Is there ever nothing left to buy?

[Craig L Barry]

If there is such a time, I have not gotten there yet. Or is it realistic to expect to be finished? Perhaps part of the charm is in the steady accumulation of gear? Discuss amongst yourselves.

[Ephraim_Zook]

Two years ago I decided that I had everything I would ever need for my personal impression. Since then I acquired two pairs of used pants -- one for an NCO impression and one for an officer impression. That seems to be the end of getting any new stuff, except as it wears out. I just bought a new canteen since my old one started leaking like a sieve. Lordy knows I have enough stuff now that never goes to events. :-(

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

IMHO, depends....

It depends upon one's Mental Picture.

Meaning depending on where one is "at," and where one wants to "be," (And whether one can ultimately actually even get there.)

I have known lads whose Mental Pictures saw them doing the same thing on Day One as they were doing years later when they "left the hobby." So, what they bought to "get started" served them well until the the day they "quit."

For other lads not so much, because if there is "striving" for "improvement" in Material Culture, research and documentation moves forward getting closer to the Past and talented crafts-people step up to meet the demand for more "authentic" kit.

For example, in the early 1970's the wearing of anything "wool" was "hardcore" simply because it was wool regardless of its being made from Period raw materials to Period patterns and models using Period methods of construction or manufacture.

Or, what was considered the "ultimate" "hardcore" article of clothing or item of gear in say 1976 is not the same as that in 1986, which was not the same in 1996, which was not the same in 2006.

IMHO still...

IF one has that Mental Picture, eventually one could conceivably get to a point where everything they have is "interchangeable" with the Gold Standard of actual Civil War items.
BUT, it will never be 100% as somethings would cost too much to revive lost arts or antiquated and obsolete manufacturing processes. For example, IMHO, we will never see "iron" Enfield barrels as an option (use of "never" so noted but used anyways). Or perhaps, pickled tin plated sheet iron.

And last, there is always human psychology. "Familiarity breeds contempt."
Meaning, the samo-samo does get repetitive and boring for many lads, who having done the same things over and over, crave a New Frontier, or Brave New World- if not the greener grass over the septic tank elsewhere (another period for example, or another hobby).

Others' mileage will vary...

CHS
Heretic

[harley_davis]

If there is such a point to be achieved, I fear it may be accompanied by the ominus thump of dirt hitting my coffin lid. Too much stuff is like too much fun.........cant imagine it exists.

I remain, buried in stuff I may never use, respectfully,

[KeystoneGuard]

My fiance` wishes that time would soon arrive, but I'm afraid it will never come! Always something to "upgrade"!

[GaWildcat]

Nope!:D The wish list always grows around here, but then some of the stuff I want is going into production here at the house. Seems easier to make some of the stuff than order it.

[50th vice pres]

for me, yes, there is a point where enough is enough,(which I haven't quite reached yet) but for the wife, thats another story, always some new dress that she wants.....

[unionprivate]

Thats absurd!!! ;)

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

As long as there is fabric and needles, I'll never have enough. I'm mad, mad I say......

[Busterbuttonboy]

No. (I tried to just leave it at that but it says the message is to short- I think its to the point!)

[skamikaze]

Wife's Opinion: yes (you have too much already)

My Opinion: NO! (I need this, this, this and that... and one of those too)

[Pvt Schnapps]

As long as somewhere in the world -- in the back corner of a market stall in Ouagadougou, say, or the front case of an antique "emporium" in Exmore -- there remains even the most remote possibility of the existence of an original War Department gutta percha ruler, my search for more stuff will continue, and there is no telling what lesser treasures I may pick up en route to the Grail...

In other words, what Drew said.

[50th VA Corporal]

If I have one of something, it is because I needed it.

If I have two of something, it is because I believe I need a spare.

If I have more than that, it is because either: 1) I'm starting a collection of such, or 2) I got a deal on it, or 3) I'm an impulsive buyer, or 4) I am in the upgrading mood, or 5) it reflects my mental instability....

Jas. T. Lemon
50th VA Corporal

[tater]

What else am I supposed to spend my money on? Food? School? Girls?

