Pay to Play

[jclevela]

Hello,
As a Canuck, I am highly interested in the American Civil War, and I have been researching reenactments specifically for the past while.
I realize this is a rather personal question, but I am wondering how much money you have personally spent on uniforms, weaponry, and other war materials for the purpose of reenacting the Civil War. Looking at other websites, it appears that reenacting is not exactly a cheap activity to take part in!
I am not looking for specific amounts, but just ball-park figures.
If anyone is willing to divulge some information, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Rob.

[Rob]

Somewhere around two grand, I would reckon. Maybe a tad more.

[terry sorchy]

You could sell all my stuff and buy a new car.
Terry Sorchy:evil:

[flattop32355]

You could sell all my stuff and buy a new car.
Terry Sorchy:evil:

Probably, a good one, too!

My son and I reenact. When you total up all the gear, reference books, supplies, travel expenses, event fees, etc., I expect I've probably spent in the neighborhood of $5,000.00 over the last 3 1/2 years.

On the whole, I'd say it was well worth it, and on many levels.

[31stWisconsin]

About 1,000 for your basic needs, about 2,000 for all your bells and whistles. This is a mainstream kit, and I will be spending more. As of now I've spent 1,500 in 3 years.

[Charles Reynolds]

So far since Christmas about 1,500, including the 1861 Springfield that my wife got me for a Christmas surprise. It's what started the spending frenzy :O)

[Wounded_Zouave]

It is really amazing the amount of money we will spend in order to pursue a hobby where on the weekends we basically end up living like the homeless do - sleeping out of doors in all kinds of weather, wearing old-fashioned clothes, eating out of a sack, and walking around in a seemingly aimless fashion while being yelled at (drilling). :)

[terry sorchy]

13 federal impressions and 16 confederate. With accoutrements, haversacks, canteens etc to go with mkost of them. 10 pairs of shoes, two pairs of boots, three muskets, 1 pistol, 4 swords, 20 hats and caps. Plus much much more. You do the math. Plus 7 full civilian impressions.:evil: I need Help.
Cheers
Terry Sorchy

[Dave Myrick]

2 horses $2000
board and vet for horses $6000 per year
3 saddles $2000
tack for 2 horses $500
2 Sharps Carbines $2000
1 musket $550
3 sabers $400
2 revolvers $400
2 sets of accouterments $1200
4 pairs of trousers $600
6 jackets $1300
1 pair boots $250
2 pairs of shoes $200
2 overcoats $500
6 hats $600
miscellaneous others $1500
Grand total $20000

[KeystoneGuard]

I've been in the hobby for a while. Rough estimate 6 grand easily.
4 coats (mixed officer & enlisted)
2 trousers
4 caps
leathers for all impressions
2 swords
2 pistols
1 rifle
1 sporting carbine
4 tents
and a partridge in a pear tree...

the list is like the Energizer bunny, it keeps going and going...;)

[1stWiscTrooper]

Terry, I am pretty sure you could get a little more than a new car, I am thinking maybe a downpayment on a new house.

Dan Chmelar

[tompritchett]

and a partridge in a pear tree...

No fair. I can't find an for one of those. I am definitely jealous. :)

[Milliron]

I stopped counting at 4k about three years ago. It's worse if you "swing both ways." Confederate impressions are like living history crack.

Seriously, though, to do a generic impression well in for AOP/AOC or ANV/AOT you probably need about 1.5K USD to do it adequately, 2K to really put on the dog. Of course, some of the best Confederate impressions are rather improvised and may be cheaper, but it takes some know-how to get those right.

[toptimlrd]

Depends on how many impressions and what your level of autheticity is. It's easy to spend a couple grand on a single impression. Start adding the specialty impressions and the cost goes up. For example, for my federal impression I have a sack coat, Federal trousers, Frock Coat with scales, 1861 springfield, three shirts, forage hat, dressed "Hardee", undressed "Hardee", period drawers, federal bootees, full set of accoutrements, double bag knapsack, period correct socks, gum blanket, assorted hygene products, blanket, etc.

For confederate, I have a Columbs Depot, three different pairs of trousers for different periods / theaters (sky blue jean, dark blue jean, grey jean), battle shirt, haversack, kepi, slouch hat, Georgia frame belt, for now I use a "captured" federal cartridge box, cap box, bootees, and musket. Shirts, drawers, etc are the same as I use for federal. About to upgrade my accoutrements and possibly get a Richmond Depot shell.

