authentic uniforms

[7tharkinf]

i was wondering who makes the best uniforms authentically handsewn preferably.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

There is no "One stop shop" for authenticity. Your open question is a lot like, "who makes the best car?". We need more information like what is your impression, what unit, what theater of war, what side, etc. And a side note, coming from one who extensively handsews, handsewn is not necessarily more authentic - it greatly varies, once again depending upon what garment you're wishing to have replicated. There were many, many garments on both sides that were sewn with machines. Please let us know some specifics to help you in your query. Just because Vendor A makes a great Columbus depot jacket, he may not necessarily make a great Federal fatigue blouse or Richmond Depot jacket. There are several authentic vendors out there, some of whom frequent this forum, but nobody makes it all, or makes it all correctly.

[7tharkinf]

i am part of an arkansas unit mostly southern impression but i do galvanize and western theater mostly.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

For western CS clothing I would heartily recommend Andrew Kasmar of Beauregard's Tailor (found on this forum and Facebook), as well as Wambaugh, White, and Company (www.wwandcompany.com), and Joe Blunt of Carter and Jasper Mercantile (mudcatsgt@earthlink.net). For Federal clothing, all of the above and Nick Sekela (www.njsekela.com). There are several others out there making quality stuff, so I'll let others weigh in with their experience.

[SackCoat]

I am extremely pleased with the quality and authenticity of my Wambaugh & White Federal sack coat and trousers. Both would work for most federal impressions.

They make confederate uniforms, but would check with your unit on what is correct for a western confederate.

Joe Musgrove
26th Missouri Volunteer Infantry

[Pennvolunteer]

I can't speak for CSA gear, but if you are looking for stuff to galvinize as a western federal, what Joe Musgrove just said; Wambaugh and White make good, quality federal gear and they do a "package deal". And frankly when it comes to forage caps, I have an NJS type II and also one from W&W made by Mike Anderson, and I think Anderson's is the better of them when I compared it to originals I have access to. However, I also have stuff from Chris Sullivan, CJ Daley and Joe Blunt, and all are well made, authentic Federal gear. So in that case, what Ross said; it depends on what you want.

[Bear Flagger]

I would highly recommend asking the more experienced members of your unit. It will save you from buying things that are incorrect. Besides they might have used gear for a good price.

[S.D.Swart]

http://www.facebook.com/#!/TimothyHubbell.Clothier is a outstanding Tailor, and does great research in both mens and womens period clothing. Does period hand stitching and or period machine work. Depending on your wants and what depot your impression calls for.

W and W Co. is also excellent.

[HISTJUNKY]

I would have to agree with everyone. I am fairly new and have done a lil research.. I can say that there are great vendors out there.. However like Ross said what time frame being an AK unit they went through a couple diff uniform changes just in the 1st year and 1/2. So it all goes into what you need. Talk to your unit.. It will help .... It did for me and now I have some great gear.. Best of luck!!


Chris

[Turtle]

I have a RDII and trousers make by Ben Tart who is in NC. Really nice fit and finish, hand top stitching, the works. He even grows the cotton to have Osnaburg made for the linings, and had Waterbury strike Script I buttons for him that many consider the most accurate repro of that button. The Jeans Cloth he has made is spot on to original examples.