, and I will post some pictures when I get back home.

 

[BillO]

Sounds to me like you need an employment agency more than you need us.

 

[Chattahooch33]

Reenacting, along with golf, drone flying, and gaming, is very expensive. Hobbies are always expensive.

With that being said, if your unit is worth their salt they should have loaner gear for you to use. The first three things you buy are brogans, a hat, and your drawers. When you have those there should be a uniform and couts to borrow. Many people rush out and buy a rifle but that should be the absolute last thing you buy.
Secondly, BUY QUALITY GEAR! Don't go to a reenactment and buy gear from a tent. Also, don't type in reenacting gear in google and start buying from sites. Buying quality gear will last longer, have a higher resale value, and you won't have to spend twice as money when you have to buy replacements for the crappy stuff.
Thirdly, but USED! It is cheaper and plentifully available.

Go to Missouri Boot and Shoe for your shoes: http://www.missouribootandshoe.com/confederate-military-brogans--shoes.html

Go to Tim Bender and get a Medium Crown Bowler in black or tan: http://www.benderhats.com/mediumcrownbowler.html

Somebody else can help with the drawers but make sure they are correct and have hand sewn buttonholes.

 

[Tennessee_Mountainman]

Reenacting, along with golf, drone flying, and gaming, is very expensive. Hobbies are always expensive.

With that being said, if your unit is worth their salt they should have loaner gear for you to use. The first three things you buy are brogans, a hat, and your drawers. When you have those there should be a uniform and couts to borrow. Many people rush out and buy a rifle but that should be the absolute last thing you buy.
Secondly, BUY QUALITY GEAR! Don't go to a reenactment and buy gear from a tent. Also, don't type in reenacting gear in google and start buying from sites. Buying quality gear will last longer, have a higher resale value, and you won't have to spend twice as money when you have to buy replacements for the crappy stuff.
Thirdly, but USED! It is cheaper and plentifully available.

Go to Missouri Boot and Shoe for your shoes: http://www.missouribootandshoe.com/confederate-military-brogans--shoes.html

Go to Tim Bender and get a Medium Crown Bowler in black or tan: http://www.benderhats.com/mediumcrownbowler.html

Somebody else can help with the drawers but make sure they are correct and have hand sewn buttonholes.

Thank you very much sir, this is exactly what I was looking for. Where should I get the drawers?

 

[Yankeedave]

Go back and explain your problem who drove you there. You didnt mentioned him but you mentioned needing a car.

 

[unicornforge]

When starting in reenacting and/or living history, there are two main categories of gathering information, finding a group and trying it out, and researching the potential areas of interest and potential roles. Some if not many groups have clothing and equipment that a prospective member can borrow to see if they like both the group and the activity. It is also important to get recommendations from a group on purchasing uniforms, clothing and equipment so that your clothing and equipment blends in with the group and does not stick out. It is not desirable to have already invested money on clothing and equipment only to find that you need to purchase all your clothing and equipment again from scratch because your purchases look odd when next to the equipment of the group. Research is also important to both military and civilian roles so that the person is familiar with the technology and role of the person that they are portraying.

Some books on the subject of reenacting/living history include:

The Civil War reenactor's blackpowder guide to the safe use, care and maintenance of replica period firearms Paperback – 1998
by David T. T Smith (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0966344308/?tag=civilwartalkc-20

Whatever Shall I Wear? A Guide to Assembling a Woman's Basic 18th C. Wardrobe Paperback – August 21, 2002
by Mara Riley (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0963815873/?tag=civilwartalkc-20

The Civil War Reenactors' Encyclopedia Hardcover – November 1, 2002
by William C. Davis (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1585745944/?tag=civilwartalkc-20



Civil War Woodworking: 17 Authentic Projects for Woodworkers and Reenactors Paperback – February 1, 2010
by A J Hamler (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1933502282/?tag=civilwartalkc-20

Civil War Blacksmithing: Constructing Cannon Wheels, Traveling Forge, Knives, and Other Projects and Information Paperback – December 24, 2010
by Mr. David Michael Einhorn (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1456364812/?tag=civilwartalkc-20