I also have an A frame for garrison events, a wall tent for civilian impressions, and some camp furniture for garrison type events. I might also add my entire family (myself, son, and wife) are all in the hobby and have their own kits as well (civilian for the wife).

I have bought much of my stuff second hand so I can not begin to calculate what it has cost me over the past few years but it is in the thousands. You also have to keep in mind event fees, powder, caps, food, etc.

[flattop32355]

2 horses $2000
board and vet for horses $6000 per year
3 saddles $2000
tack for 2 horses $500
2 Sharps Carbines $2000
1 musket $550
3 sabers $400
2 revolvers $400
2 sets of accouterments $1200
4 pairs of trousers $600
6 jackets $1300
1 pair boots $250
2 pairs of shoes $200
2 overcoats $500
6 hats $600
miscellaneous others $1500
Grand total $20000

That makes me very glad I'm in the infantry.

[Ephraim_Zook]

Bernie,

When we elected our officer (he is of the same profession as you) we kidded him about having looked at his W-2 first to make sure he could afford it. :-)

Ron

[NoahBriggs]

Specialty impressions cost.

Original surgical kit $1650
two dozen bottles @ $2.50 each $60
pocket kit $600
Haversack for these goodies $50
ingredients to manufacture repo medicines $50 (est.)
Jarny coat $300
Trousers $100
cap, $100
Insignia, free (inherited them from another reenactor)
Steward coat, $300
Steward insignia free (see above)
Sash, Surgeon, NCO, about $35 each

This does not include miscellaneous bits and pieces, small tools, pens I made and other items like wallet money, and so on.

Civilian
top hat $185
Wheel hat $100
Two shirts at around $35 each.
Drawers $55
Trousers, $155
Vest 1, $50
vest 2, $130
Linen paletot, $150
socks, $30 each pair, 2 pair
shoes, back when I bought them, around $60
cravat, $25 each

It could be worse - spending several thousand dollars buying repros of surgical manuals from the Museum in Frederick. Instead, though, I have about $3 - 5,000 worth of original manuals and treatises for free, all bookmarked and categorized.

In addition I have an average of hundred man-hours each month invested in original research, and writing up my findings to share with others. Frankly, the research and putting it to good use on the field is the "Priceless" part of this MC commercial.

[bob 125th nysvi]

going to and participating in events, I'd guess around $1100 with the musket being the single biggest purchase (and the item that it going to live the longest with proper care).

A lot is going to depends on your impression. A basic generic campaigning private for one side or the other is the least expensive route. Once you start to add braid/stripe, speciality impressions, too much equipment and galvanizing you are going to start increasing your costs.

And if you're not sure this is really for you then I'd suggest going real inexpensive (yes mainstream) on a basic uniform. You're not out to impress anybody, you're trying to see if you'd like to do this as a hobby. Shelling out a couple of grand (that you will never get back) just to decide you don't like it is foolish.

If you go top shelf this hobby can be a lot like owning boat (Bail Out Another Thousand) only to sell out (at a loss) after you reach a level of disappointment.

The other thing to do is JOIN A UNIT.

If they're any good they'll have a list of what you need Year 1, should have by Year 2, and a list of recommended sutlers that suit their impression.

And yes I'm going to be piled on for recommending going cheap but if you don't beleive me about the possiblity of losing money on gear you've purchased just check out the 'for sale' forums and guys will tell you how much they paid for an item that they are now unloading (for less).

At least if you buy cheap gear and then decide you don't like it the loss will be minimal. Also you might buy really nice expensive gear and decide next year it doesn't suit where you want to go impression wise.

Learn about the hobby and how you and your desires fit into it before racking up the ole credit card

If you get in cheap, you're out cheap and you can always upgrade over time (and donate you're old gear to the unit to help the next new recruit who wants to try the waters).

[bob 125th nysvi]

2 horses $2000
board and vet for horses $6000 per year
3 saddles $2000
tack for 2 horses $500
2 Sharps Carbines $2000
1 musket $550
3 sabers $400
2 revolvers $400
2 sets of accouterments $1200
4 pairs of trousers $600
6 jackets $1300
1 pair boots $250
2 pairs of shoes $200
2 overcoats $500
6 hats $600
miscellaneous others $1500
Grand total $20000

Tow vehicle and trailer.

Get yourself a bigger place man. It costs me on average $300 a year to keep my horses and I got almost 40 of them.

