Jacket Vs. Event!

[Tiger_rifles]

Hello All, I was thinking on this at an event last month. We often think of an event we would like to go to and then try and come up with the correct kit.......

But what if you have a great jacket/coat and wish to search out the "perfect event" for the jacket or coat. For example: At Wilsons Creek I noticed that a overshirt/battleshirt of Grey would work just fine for almost any CS group.....and was very correct for some of the US Troops! This same overshrt would work well at Manassas, Balls Bluff, and many of th events coming up in 2012,(McDowell 62, etc...).

So to start us off I ask: "What event and/or re-enactment would one search out to wear your brand new * Houston Depot, Huntsville Penitentiary Jacket*?
Jean clothe, undyed, and lets say plain coin or civilian wood buttons.....or go wild and say script "I"s.

My vote is for Corinth, Ms., I remember reading about a unit that recieved this discription jackets on the eve of the fight...... and thought that they had been issued thier "Death Clothes".

What say you?

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

I've taken this approach for entirely too long - find, make, or procure an oddball jacket or coat (or some other piece of accoutrement) and then look for an event that it would be approriate at. The garment that stands out the most for me to do that was a Tait jacket made and constructed for a Bentonville reenactment. And I forgot the jacket when I packed and left for the event. So at least I still have it for Bentonville 2015. I also have a CS Marine uniform made from descriptions in Donnely's excellent book "The Rebel Leathernecks" that would only work for a garrison or event at Drewry's Bluff near Richmond. Be nice to have an event/living history there to put it to use.

[Tiger_rifles]

Hey Ross, Thanks for playing!
I would say that Tait will come in handy in the next 3-4 years for the 150th of anything to do w/Petersburg also. Many years ago,(when i lived "Back East"), I was part of the CS Marines (Co. B. if I remember right!), stationed at Norfolk ,Va. Early on they guarded the Naval Ship Yard and even crewed the CSS Virginia/Merrimac. Ofcourse when Norfolk was given up they moved to Drewry's Bluff, but if that coat is a grey frock w/black trim, you could do some LH at the ship yard.

It's hard being a Uniform junkie!

[LibertyHallVols]

I've not gone so far as to make a jacket, then sought out the event. However, I purchased several yards of broadcloth a few years ago, knowing I wanted to make a CS officer's frock. I finally had the excuse to make the coat for Manassas! I was sewing right up to the day prior to leaving for the event.

[Tiger_rifles]

I gotta tell ya friends........ I am depressed!!!

Following on the heels of another thread that was talking about how other re-enactors look/act, I thought we could talk about differant jackets/coats and what is thier best use. But it seems that w/out a chance to fight or put someone down there is no interest on this forum.

It is clear that if you wish to trash the last event you went to you can generate 6,000 or more views, and if you wanna point a finger or two at other folks well you can get over 17,000 views!!!!! But heaven forbid if you wanna talk about how to improve an event or just your own impression.

I think I will put CW off my mind for a while and go dumb watching some football, it was nice talking with ya.......

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

I think I understand why you would think that Paul, as controversy always drives threads anywhere, not just one here. I think, however, on this thread the reason why more people haven't piped in is that I would venture that the majority of reenactors on here have only one jacket/coat per side. We've all seen them - the folks that wear the same RDI jacket to late-war events or that same Columbus jacket to early-war events, or that purple-tinged Fed sack coat with the fading showng wear they have their straps. With the philosophy of making one jacket work for everything, fewer people these days are procuring something different in hopes of using it at an event.

[USMCSkipper]

I guess I'm one of the oddballs then because I have been building my impressions so that I can attend virtually any event. The sad part is that I have several uniforms I have never worn to an event!

Never worn to an event:
4-button CS
CS single breasted frock coat in tan jeancloth
grey battleshirt with black trim
"mystery" depot jacket
Columbus Depot (did wear to half a day filming for Chickamauga)
Tait jacket
Red Battleshirt

Never worn US:
NY State Jacket
SA infantry jacket
Frock coat (did wear to second half of day filming for Chickamauga)
Berdan frock coat (used, size and price were right, invited to an event and then job prevented me from attending)

I'm looking forward to Ball's bluff so I can wear the US Frock coat; depending upon who I fall in with, I may get to wear the CS frock for some Peninsular campaign events; and there is time for the later war events to arrive for some of the other uniforms in my list. The two I would love to wear and probably won't get the event to do so would be the NY state jacket and the Berdan's Frock. Only time will tell!

Chris

[flattop32355]

If I may, the problem could be the framing of the original question. It is something akin to saying, "Oh, look! There's a plate of food. I can't wait until I get hungry so I can eat it."
It's just kind of backwards from the traditional way of thinking, which would be to decide upon the event one wishes to attend, then find out what (specialty) equipment is needed to do the required impression for it.

I've been wrong before, once, but that that's how it first struck me.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

If I may, the problem could be the framing of the original question. It is something akin to saying, "Oh, look! There's a plate of food. I can't wait until I get hungry so I can eat it."
It's just kind of backwards from the traditional way of thinking, which would be to decide upon the event one wishes to attend, then find out what (specialty) equipment is needed to do the required impression for it.

