Who are the good "up and coming" vendors?

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

A post about Andrew Kasmar's fine work jogged my memory this morning to post something I've wondered about lately, and that is who are the good up and coming vendors and craftsmen (and women)? We've discussed the quality folks out there, many of whom are still making and offering the best of the best, folks like Nick Sekela, County Cloth, Wambaugh and White, Dirty Billy, Greg Starbuck,Nick Duvall, etc., but who are the "little guys" or the newer ones that may not be talked about much. Let's hear who they are and why. Tell us if they are using originals as the guide, quality materials, pattern and workmanship, not "so-and-so is good because they are cheap and fast'. Andrew Kasmar is a good example: a young crafter using quality patterns, original items to go by, with a good skill set getting better all the time. We aren't getting any younger in this hobby, and we need to hear about vendors like Andrew and some others who can take this hobby further and keep up the research necessary to progress. Let's hear about those guys who may or may not get out to a lot of events or have websites, or tout their virtues on every forum

[gwagner]

David Scroggins makes some fine leather. Charlie McCulloh is providing him with very reasonably prices Confederate jackets.

http://indiancreekcompany.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/263773206997754/

[Spinster]

Ross,

You don't know how this pains me. We've been clutching this source close while handing them originals and museum document sheets of the mid 19th century. The master craftsman was already there--he just needed us to open our collections and express our needs.

Fellers have already seen his work at the recent Fort McKavett event We will have some right unusual ladies items in our hands at Shiloh. There might be a hair pullin' before we sell out.

Shay and Kelley Lelegrin. He's a white smith and a black smith and has other skills. She is a spinner and weaver--makes lindsey woolsey to die for.

Http:/www.hotdiptin.com

[robinslm]

RL Kelly & SA Miles Co. make some of the finest museum quality reproductions that I have seen. They specialize in rare (zouave, Berdan, highlander, etc.) and officer's impressions, but will probably take on most any project. Their patterns are based off of originals and their craftsmanship is second to none. Here is a cap that I just received from them.

[robinslm]

Jan Berger of Leder Arsenal (http://www.lederarsenal.com/) is making some top quality reproductions and the only place I know of to get a quality gum blanket. I don't own a pair of his brogans, but I have handled some and they are narrow and light weight like originals and not clunky like most reproductions. The leather is thin, but durable.

Another less talked about cobbler is Cantrell Boots (http://www.cantrellboots.com/). His boot/brogan reproductions are the closest I have seen to originals, but a little out of my price range.

[LibertyHallVols]

Though he's been around for quite some time, few people are familiar with his work...

Tom Williams of the Adjutant Supply Company makes first-rate paperwork. The officers and NCO's of the re-created 6th Mississippi at Manassas now have some familiarity with his work.

[Blair]

Very interesting concept.
Using the same criteria as Ross has proposed/suggested, I would like to ask if there are any "up and coming", American Civil War Arms markers/manufactures/providers/"Vendors" out there?
Remember, authentic arms were also required by the soldiers?

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

I would certainly consider arms as critical to a military impression. This thread is open to all impressions of the mid 19th century, citizen and soldier, and if this thread gets out of hand, we can certainly split it into the appropriate sections. Already several high quality merchants have been brought out to light (so to speak) - lets keep them coming. Don't forget to "show and tell". Lets not just take someone's word, tell us and show like Lewis above what makes them special. Jan Berger, Shane Miles, and Rachel Kelly are all some very serious makers, as I've fortunate to have seen their work firsthand

[Blair]

Ross,


I still think this is a great concept.
As you suggest, this is open to all forms and impressions (Facet's) related to this hobby/sport.
I simply did not want the arms aspect of this hobby/sport to be left out of the mix, as has so often has occurred in the past.
My interest is still in who is "up and coming" within the arms industry? Any input in this area would be very much appreciated on my part.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Ross,


I still think this is a great concept.
As you suggest, this is open to all forms and impressions (Facet's) related to this hobby/sport.
I simply did not want the arms aspect of this hobby/sport to be left out of the mix, as has so often has occurred in the past.
My interest is still in who is "up and coming" within the arms industry? Any input in this area would be very much appreciated on my part.
We're very much in agreement. All too often I've run into guys who've spent thousands of dollars on one impression from head to tow, but are still carrying that out-of-the-box Enfield for every impression. This thread has lots of room to hear who the good vendors are that do not recieve much press

[LibertyHallVols]

Blair,

Curt has frequently noted, and I completely agree, that firearms authenticity has severely lagged behind other facets of our impressions. We fight fiercely over dye stuffs, paint content, fiber content, stitch count, and leather tanning techniques... but we accept firearms of substandard historical accuracy, in some cases so severe that they look nothing like the arms they are intended to reproduce.

