Re-enacting

bucktailre-enactor · First Sergeant Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 24

I am new to re-enacting and would like to know some of the basic things. If there any re-enactors out there who could give me just a little bit of information. Anything will help.
Thanks.

N.W.15thAR · Captain Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 167

There really isnt any kinda set guidlines, its mostly just what one guy tells the new guy not to do mostly. But find a group and learn everything you can about the area and group you are reenacting with. General knolege is not enough. Then listen to what the other guys in the group tell you, for the most part they know what they are talking about. The worst thing you can do is buy things without knowing what you need. Ask someone in your group what you will need.

Pvt. Gale
N.W. 15th Arkansas

bucktailre-enactor · First Sergeant Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 24

thanks

Savez · First Sergeant Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 25

GeoMcClellan · Sergeant Major Joined: 22 Apr 2006 Posts: 71

The key is stay authentic. Initial costs for everything will be even more astounding than they already are but then the items will last you longer and you don't have to replace any "farby" (inauthentic) items. Here's a list of some vendors to get you started:

www.cjdaley.com Finest of them all in my opinion, a winning personality
www.skilletlicker.com General vendor
www.cornerclothiers.com (braces, wallet, vest, or civi.)
www.benderhats.com For dress hat or civilian hats
www.missouribootandshoe.com Knapsacks, shoes, &c.
www.haversackdepot.com For shelter halves and haversacks
www.wwandcompany.com For everything they have! Very Happy

And here are key points to remember
-Buttonholes, FOR THE MOST PART, are to be handsewn
-If you can't use something or carry it for ten miles and you have it packed right; get rid of it
-Schuykill *beep* = handsewn
-JT Martin = machine sewn body, handsewn buttonholes and details

Does it all matter? It should. To some folks it doesn't but then when you have a fello who put down the bucks and is now decked out in items comparible to items in museums next to the fello who was fiscally wise but has items of a cheap, modern quality then you'll know whats what. Spend a bit more money and learn a bit more and you'll look like a Civil War soldier. Listen to the old guy under the tent fly in the wooden chair with the machine sewn clothes and the Gatorade under a hanky and you'll look like a re-enactor. Furhtermore another bit of money but worth it is $60 for an exact replica copy of the three volume book Casey's Infantry Tactics. That is if you're doing Union. Casye's is one of the more adhered to books of tactics and if you read it and try to emulate it then you'll do well. I'm saying a bunch of stuff at once, sorry, I do that.

THE KEY: If you can afford it then don't get it. Laughing

www.authentic-campaigner.com Don't goof around on that site, they're all prudes; but nevertheless, great place to just sit and read.

csaharty · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:01 pm Post subject:

I agee with Little Mac...try to get the best you can to start. Borrow at first. Then start on your kit. I wouldn't skimp on your hat. Even if you have other good gear, you'll look dumb with a cheaper hat.

But don't go hog wild to start either. Build up to it. Don't let a tight budget keep you out of the hobby. There is a lot of value to you to get in with best possible cost. If you can borrow a firearm from someone in the group for the first year, then you can start off with a good kit. Infantry is the easiest cost to get into. I don't know about artillery. You might be able to start with less moola there.

Im cavalry now, which is outstanding. But the price is pretty high if you buy all your gear.

As for stiches, if someone is that close to realize that your buttonholes are handstitched, I'd tell that stitch nazi to back off before you stick a needle up his nose! Seriously, most folks are hopefully there to learn from your efforts. You might even inspire them to get more into their American histroy and even family history. I know it did for me!

Nav931 · Sergeant Joined: 19 Jul 2008 Posts: 10 Location: Virginia

Can anyone help me to find a Civil War Reenactmet unit in the Hampton Road Virginia area. I have looked at so many web site but not all of them put what part of Virginia they are in. Thanks

Nav931 · Sergeant Joined: 19 Jul 2008 Posts: 10 Location: Virginia

Can anyone help me to find a Civil War Reenactmet unit in the Hampton Road Virginia area. I have looked at so many web site but not all of them put what part of Virginia they are in. Thanks