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! 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!)