Forming a Uniform

[MilitantMonkey]

So for the past 6 months, I have been doing plenty of genealogical research on my family (both my mom and dad's sides). Upon researching, I find all this history leading multiple people into fighting for the South during the Civil War. Through finding this out, I have become greatly interested in joining the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Along with joining, I would also like to get into reenacting. However, the big problem is that I don't have a uniform, nor do I really know where to start. So comes down to the big question; what would be the best way to start forming up my own uniform? I understand that it gets pretty expensive, I've heard somewhere in the $300 ballpark. I really need some opinions and tips on forming up a uniform. Such as, can I use recycled clothes but modify them a bit. Keep in mind this is a Confederate uniform I'm trying to make. Making a late-war uniform wouldn't be so hard, right? Right? Any tips would be great!

Thanks Guys! :)

P.S, I would love to talk to some guys who are in the SCV or at least have an ancestor(s) who fought during the Civil War!

[Rithal]

Well, I have never done any reenacting, but I know a little about this kind of stuff. Everything really depends on what unit you want to be in and what you will be doing in that unit. Assuming you will just be an average soldier, you should start with joining a unit. Most units usually have some spare starter gear for new people. Check with your unit that you want to join and see what kind of uniforms and gear they shoot for. From my knowledge, reenacting is more around the $800 range. You need your uniform, your musket, cartridges, a bunch of leather items (such as cap box, cartridge box ect.). The rest is up to you. Some go all the way and get period under clothing, make their own items for their knapsack, and even use Lye soap and bathe in creeks. It all depends on how farby you want to be. (Farby being the term that reenactors use for non-period items or clothing. For example, wearing a cotton shell jacket if historically it was wool) I would recommend getting on you tube and searching for videos that show reenactors showcasing their gear. They usually give some good websites to buy authentic uniforms and gear. http://www.fcsutler.com/ That is one of the many online stores that sell civil war reenacting gear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BRCMsT7fj0 Refer to that video for more info. Hope this helps .

[PvtPalmer11pvi]

I signed up on the forum just for you my friend. I am a Reenactor with the 11th Pennsylvania (Which is an amazing regiment to learn about I actually had ancestors who fought in this unit) The first thing you need to do is find a unit to fall in with as many units have their own standards regarding Uniforms, accoutrements, Weapons, Etc... Many unit websites will give you a list of recommended gear that you will need to purchase..Depending on what type of unit you join as in Campaigner type units ( these guys are as hardcore and as real as it gets and strive for 100% authenticity down to the stitching on your clothes) and Mainstream or Progressive type units ( Those who dont hold extremely high and expensive standards) Also if you decide to join what I call a specialty type unit such as Zouves or sharpshooters or any other unit with crazy looking garb. You first need to find your unit to begin former your impression of a soldier. There are many sutlers which vary in quality and price but remember you get what you pay for. For example a simple sack coat could cost you between $50 - $400 but it depends on your unit and how deep you want to immerse yourself into the persona of a soldier. Here are a few websites to help you browse around for equipment www.fcsutler.com www.regtqm.com www.blockaderunner.com www.njsekela.com Im assuming you want to be a Johnny so you could look into www.1stdivisionanv.com or www.usvolunteers.org if you want to be a yank and if you cant find a unit to join on one of these 2 sites google will be your best friend the ANV site should be able to help you find a unit close to you. i wish you luck and i hope to see you on the battlefield some day..If you have any questions at all please feel free to contact me I will be happy to help in any way I can....after all reenactors gotta stick together

[GeorgeCrecy]