[1stWiscTrooper]

One thing you can do instead of going out and buying all the cheap (mainstream) gear, is if you want to do authentic reenacting follow previous advice of getting with a good unit/mess. Almost every good mess out there has people that have extra gear. If you just want to find out if you like it you can do it without having any initial investment. Loaner gear is a good way to get started.

Dan Chmelar

[flattop32355]

Bernie,
When we elected our officer (he is of the same profession as you) we kidded him about having looked at his W-2 first to make sure he could afford it. :-)
Ron

Humorous as that is, there is a good element of truth to it. It's expensive going to commissioned rank compared to enlisted, and that needs to be taken into consideration by those who would so serve and by those who would elect them.

I'm fortunate enough to be able to occasionally help out a comrade who needs a bit of a boost with gear, etc. It's one more way to serve the cause.

[CivilWarBuff1863]

I'd say my estimated grand total is around $1,300.

[toptimlrd]

To echo what a few others have stated:

If you are looking into trying the hobby out, find a unit first and use their loaner gear before you buy anything. Buying cheap just to try and then find out you don't like it is still money wasted as is starting cheap then upgrading once you find you do like it. Use loaner gear first then buy appropriate gear for your level of reenacting.

[chatrbug]

remind me to hide this post from my dh! im the one wanting to do reenactments, hes not too thrilled on the idea. we also have 4 children (2boys, 2 girls). one of his not too thrilled reasons is because of the cost. i can sew... but i can only sew so much!

[Rob Weaver]

I recently did some price-shopping for recruits to our unit who don't have a ton of money to throw at reenacting. You can put a basic kit, meaning enough mainstream clothing and gear to fight a battle and participate in the public activities of a reenactment weekend, together for $250-$350. Adding a new musket, right off the shelf, adds another $500, a standard price pretty much throughout the hobby. Lowest cost of a new infantryman goes between $850 - $900 at that level. I really don't want to spark a round of discussion about whether you should wait and get top-shelf gear at the beginning or wait to upgrade. I'd tell you to upgrade if you find you enjoy the hobby, your interest grows and your stuff wears out. I think an analogy to hunting is helpful. A guy who goes out 2 days a year, stands in the corner of his brother-in-law's field and is thrilled to bring home a doe every other year doesn't have the same interest as a guy who wants a trophy buck. They will, by and large, not have the same stuff, either. The same with our hobby. There is a casual level, a "trophy hunter" level, and almost a "professional" level. The same stuff isn't needed for each, and a lot of our controversy occurs at the edges of these levels.

[cavsgt]

Rob
That is the best explanation of the hobby that I have heard.
Thanks
Phill

[rebel yell]

It is really amazing the amount of money we will spend in order to pursue a hobby where on the weekends we basically end up living like the homeless do - sleeping out of doors in all kinds of weather, wearing old-fashioned clothes, eating out of a sack, and walking around in a seemingly aimless fashion while being yelled at (drilling). :)

Yeah, but it's worth every penny, and even more than money can buy!:D

[jclevela]

Hi All,
I thank you all very much for your candid, thorough and thoughtful responses! I had absolutely no idea how expensive this activity could become, and I am impressed by the level of dedication you all have to keeping the memory of the Civil War alive.
Thank you again for all of your help.
Best Regards,
Rob Cleveland.

[Cannoneer]

I have just put my "big toe" in to the waters of the reenacting world. $120.00
Forge (Bummer) with brass. I collect hats anyway
Book on CW Artillery. I like cannons anyway
Book on unit history. I am a book collector on accident anyway

I go to my first unit meeting this weekend to see if what I think I am getting in to is something I can do. I have been careful not to go overboard (BTDT) before I sign on the dotted line. I have been told by my "recurter" not to buy all the gear now. They have loaners and they know some of the tricks to make modern look old.

I expect to be into this hobby for some thing in the niegborhood of 3-4K. This figure includes fitting out the wife and four kids. I have been told that my 12 year old could have a place in the "Field of battle" as a messanger. I would love that to be true, I need something for him and I to do together, other than video games. :)

[bob 125th nysvi]

I expect to be into this hobby for some thing in the niegborhood of 3-4K. This figure includes fitting out the wife and four kids. I have been told that my 12 year old could have a place in the "Field of battle" as a messanger. I would love that to be true, I need something for him and I to do together, other than video games. :)

We allow boys down to 12 to be musicians, guidon bearers (who could function as messengers) and other non-combat military roles. Some units don't.

Also some events may have a higher age restriction based on their perosnal beliefs or insurance requirements.