Seize the Day! A Guide to Wringing More Satisfaction from your Civil War Reenacting Experience [Kindle Edition]
Wm. J. Watson (Author), William J. Watson) (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LSSFUK/?tag=civilwartalkc-20

 

[Joshua Horn]

I've bought most of the gear I have off of Facebook. There's a number of groups out there, I've found the most at Civil War Reenactors Trade Blanket. If you keep an eye out there long enough you can find some good deals.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Do any of you "veterans" know good places or websites to get gear with the best cost/quality ration?

In addition to this forum on CivilWarTalk, you might find some helpful discussions on The Authentic Campaigner site.
http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/forum.php

I will post some pictures when I get back home.

I'm looking forward to your pictures.

 

[Camp Randall Armory]

Most important thing is to ask your unit for advice. They will guide you with how accurate your impression needs to be. If you find a "deal" on the internet, run it past a knowledgeable member before your buy.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

Before you buy anything, talk with members of the unit you intend to join. Hopefully, they will have enough knowledge to steer you toward authentic gear that your particular unit would have had. Buying a "starter" uniform (as some on-line sutlers have available rather cheaply) will serve no purpose other than to sell you cheaply made grey clothes. Talking to other unit members will get you pointed in the right direction as to which sutlers to buy from and which to avoid.....Also, when possible, buy quality used gear....it will be less expensive.
Good luck!

 

[Chattahooch33]

Most important thing is to ask your unit for advice. They will guide you with how accurate your impression needs to be. If you find a "deal" on the internet, run it past a knowledgeable member before your buy.

 

[Tennessee_Mountainman]

Wow, thanks so much for the feed back guys. I've still yet to get to my PC, and when I do I will check out those references.

 

[Tennessee_Mountainman]

Before you buy anything, talk with members of the unit you intend to join. Hopefully, they will have enough knowledge to steer you toward authentic gear that your particular unit would have had. Buying a "starter" uniform (as some on-line sutlers have available rather cheaply) will serve no purpose other than to sell you cheaply made grey clothes. Talking to other unit members will get you pointed in the right direction as to which sutlers to buy from and which to avoid.....Also, when possible, buy quality used gear....it will be less expensive.
Good luck!

Thanks bud. As far, as infantry foot wear goes, can I go ahead and get that?

 

[Chattahooch33]

Thanks bud. As far, as infantry foot wear goes, can I go ahead and get that?

Where is your unit based out of? Do they mostly portray eastern or western theater?

Missouri Boot & Shoe for brogans.

 

[Tennessee_Mountainman]

Where is your unit based out of? Do they mostly portray eastern or western theater?

Missouri Boot & Shoe for brogans.

Western.

 

[MaryDee]

I agree, ask your unit first, before buying anything. They will tell you their standards. They also should have some loaner gear and will know who is selling out. This is as true for civilian reenactors as for military.

Learning to sew is a skill that can save you lots of money. Start with the drawers! (BTW, if anyone asks to look at my underwear closely enough to examine the buttonholes, they'll get a poke in the nose! )

 

[Andersonh1]

The group I joined loaned me gear and uniforms for the first few outings, and once I joined up I got a list of required equipment. I've been buying a bit at a time, and if it's bad to buy stuff from the tents at a reenactment, I've been bad... but that's what I can afford. When I can choose between a $25 kepi and a $120 kepi, I'm sorry, I'm going for the former. I have bills to pay and a family to support, so the cheap stuff will have to do. Maybe in future I can upgrade.

I do agree: save the musket until last. It's probably the single most expensive piece of equipment.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

Thanks bud. As far, as infantry foot wear goes, can I go ahead and get that?

I would say yes.....get a decent pair of brogans!

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

I would go with Fugawee brogans. They're fairly inexpensive compared to some, but yet their price is also competitive with other makers.

 

[civilken]

good for you sounds like you guys had a lot of fun, it sounds like a nice weekend.