Need feedback on Allen's Laurel Hill Sutlery

[Michael Dec]

I have 4 guys in my unit that are looking to buy Columbus Depot jackets and CS mule ear trousers in jean wool cloth. I want to make sure they get them from a sutler that uses an authentic pattern, proper materials, and as a minimum, hand sewn buttonholes. I would prefer they have some hand top stitching, but at what these guys are willing to spend, I think that is probably cost prohibitive. They are willing to pay in the $110 - $120 range for the jackets and $90 - $100 range for the trousers. After a large amount of internet research and phone calls, Allen's Laurel Hill Sutlery (www.civilwarsutlery.com) seems to be a good match of price, hand sewn buttonholes, and looks. I guess we are looking for what would be classified as a "higher end" mainstream quality.

Without personally seeing thier garments, I would feel pretty bad telling my guys to get jackets and trousers from there and then being dissappointed.

I am looking for honest feedback on the quality and authenticity of jackets and trousers from Allen's Laurel Hill Sutlery. Please PM me with your honest first hand experiences with them. Do not post any negative comments. Honest opinions by PM only, if negative.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Any sutler that posts those jackets on their website as coming from the "Columbia Depot" and not Columbus...
And what is "gray jeans-like wool"?

[harley_davis]

Micheal,
Sent you PM.
Regards,

[Sarah Jane Meister]

Also am sending pm. . .

Sarah

[mnreb]

Hi.
I sent you a pm as well.
Regards,
Bill Feuchtenberger

[Busterbuttonboy]

I am going to Echo Ross's comments. Doesn't look like your best option. It might be worthwhile to have guys borrow until the enough funds are around to step up to a higher grade garment. Not only will it function better for you, but it will be more appropriate for the purposes of living history, but more than likely it will last you much longer. Only other comment is that at that price and with the description I am weary of the materials, worried you'll pay for something that will wear twice as fast then a quality garment.
Drew Gruber

[2RIV]

Here is a few more options:

Look on different forums for used items.

Look on sutler sites who sell consignment; I know Stony Brook has a huge consignment selection.

If you have enough guys, see if a better quality sutler will cut you a deal on multiple orders.

[Drygoods]

I just saw their site, now, would someone please pass the pebto bismal.:roll:

[Michael Dec]

I thank everyone for the input.