Well, I was going to post, but it seems I was beat right to the point! However, I think I will still yet add a few things of my own.
I first joined a reenacting unit in my native Oregon back in October of 2006, and have never had a regret since. Reenacting has been a gateway to seeking my life-long career, and is more fun than any other sort of hobby that I can think of, at least for us freaks of history.
As for what to expect, I would first also suggest, as PvtPalmer has, that you look into units in your respective area. You especially want to look for a unit that does not ask you to come to your first event with everything you need in hand. While you might enjoy history, and want to continue the legacy of your ancestor, you don't want to shell out the big bucks only to find that reenacting isn't your thing. So, look for a group that has loaner gear/rental gear for you to try your first few events with, just to see if you enjoy it in the first place.
Secondly, as for the price, this is where it can get steep, as you expect. It would be INCREDIBLE if reenacting only cost 300 dollars. However, between everything and with heavy dependence on the extent of your unit's standards and requirements, you can be looking at the following in terms of price which is aggregating all your possible basics:

Artillery: $1000
Infantry: $1500
Cavalry: $2500+
For your uniform, you are looking at a good $300 dollars for your uniform alone, possibly including the leathers. Brogans or boots can cost between $55 and $120 on the low end of their respective spectrum. If you are a footslogger like myself, a rifle will cost you about $600-$1000 depending on what you get, while for a Cavalryman you can be more looking in the range of $1500 for your average Sharps. A revolver of the period usually cost about $250 each, sometimes with a few addons, and goodness forbid if you are looking for a sword for your impression! :) And as for why there is a plus sign on the cavalry cost, we like to say that it is not the saddle that will bankrupt you, but the ranch will.
There are other things to think about as well when you are wanting to do our crazy little hobby, but one little caveat is to always check with someone in your unit prior to buying something, especially as a fresh fish. The wide world of historical gear can be hard to navigate, or know what is correct and what is not, so always ALWAYS check beforehand. (And preferably in one phone call. People don't like to be hounded. :p )
As for sutlers - which is the reenactor's term for the merchandisers who swindle our money in exchange for our goods - your unit will most likely have a prescribed set, usually in the "Links" section of their website. Believe it or not, there is certainly a thriving economy of anachronistic wallet-bushwackers that we, their humble patrons, love to peruse.
I wish you luck on your journey, and if you indeed join our stolid, sweaty, itchy, smelly, rough-and-tumble, glorious ranks, then I am assured that many years of joyful happiness will await you!

[PvtPalmer11pvi]

George you really hit the nail on the head with that! Also a pleasure to meet fellow reenactors. I would also like to add that many sutlers offer starter kits for newbies to get into the hobby and I dont like to bash on business but alot of the stuff is low grade but some is surprisingly passable and will last you a long time. I'll give you an example of recomended gear as an Infantry soldier in my unit Clothing. (I added prices from Blockade Runner to help you out a little.)

• Forage cap $29.95
• Federal sack coat $59.00
• One (1) pair of sky blue wool pants $74.95
• One (1) cotton shirt $24.95
• Two (2) pairs of wool socks - gray $9.95
• One (1) pair of Brogans (period shoes) $79.95
• One (1) pair of suspenders $14.95

Accouterments

• Cartridge box $49.95
• Cartridge box sling $18.95
• Waist belt $9.95
• Cap box $14.95
• Bayonet scabbard $19.95

Weapons

• Three-banded rifle-musket (Springfield or Enfield .58 or .69 cal.) $719.95 ( For the Enfield its usually the cheapest)
• Bayonet (make sure it fits your musket) $39.95

Other

• Tarred haversack $23.95
• Tin cup $6.95
• Tin plate $7.95
• Eating utensils $11.95
• Canteen $39.95

Now this is a basic kit for an infantry soldier ( the unit you join may have different items listed). After you accommodate these items you can begin venturing into gum blankets, tents, gloves, pipes, and hardtack :P
Also keep in mind that you can order from a variety of places and also if your on facebook there are lots of groups for buying selling and trading stuff! Alot of people getting out of the hobby will sell there whole kits for well under $1000 and dont worry no one gets all their stuff before their first event (unless you got butt loads of money) It took me the better part of 4 years to finish getting the basics. If you decide to do Infantry your musket will be your biggest investment and following that your tent. Some members in your unit may even sell you some of their old gear.