I've been wrong before, once, but that that's how it first struck me.
I think that entirely his initial point if I read it right. Most people look at an upcoming event and procure a jacket/coat (or other pieces of kit) for that event. He is asking if anyone (like us) gets an odd jacket/coat and then looks for an event for that to fit in.

[Tom Scoufalos]

I've got more crap than I care to admit to that has gotten little use owing to it's being ecclectic. I don't regret having any of it, though.

In the spirit of the OP, though, I always thought it'd be cool to get together an 11th New York first-issue uniform. There'd be a very narrow window for using that, however. Getting a drill-team of guys together a couple times a year and trying to incorporate the gymnastic Zouave drill would be neat, but (1) how many people would actually find that interesting, and (2) I can't even get to half the events that I want to now, let alone delve into a whole new avenue of things to add on top of that!

Plus, I've got some antibellum stuff including AWI and, most appealing to me, a Mexican-American war impression that I'm still hoping to at least find a timeline event to sport it at!

Sometimes, I'd swear that if I had at a single functioning neuron I'd sell 4/5ths of my superfluous stuff, cut down to the basics, & trade up from a H-D 1992 XL1200-C to a late model FXST-D or FXST-F. Or add a waverunner. But I ain't that smart...gear whoredom has taken too deep a root, and is less likely to get you injured!

[Tiger_rifles]

I understand Ross, and I meant no hard feelings or insult to anyone. We all have our own reasons for being in this hobby. But even those on a budget can have some fun with uniforms/gear.

So you pick up a flannel shirt from the sutlers, what $30- $40 bucks, stop by Jo ann's and get some trim/tape and a needle and thread. A few nights of sewing while you watch TV and bang you have a battle shirt! Now I know that is not the whole deal, but a good overshirt or battleshirt can work for so many events! And clearly The same is true for a good 4 button CS sack coat or a Commutation jacket. Even the nicest of these jackets can be had for under $200,(yes that means you will have to give up one of your B-day or Christmas gifts to get the coat!), but it works for so many events early and late war!

I had two coats I used from 1982 to 2004! At the 140th of Spot's Courthouse I decided to up my impression. I ordered one of Chas. Cantrell's Mystery Jackets in a sumac dyed jean w/Federal Eagle buttons. I cannot explain to you the joy and excitement in owning a jacket like this! I wore it for the first time at the 140th of Franklin using all my old gear, the only other new item I had was a pair of used trousers I got for $30. The use of that jacket changed everything! It changed how I felt about the event, my role at that event, my enjoyment, you name it...... had a blast!!!

Since then I have changed the buttons on that coat to simple coin buttons and folded down the collar to use it as a civilian coat at many local events, and now I am working on adding some trimmings and some civilian buttons I got off this forum to make a Commutation jacket for next year. Now I am sure there are some purests here that would look down on that, but I plan to get as much use out of this jacket as possible.

You just have to ask questions and do a little research and buy smart. I friend of mine makes Federal Sack coats as good as any of the "Big Bugs" can make, and only charges $70. And I know it really turns folks soar when one of these "Dealers" is selling an unlined, Union Sack Coat, 100% machine sewn w/only the button holes hand done...... for $200 or more!

OK I'm rambleing, gotta get off the soap box for awhile, gotta fix some fence before the horses get out again.
Hope everyone is having agreat Labor Day W/E!

[Tiger_rifles]

I think that entirely his initial point if I read it right. Most people look at an upcoming event and procure a jacket/coat (or other pieces of kit) for that event. He is asking if anyone (like us) gets an odd jacket/coat and then looks for an event for that to fit in.

Thank you Flattop for the in-put, Ross is correct! My deal is I re-worked a nice Mdl 1816 musket and one of the guys that makes really nice uniforms fell in love with it! He traded me future uniforms ,(from some of his special runs!), for the musket. So now what do I do w/this uniforms but try and find the best event they should go too!

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Thank you Flattop for the in-put, Ross is correct! My deal is I re-worked a nice Mdl 1816 musket and one of the guys that makes really nice uniforms fell in love with it! He traded me future uniforms ,(from some of his special runs!), for the musket. So now what do I do w/this uniforms but try and find the best event they should go too!
I know EXACTLY what you mean Paul. I traded some of my handsewn clothing awhile back for a McClellan saddle. I then of course had to pick up all the other various cav items to go with it. Now all I need is a horse....

[Tiger_rifles]

I know EXACTLY what you mean Paul. I traded some of my handsewn clothing awhile back for a McClellan saddle. I then of course had to pick up all the other various cav items to go with it. Now all I need is a horse....

Well, come on Ross- start heading for Colorado! I got a Mare that is coming into season for the first time and she thinks nothing of running thru 3 strands of barbless wire and 110V electric to get to the two geldings next door! Neighbors Are getting fed-up w/trying to catch her at 6 am. Good thing the Ranch supply store also has a Labor Day sale!!!