If you've got daughters then make every effort to hook up with a group that has a strong civilian contingent it will make the weekend worth it for the girls.

One of the girls in our unit (about 8) spend a saturday night last year teaching all the rebel boys how to do the Virginia Reel. Her parents are professional dancers/teachers and she is very good. She was the center of attention at the dance for about an hour.

I think she died and went to heaven for that hour.

[Milliron]

I have just put my "big toe" in to the waters of the reenacting world. $120.00
Forge (Bummer) with brass. I collect hats anyway
Book on CW Artillery. I like cannons anyway
Book on unit history. I am a book collector on accident anyway

I go to my first unit meeting this weekend to see if what I think I am getting in to is something I can do. I have been careful not to go overboard (BTDT) before I sign on the dotted line. I have been told by my "recurter" not to buy all the gear now. They have loaners and they know some of the tricks to make modern look old.

I expect to be into this hobby for some thing in the niegborhood of 3-4K. This figure includes fitting out the wife and four kids. I have been told that my 12 year old could have a place in the "Field of battle" as a messanger. I would love that to be true, I need something for him and I to do together, other than video games. :)

If you want to do artillery, you're in luck. You can most likely dispense with that most expensive item, a firearm. Of course, if you want to buy a cannon . . .

I would like to add that I think it's great that you want to introduce your family and particularly your son to this hobby. It is generally how most of us began and it's good to know that people are still coming into a hobby that is generally regarded as shrinking from its 1990-2000 numbers. Good luck.

[tompritchett]

If you want to do artillery, you're in luck. You can most likely dispense with that most expensive item, a firearm. Of course, if you want to buy a cannon . . .

and don't forget the expense of buying powder for each event. I may go through 1 - 2 pounds per year wheras a few cannons fire that much in just one shot. (The devil is in the details. :))

[captdougofky]

2 cannons, limber, 2 rifles, 2 pistols, 3 pair of knee high boots, 3 uniforms,at one time a covered wagon, hats, belts, trailer to haul things, not counting all the littles things like tents 2 of those, A-frame and wall. I don't want to know how much I've spent. I have a wife and daughter that have the various dresses etc. Life is about enjoying it not about money, but in this hobby it does cost at any level. Some of the best times in life have been spent in the feild with people of like mind.

Always
Doug Thomas
Lyons Battery
1st. Ky. Vols. CS
Shepherdsville

[Forquer]

and don't forget the expense of buying powder for each event. I may go through 1 - 2 pounds per year wheras a few cannons fire that much in just one shot. (The devil is in the details. :))

Not owning the piece doesn't eliminate the cost of care and feeding of it. Unless the owner is independently wealthy, exceeding generous, or just a poor businessman, the dues in artillery units can be quite high on an annual basis. Primers are about a buck a piece. Powder can be had for anywhere from $6 (if you can find it in bulk AND at a decent price) to $16 per pound. Some pieces will use 4 oz. Our Napoleons HAVE to have a minimum of 1 1/4 pounds just so that the round will extend past the vent so that the priming wire will pierce the cartridge. It's possible that at a given event a single detachment could go through 10 shots or more per day. That adds up.

There's also the price of fuel to get the beast(s) from Point A to Point B. When I hauled the state of Ohio's guns to the 145th Manassas last year, I had to gas up 6 times on the round trip with prices pushing $3 a gallon. Drawing that trailer with 2 pieces and 2 limbers in the mountains between Hancock, MD and Morgantown was a bear.

As for the original poster's 12 year-old son being used as a courier, I would encourage him to have his son learn bugle (which should get R.J. excited) or drum and become a functional musician. This is the correct use of a child his age on the field (as I await the renewal of the debate of kids as runners, flag bearers, and ice angels).

YOS,

[captdougofky]

Don't forget the truck if not for the cannons I would not need a F-350 diesel, my choice I know but the gas trucks don't have the pull that I need. Kentucky is somewhat hilly. Nothing is cheap with this hobby but the nicest people you would ever want to meet are involved. You'd think by the tone of some threads we hate each other, not true. Once on the feild we all seemed to get along because we realize the larger good we are doing and petty difference is put aside. I know I have spent money on worse things and not had as much fun. In closing if you are worried about the money, don't get involved because you will be spending it on a regular basis. I've learned not to count, it helps.

Always
Doug Thomas
Lyons Battery
kentucky

[dclarry]

Not owning the piece doesn't eliminate the cost of care and feeding of it. Unless the owner is independently wealthy, exceeding generous, or just a poor businessman, the dues in artillery units can be quite high on an annual basis.