Surely you jest!

[Pete K]

Just because it was "good" when you bought it, all of our experiences and lives change. What a poor college boy can afford and use is different than the 25 year old new employee. He can afford better, the forty year old dad can't buy thet new kepi due to his situation, etc... But sometimes it just is a cool item you sneak in under the wife's radar!

[Parault]

sometimes it just is a cool item you sneak in under the wife's radar!

" Where did you get that?" O, honey I've had that for a long time ;-) .

[harley_davis]

... But sometimes it just is a cool item you sneak in under the wife's radar!

If you can sneak something in UNDER your wife's radar, you are indeed, a very brave man!! That is one activity I try to avoid since I discovered years ago that it was ultimately cheaper to buy her something of approximate equal value right away. Since she is just as obsessed about this hobby as I am, we have no limiting partner in our relationship and thereby, enable each other in our mutual insanity. More expensive but a lot safer. She is a better shot than I am.

Also, I have learned that the term "I need a new one" to be fraught with danger whereas the term "I want a new one" can be turned around to your advantage when you attempt to remind her of the stack of shoes in her closet that she "wanted". Dangerous to be sure but marginal effective in the proper circumstances. Dont use my name however, since I will disavow all knowledge of said behavior.

Fearfully yours,

[Elaine Kessinger]

But sometimes it just is a cool item you sneak in under the wife's radar!
"Boys...you got some 'splainin' to do":cool:

:D

[PetePaolillo]

I think we are for the most part striving for something better when it comes to our impression. Upgrading with better gear or just varying the impressions is always on my list. If you want to limit yourself to say early war federal enlisted you have just limited the number of events you conceivably can or should go to. I for one wish there was an end in sight. I am at least $1500.00 in and I still only have a basic mid to late war federal impression for eastern or western theater. I don't see a light at the end of the tunnel yet when it comes to finishing my wish list in this hobby.:D

[Linda Trent]

As long as there is fabric and needles, I'll never have enough. I'm mad, mad I say......

ROTFLOL, Hank tries to make me a new dress or a new bonnet, and I resist. I hate getting new things (I really do). I figure if you buy right the first time there's an end in sight. :rolleyes:

Linda.

[harley_davis]

I am at least $1500.00 in ..........
Quit counting $$$. Seriously!!!!!!! You do NOT want to know!!!!

[tompritchett]

" Where did you get that?" O, honey I've had that for a long time .

It is only fair since they use the same trick on us all the time.

[biggumbo]

Quit counting $$$. Seriously!!!!!!! You do NOT want to know!!!!

If your unit is registered as a 501(3)C you can deduct a tidy sum of your year's purchases from your taxes as an endeavor for public education and services. Weapons, alas, not included, as they may have a modern usage.
Have found this also helps in easing the sticker shock of that new topstitched hand sewn frock coat when met with a condescending gaze and the unanswerable "Did you just get [I]another coat"?


Cheers...

[Guy Gane III]

Simply put.... NEVER!!!!

:p

[billwatson2]

If you work it right you're wearing stuff out all the time. :smile: Personally I'm glad when another pair of brogans bites the dust, it means I must have had a good time and been on the march and in some mud. My haversack just died. It had a good long run and probably was more bedraggled in the end than anything they'd have carried -- just throw it away and draw another when teh straps ripped loose instead of repairing them. Twice.

But here's a related question: When stuff wears out, do you ever throw it away? I finally chucked the brogans that were broken and split in 1994. And I did throw away the old barrel from my Enfield; threads were gone on the cone, afraid someone would get it in years to come and think it was fixable. Dangerous.

I have no idea why I'm keeping some of this sad-looking stuff, except that old cotton shirts do make excellent gun rags. The rest of it isn't even fit for a Sherman's March impression.

[Craig L Barry]

Old shirts do make great gun cleaning patches. I am like you, only I don't always wait for my bootees to wear completely out. I break-in a new pair slowly and keep the still serviceable older ones handy as back-ups.