You can even make your own clothing if you wish and your handy or know someone handy at sewing all you have to do is buy the fabric, buttons, and a pattern. Some stores will even carry the fabric you need so you wont have to order them. I know fro a fact that JoAnne Fabrics sells the wool and even sells cotton muslin.

I hope all this information will help you and like I said I will be more than glad to help you in anyway I can.

[Rithal]

On a side note, I must say that this is one of the friendliest communities I have seen in a long time.

[Sgt-Frede]

It's because the forum is hosted by Canadians. Every bad word will get filtered away and get replaced with a better word in the right context.
No it's not.

[Rithal]

But of course. That must be the reason. Anyways, I've never seen people on a forum assist eachother like we are. Very refreshing. Hope everyone on this thread has helped you out Monkey.

[MilitantMonkey]

Hey everyone, just want to say I really appreciate all the answers and responses! The unit I am looking to join does have an extra uniform so hopefully I can get that! As for a rifle, I am not exactly sure of, however I would imagine they would have one. And the big reason I said around $300 is because that is the only figure I heard, up to this point at least. :p I'm really glad to see that the community is very helpful and that there are numerous people in the shoes that I will be filling! And PvtPalmer, I'll take you up on that deal about talking to you if I have any questions, so keep an eye out!

Once again, thanks everyone!!

[PvtPalmer11pvi]

Glad to help and most units should have an extra rifle or two. When I bought my Enfield I bought it new from Gunbroker from a dealer for $599. You just have to shop around for the best prices. Be wary of the Indian Made muskets though. I know they are cheaper but they are very dangerous. I met a fella at the 150th Gettysburg who had an Indian Made 1854 Lorenz Rifle. The Barrel split straight down the center like a fish in the middle of battle. Thankfully he and no one around him wasnt hurt.


794

[GeorgeCrecy]

But of course. That must be the reason. Anyways, I've never seen people on a forum assist eachother like we are. Very refreshing. Hope everyone on this thread has helped you out Monkey.

What? An actually helpful forum? Full of NICE people? This plague must be ended at once! Call out the Hatred Brigade, on the double!!!

http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110626133453/icarly/images/7/7b/Memes-haters-gonna-hate-1.gif



Glad to help and most units should have an extra rifle or two. When I bought my Enfield I bought it new from Gunbroker from a dealer for $599. You just have to shop around for the best prices. Be wary of the Indian Made muskets though. I know they are cheaper but they are very dangerous. I met a fella at the 150th Gettysburg who had an Indian Made 1854 Lorenz Rifle. The Barrel split straight down the center like a fish in the middle of battle. Thankfully he and no one around him wasnt hurt.


794


Uh... they... that... it... that's just scary. How did he NOT get hurt from that?

[PvtPalmer11pvi]

I'm not sure. I suppose his hand was in the right place. These Indian made reproductions are made of cheap steel and the barrels are extremely thin. The company that makes them does not proof test their barrels because the sell them in the states as (wall hangers) with the nipples untapped and companies over here will drill out the nipples to make them fire. Some companies will offer a test fire before you purchase for an extra fee in which they will double load the rifle and fire it to see if it safe...Personally I dont recommend them even though they are cheaper. I always tell people to save up and buy a quality Italian made rifle from Armi-sport, Pederosoli, or a used Eruoarms (even though they went out of business) Indian made reproductions will run around $300 and Itailian's range from around $600-$1200. Of course sued rifles are always cheaper :)

[1SGT Shannon]

Well, I won't add a whole lot to the conversation. To do so would be to repeat the same great info that is already here. I'm a 28 year veteran re-enactor and fall somewhere between mainstream and campaigner. I like to try and be as authentic as possible in those elements that are visible, but I can no longer stand the heat so I try to be a comfortable as possible, even having to sit out events that are over 75-80F. I would like to direct you to the page for my portrayal, 15th SC Infantry, Co. C. I think you will find a great deal of help on the Uniform Info page. Most of the pics are linked to a source for their purchase. I save money by learning to sew and make my own uniforms, including the 76th PA "Keystone Zouaves" uniform that is my northern impression. http://15thsouthcarolina.weebly.com/
799

[Bravescot]

Why is it so easy (but expensive) to get a hold of all this equipment in the US, it's not fair. I'm struggling big time to locate somewhere that does Boar war and Zulu war equipment in the UK. There is nothing!

