Starting A Reenactor Career

[millerpsc]

In 1863 the 15th were carrying French Rifle Muskets in .58. They were actually well liked by the men and the US Army referred to them as 1st rate arms every bit the equal to the P53 & Austrian Lorenz. In several cases Illinois Regiments who had been carrying French Rifle Muskets like the Carbine a tige & M1859 refusing P53's when offered them and only trading them for M1861 series arms when offered.

I have a book somewhere on the 15th but can't lay my hands on it right now. Wisconsin wasn't real interested in spending any money on their volunteer & later National Guard units after the war. When WW1 rolled around large numbers of Lorenz Rifle muskets and a good number of French arms as well were still on the inventory of the Wisconsin National Guard.

I'm hoping those national guard units weren't sent to the trenches with muskets!

 

[johan_steele]

I'm hoping those national guard units weren't sent to the trenches with muskets!

No, none of those left Wisconsin. But Marines upon their arrival in France were issued hardtack that had been boxed up in 1865.

 

[millerpsc]

No, none of those left Wisconsin. But Marines upon their arrival in France were issued hardtack that had been boxed up in 1865.

Hope they liked weevil flavor

 

[Camp Randall Armory]

Don't buy anything without joining a group first. That M1863 might be just fine for a generic mainstream confederate unit, but if you join a unit trying to earnestly portray an early war NC unit, it just won't do and you'll be wasting money. I would put an average price to be completely equipped and self sufficient at $1500. However, any unit worth its salt has plenty of loaner gear.

 

[millerpsc]

Don't buy anything without joining a group first. That M1863 might be just fine for a generic mainstream confederate unit, but if you join a unit trying to earnestly portray an early war NC unit, it just won't do and you'll be wasting money. I would put an average price to be completely equipped and self sufficient at $1500. However, any unit worth its salt has plenty of loaner gear.

Thanks bud i don't want to look like a half assed reenactor so I'll go for the right equipment

 

[photoman475]

johan_steele:

Yes, I'm on Facebook and will look at the file before the night is over. Are you with the 4th Minnesota Infantry?

 

[johan_steele]

johan_steele:

Yes, I'm on Facebook and will look at the file before the night is over. Are you with the 4th Minnesota Infantry?

I am the 4th MN VI, as far as I know I am the only person doing a portrayal of the 4th. I do 3rd Sgt D Cos 4th MN or a Private in same Regt. as need arises.

You have some outstanding people w/ the 5th MN Den Bolda is a really great guy.

You will see me as Shane Christen on Facebook.

 

[johan_steele]

A few threads that may be of interest to the OP.

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/original-acw-arms.75615/

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/acw-gear-photos.73203/

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/the-gear-they-carried.114710/

 

[Legion Para]

There is more to an impression than a uniform, accoutrements and a weapon. The following book will teach you a great deal about being a Civil War Union soldier.

The Columbia Rifles Research Compendium

The CRRC is long out of print and you can read more about it here.

http://home.earthlink.net/~turnerbrigade/bcorn8.htm

 

[jgoodguy]

Lots of good technical advice. However spend time with a company and see how you fit in. Some groups are more professional that others, there is main stream vs hard core and in between. Then there is some groups where political drama is as important than the actually reenacting.

 

[RebYell64]

Lots of good technical advice. However spend time with a company and see how you fit in. Some groups are more professional that others, there is main stream vs hard core and in between. Then there is some groups where political drama is as important than the actually reenacting.

My thoughts exactly. I was lucky enough to join a great unit that lays low on the politics....but we maintain a serious, and realistic impression. But everyone has their own taste....it's best to find a unit you feel comfortable with and spend some time with them. See what gear you may be able to borrow, and then try a couple of events. If you like how it's done there, then go ahead and and start investing in your own gear.

It's a fun hobby and we (the hobby) are always looking for new recruits.

 

[photoman475]

Shane:

Sent you a friend request on Facebook. Den and I work well together, we just did a presentation at Fargo South HS last week.

Alan