What I am saying is, YES!, I agree that quality firearms should certainly be included in this discussion!

For my part: N-SSA matches have always been a great place to see superb custom-built reproduction arms. The parts are out there. The trick is finding someone to build the darn thing who's got both the skills and the attention to detail. Anyone I could name would hardly be considered "new" or "up and coming". The fellow I've been using for years has more work than he can handle and wait times that would scare off the faint-hearted.

[FloridaHoosier]

As previously stated, weapons authenticity is just as important, but lets not monopolize the thread with one aspect of quality repros or discussion of what is necessary for a quality impression. What was asked is "Who is making the stuff". Thank you

[PetePaolillo]

I wouldn't say he is up and coming. In fact he is quite renowned in the hobby. Todd Watts is a superior Gunsmith and has done some amazing work for me in regards to " Defarbing" my 1842 Springfield. I know that Todd is praised for his defarb and gunsmith work on Enfields but I just wanted to let you all know and send some kudos Todd's way about his 42 work as well. His return time was great, communication second to none and very well researched in his work. I would highly recommend Todd for any quality Defarb and gunsmith work.

[S.D.Swart]

Mark Watts (you can find him on facebook) is a real man of many skills. His leather, clothing, and other items are second to none, and more than reasonable. I highly recommend his work. He has been a real blessing for me.

[Provost-ADC]

Mark Watts (you can find him on facebook) is a real man of many skills. His leather, clothing, and other items are second to none, and more than reasonable. I highly recommend his work. He has been a real blessing for me.


Mark Watts of South Carolina remains banned on this forum under multiple usernames for problems in completing delivery on purchased items.

[SackCoat]

"Second" Leader Arsenal. Just received a gum blanket from them and was extremely impressed! Heard other products are also top of the scale for authenticity and quality.

Joe Musgrove
24th Missouri Volunteer Infantry
www.24thmissouri.org


Jan Berger of Leder Arsenal (http://www.lederarsenal.com/) is making some top quality reproductions and the only place I know of to get a quality gum blanket. I don't own a pair of his brogans, but I have handled some and they are narrow and light weight like originals and not clunky like most reproductions. The leather is thin, but durable.

Another less talked about cobbler is Cantrell Boots (http://www.cantrellboots.com/). His boot/brogan reproductions are the closest I have seen to originals, but a little out of my price range.

[David Einhorn]

Blair, ... For my part: N-SSA matches have always been a great place to see superb custom-built reproduction arms. The parts are out there. ....

I would be greatly appreciative if you would share who sells good parts. Thank you in advance.

[Blair]

David,

Go to the N-SSA BB at www.n-ssa.org (http://www.n-ssa.org) and click on their "links" and then on the sutlers section, you may find some good starting points from their list.

[Calum]

'afternoon,

I've not seen American Civil War Knapsacks (www.acwknapsacks.com) mentioned yet. All of my dealings have been with Paul Lopes, who is a member of this forum. Delightful to deal with, and as a bonus, Paul has an authentic English accent!

I ordered a Berdan's knapsack and leather gaiters several years ago, and delivery was within a week for each of the promised date. The knapsack compares very favorably to photos of surviving originals, and is very good quality materials and workmanship. I don't know of any detail photos (period photo or of surviving examples) of original Berdan's gaiters, but again the quality and workmanship is second to none - but pull the pattern that they send you tight!

Calum

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Some excellent folks being mentioned so far. I'm pleased to see some folks who deserve a mention being discussed, as well as being enlightened about a few I didn't know about - the whole reason for this thread. Who else out there is doing quality work?

[RNMCSA]

I got an outstanding Confederate ground cloth from Claude Sinclair, you would have to contact him to see if he has anything available but here is a link to his page. He uses period recipies and his groundcloths are spot on.

http://claudesinclair.com/Palmetto-Batallion/Federal-OilBlanket.html

[reddcorp]

I must concur. Claude does excellent work and a very reasonable price. Just limited in production.

Andy Redd

[easttnfed]

Sean Cooper from Mossy Creek Mercantile makes some really super nice jackets, trousers, vests, etc. I own several of his stuff.

[gambit88]

But victorian lace and the mad hatter out of michigan makes really good stuff. Yes its mostly dresses and other ladies ware, but they take requests as well. Also the owners require at minimum 3 pieces of proof before they will make you anything if it isnt something common or well documented.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Victorian-Lace-The-Maddhatter/132045280203333

http://victorianlacemaddhatter.yolasite.com/

I know they have a website but it eludes me at the moment. Ill contact the vendor and get this info up

Gambit