[PvtPalmer11pvi]

Why is it so easy (but expensive) to get a hold of all this equipment in the US, it's not fair. I'm struggling big time to locate somewhere that does Boar war and Zulu war equipment in the UK. There is nothing!

Well as far as I'm aware (I could be wrong) But I believe Reenacting in general started in the US during the 1960's with American Civil War reenactments. I'm sure I have heard stories of reenactors wearing denim and using BB guns during the first few years. Since then I think the market has gradually expanded with replicas. Also this may help you in your search or atleast I hope it does http://www.sutlers.co.uk/acatalog/ZULUSECT.html

[Bravescot]

Well as far as I'm aware (I could be wrong) But I believe Reenacting in general started in the US during the 1960's with American Civil War reenactments. I'm sure I have heard stories of reenactors wearing denim and using BB guns during the first few years. Since then I think the market has gradually expanded with replicas. Also this may help you in your search or atleast I hope it does http://www.sutlers.co.uk/acatalog/ZULUSECT.html

That is a site I have previously looked at and I think you for it. Sadly it lacks the British Pith helmet, khaki uniform and all the other things needed. Thank you though.

[PvtPalmer11pvi]

your welcome. I have seen Pith helmets on a few military surplus websites but the Khaki uniforms I haven't seen

[Bravescot]

I got in contact with the group I wish to join and my god it's going to be painful. £1000 plus for the uniforms (Zulu and boar war). Then the firearms license is £50. Then the weapons themselves are are £200 upwards for each, Martini Henry Rifle Mk.III, The Lee-Metford Mk.I and The Lee-Metford Mk.II. Words of wisdom. Do not reenact in the UK. The license is a pain to get and getting all gear takes forever.

[Devmc99]

Bravescot, you should just do Napoleonic era reenacting. It is most likely far more popular in the UK. Also, the equipment would be easier to find and probably on the cheaper side. But, any era anyone does in any country will be a painful process to get equipment :P

[GeorgeCrecy]

Hey Bravescot. You are right about the prices being painful, yes, and it is certainly true in any era that you might get into. However, I would reiterate what was said earlier in the thread in that you want to look for a group that has loaner gear available for your first few events, including extra weaponry. No group expects you to have everything all at once, and it is fully possible to space out the gear here and there if you aren't too impatient (like I am most times), so as to not make such a hard hit to the pocket book. I have been reenacting for eight years now, and I am still getting bits and pieces to add to my impression. Most of those now consisting of "I wanna's!" ;)

[Bravescot]

Devmc99 much as I'd love to do Napoleonic reenacting a black power licence and an explosives licence are harder to obtain then a regular firearms licence. Sadly as well the era doesn't quite hit my interest in the same was the 1800s does.

GeorgeCrecy, I rang up the group and to my amazement the man in charge had given me the wrong prices. You uniform is all free as one of the members makes it, the leather work is the same. The only expensive thing is the Pith helmet, bayonet and the weapons themselves. They do however ask people who want to join to come and give a couple of the weekends at try out to make sure it's what they want and they'll lend gear for that. The rifles themselves the group if they find good quality and not too expensive ones they'll buy then an you can pay a deposit on them every month or week until you've payed the full amount. Then you're the proud holder of said rifle.

[GeorgeCrecy]

That's brilliant Bravescot! That is exactly the kind of group you want to be part of, and you brought up a point that I forgot to include in my last post, about going to a few of the reenactments first and making sure that is what you want to do. So I suppose I must say now, welcome to the ranks, old chap!

[fishmicon]

George you really hit the nail on the head with that!


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[Mole]

I know what its like with reenacting killing the wallet. I joined a Zouave Unit 3 years ago and specialty uniforms are not cheap in anyway. I am happy with my uniform but man it was expensive.