In addition to maintaining the piece(s), powder and primers, and transportation, an added recurring annually recurring expense for artillery units is insurance. This is nothing to sneeze your nose at, about $1K a year for the unit. Also, if the battery owns the pieces, limbers, etc, as a unit, there will likely be the recurring costs of repaying loans, pro rated among the unit members.

For estimation purposes, figure your artillery unit dues to be equivalent to buying a new campaigner sack coat every year.

[majdoc]

Lets pu it this way. I have about 5k-6k invested in this hobby over the years. I have it stored in my garadge and I park my 20k suv out side.:D
To start up depending on what you would like to do 1-2k$ will about do it.

[Edwin Carl Erwin]

In amounts sufficient to occasionally place my marriage in the hazard. For a time long enough that my wife is starting to assemble a civilian kit.

[mrgrzeskowiak]

Dismounted Cavalry

Spent near 4,000

$...cha-ching...$

[Pvt_Jack_Bauer]

In amounts sufficient to occasionally place my marriage in the hazard.

Best quote ever!!! Good one Edwin...I think I am going to have that placed on a t-shirt.

I knew i hit rock bottom when I called Chris Daley and said I need a pair of trowsers and 3 days later my debit card was charged and the pants were at my door...When Maryanne Zilley at EJ Thomas answers the phone with me its like " What do you need today?". I think there should be a reenactors annoynomous or something of the sort :) Needless the say the Mrs. doesnt think its funny. well to add to the misery I have probably speant $3k in the last 2 weeks.

Brian Domitrovich

[Dave Myrick]

$4000 on a dismounted impression? What did you buy?

[Brian Wolle]

Obviously, if you have it, you can spend it. Some of these people have decent money, so there you go.
You can "civilianise" for WAY under a thousand and enjoy yourself and see as much and do whatever the heck you want to and be as creditable at it.
If creditable is a word, that is...

Gee, you can even MAKE YOUR OWN CLOTHING, if you want.

HEY YOU GUYS WITH ALL THIS EXTRA STUFF!!! How bout selling some of it??? Yeah! You can do it here! On the forum!!

[Anders]

Since 1986- probably $30,000

I know 2006 cost me $4000 alone...

Pards,

[Forquer]

I know 2006 cost me $4000 alone...

Pards,

Chris -

Will you and Laura adopt me? :D

[flattop32355]

Chris -

Will you and Laura adopt me? :D

They could never keep you in diapers. ;)

[Forquer]

They could never keep you in diapers. ;)

Bernie -

At your age, you'll be back in diapers before me!

YOS,

[flattop32355]

Bernie -

At your age, you'll be back in diapers before me!

YOS,

I intend to fall over dead at the end of Appomattox 150. My children and the 30th OVI should appreciate the windfall.

The "52, going on 13" Mess

[mrgrzeskowiak]

$4000 on a dismounted impression? What did you buy?


To start, Original weapons....

[Huck Finn]

CS and US impressions. Early, mid and late war CS. Eastern and western impressions as well. Early and late war US. Civilian. Each impression includes its own leathers. Five muskets, variety of tin, blankets of every sort and four sets of brogans. On top of this, I outfit a friend and my son.

No dollars are given here as my wife may read the forum.

I must agree with Dr. B. As a private on foot, I feel lucky. Truly.

[Dave Myrick]

To start, Original weapons....

That explains alot. Thanks.
Dave

[3rdUSRedleg]

They could never keep you in diapers. ;)


omg....visualising Greg on the field in a huge diaper...
"the horror, the horror" :eek:
someone gouge my eyes out pleaseeeeeeeeee!!

hahaha

[Forquer]

omg....visualising Greg on the field in a huge diaper...
"the horror, the horror" :eek:
someone gouge my eyes out pleaseeeeeeeeee!!

hahaha

Rick -

Suddenly, the words "Spaghetti Buddha" come to mind.............. :shock:

YOS,

[3rdUSRedleg]

hahahaaaaa
Ok Greg were even. :oops:

Want some pasta?
haaahaaha

[younglobo]

Cav is VERY expensive probably the only branch worse is Art. (at least the man that owns the cannon)
Dave ..
you forgot about Truck and Trailer Plus Diesel or gas to get thier your avg. truck pullin a trailer gas mpg is Way worse than a car

AHH but we look so COOL:cool:

[Edwin Carl Erwin]

Brian,

Regarding spending on living history: There is no cure, but there is hope.

Regards,