[flattop32355]

The Stages of My CW Buying Experience:

Stage 1: I need to get this.
Stage 2: Oh, I might need this.
Stage 3: I want this.
Stage 4: Why the he!! did I buy this?
Stage 5: I need to replace/upgrade this.

It's always good to keep at least a few things around the house that you bought, but almost never have used in the field. That way, you can think of them when the "OOOOO, That is soooooooo cool!" button gets pushed while on sutler row, and just keep walking.

[Poor Private]

I find this topic interesting. My wife made my Vet. Reserve Corp jacket, she has sewn up shirts, vests, and other various items as I need them. MY current 2 pair of wool socks were knitted from wool right here on our farm. I knew the sheep, I even had some good meals from one of them. I buy very limited Items from vendors. About the only things I buy now are weapons. My pistols are many and varied from a Colt Paterson up to and through a Rogers & Spencer.
I do buy some disposable items from vendors such as candles, matches, powder and caps. My wife and I travel around Michigan and Indiana, we visit tons of antique stores, second hand shops, the good ole Amish country in both states, we occaisionally find that gem in our wonderings.
The only thing I specifically looking for is a good fitting confed kepi or forage cap. And that I will only buy upon inspection and fitting.

[TheQM]

But here's a related question: When stuff wears out, do you ever throw it away?

Bill W.

I've got five pairs of brogans in the garage. Two pair are wearable.

The other issue, are the uniform items that no longer fit. The one's I just know I'll be able to wear again some day!

[Willow Branch]

If there is such a time, I have not gotten there yet. Or is it realistic to expect to be finished? Perhaps part of the charm is in the steady accumulation of gear? Discuss amongst yourselves.

For me I'm not sure I could say there is nothing left to buy, but I am much more selective in what I purchase. When I buy additional items, I think about utility, authenticity, impression, value, etc.

I find myself looking at more and more items for a civilian impression and have been toying with the idea of doing more SASS events.

[KarinTimour]

Gentlemen:

Need some help with this one?

"But didn't you already have a [fill in uniform piece here]? What happened to it?"

I've got an answer for you.

I'm upgrading my laundress impression. You can help. In the past I've relied on the "kindness of strangers" for stuff to wash. I'll still do that if you've got things you want washed at an event. In the past this has meant that I've often got one shirt and one pair of drawers to wash.

But if I was a regimental laundress, and doing laundry for hundreds of men, I'd be hip deep in dirty clothes.

Blown out pants, dead socks, farby uniform pieces that you want to move out of your closet but don't want to see on someone's back, I'll take them all. Holes and rips don't matter as laundresses also did mending, so that is an added option for down time at an event. And that pair of farby pants will look unrecognizable once I've boiled them a time or two and scrubbed them to a fare-thee-well.

Anyone interested, send me an email at ktimour@aol.com and let's talk.

Sincerely,
Karin Timour
Period Knitting -- Socks, Sleeping Hats, Balaclavas
Atlantic Guard Soldier's Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

[Rachal]

If there is such a time, I have not gotten there yet. Or is it realistic to expect to be finished? Perhaps part of the charm is in the steady accumulation of gear? Discuss amongst yourselves.

I figure when my wife buys me that "Approved Vendor" pine box so she can chuck me into an authentic grave, I will stop buying gear. Until then, there is just so many new items coming out, how can I. I would feel bad, but when I meet people like Ross, I realize that my sickness is still relatively minor. :)

[Bill_Cross]

If there is such a time, I have not gotten there yet. Or is it realistic to expect to be finished? Perhaps part of the charm is in the steady accumulation of gear? Discuss amongst yourselves.
I'm there and on the other side, LOL!

It started when I sold the superb CD jacket Becky Nall had made me in honor of my ancestors in the 5th MO. I knew I was never going to have the time or money to go West and portray them, nor was it likely to attend the Kennesaw Mountain event where my gr-gr-uncle John Adams was killed.

Then I started looking around at other items I never had worn, but had in my kit "just in case."

But recently, I thought how nice it would be to have a Henry for "Bummers." And my wool socks are now getting thin in the heels. So maybe I never will reach that point. But the desire for "stuff" doesn't fade. Just watch George Carlin's bit about "your stuff."