[Tiger_rifles]

Ok, I would like to hear what anyone has to say about the Pattern offered by Galla Rock Mert. for thier "The Oklahoma Mystery Jacket", what is believed to be a Trans-Mississippi coat.

Is this truely a Trans-Miss issue item or just an odd AOT Depot Coat?

[Viceroy]

Regarding the original question:
I think that artillery shakos are friggin' awesome. When the heck would I be able to wear it? Tonight, I shall finish my first arty shell.

Also, I think that the 97th NY Inf was a Polish unit with red square top hats / pants. I would love to find some good information on that uniform, replicate it, and find a good event to wear it... if it indeed was worn. There is a full color image (drawing) at the Polish museum in Chicago. Great museum, btw.

http://www.polishmuseumofamerica.org/

[Viceroy]

Regarding the original question:
I think that artillery shakos are friggin' awesome. When the heck would I be able to wear it? Tonight, I shall finish my first arty shell.

Also, I think that the 97th NY Inf was a Polish unit with red square top hats / pants. I would love to find some good information on that uniform, replicate it, and find a good event to wear it... if it indeed was worn. There is a full color image (drawing) at the Polish museum in Chicago. Great museum, btw.

http://www.polishmuseumofamerica.org/

Correction: 58th NY Inf.
http://dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/58thInf/58thInfMain.htm

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/84/58thny.png/http://mjollnir.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=474879

[skamikaze]

one of the biggest arguments I have with newer guys who are joining my group is that they want to buy those oddball items when they don't even have their basic kit hashed out. I want them to have an authentic PEC kit before they go get an Ohio state jacket or whatever.

They always say, "well, YOU have a ______." Then I realize its true, I have way too much garbage in my closet. I have shirts and hats I've never worn, and really don't intend to wear. Gear that has sat since the day I bought it. Stuff I bought, then sold, without ever using.

The life of a gearwhore is a strange one. I constantly troll the forums and events looking for that rad deal, and justify it by underselling some piece of gear I rarely use. Sometimes I just get frustrated with the mess and give away piles of junk. I looked at pics of the last few years of events, and most shots have me decked out entirely in clothes I don't own anymore....

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

one of the biggest arguments I have with newer guys who are joining my group is that they want to buy those oddball items when they don't even have their basic kit hashed out. I want them to have an authentic PEC kit before they go get an Ohio state jacket or whatever.

They always say, "well, YOU have a ______." Then I realize its true, I have way too much garbage in my closet. I have shirts and hats I've never worn, and really don't intend to wear. Gear that has sat since the day I bought it. Stuff I bought, then sold, without ever using.

The life of a gearwhore is a strange one. I constantly troll the forums and events looking for that rad deal, and justify it by underselling some piece of gear I rarely use. Sometimes I just get frustrated with the mess and give away piles of junk. I looked at pics of the last few years of events, and most shots have me decked out entirely in clothes I don't own anymore....

Dog, I'll give you the words of a well-known (but un-named here) campaigner of the first order: "Boys, none of us buy reenacting gear, we just rent it". Truer words for the progressive were never spoken. I and many others I know make something specific for an event, wear it for that one event, and dump it off on the open market. If you make your own, your rental isnt' that expensive, but if you pay retail, those rentals can add up.

[Tiger_rifles]

Dog, I'll give you the words of a well-known (but un-named here) campaigner of the first order: "Boys, none of us buy reenacting gear, we just rent it". Truer words for the progressive were never spoken. I and many others I know make something specific for an event, wear it for that one event, and dump it off on the open market. If you make your own, your rental isnt' that expensive, but if you pay retail, those rentals can add up.

Eric and Ross,

Very true Gentlemen, but this is not exclusive to CW or Re-enacting. My next door neighbor will spend untold amounts of cash and time restoring an old car or truck, just to sell it at half what he has in it or worse trade it for some other rusted out hulk he hails in on his flatbed. Another friend at work races moto-cross. buys a bike, changes out almost the entire thing for some race, then parks it in the garage to start a new project for a differant race.

We are not alone! And In some ways we may have found a cheap way to keep us entertained!!

[toptimlrd]

Well, I wear pretty much everything I have, the one item I have that gets little use is my RDII since I do so few Eastern events. Had it made for an event a few years ago, something came up and I couldn't make the event so at present date I have worn it to only a couple of events. Keeping it though as it is a rather utilitarioan jacket for Eastern Theater.

[RJSamp]

So I had Scott Lyndon make a Wisconsin State Issue jacket for me, based on Bob Braun's research article on the old 33rd Wisconsin web site. He delivered it too me viaa mounted courier, wrapped in brown paper tied off by cotton string, at Perryville 2002. I have a CDV copy of a 1st Wisconsin bugler in such a jacket, with a big belled bugle in C (a clairon). This early war western WI regiments jacket doesn't appear much after 1862.....

The Bloody First (WVI) indeed.

Fun Times, and of course, next year at Perryville.