| |
|
Military Impressions
|
| |
Uniforms and Equipment
The acquisition of the uniform and equipment of a Union soldier
is a careful and, admittedly, expensive procedure. The average cost of a
complete uniform, including rifle, is over $1,000, the cost of which is
broken down item-by-item below. Please note that the major expense is
start-up costs, which is why we do not set a time limit like some groups
do, on how long it takes you to acquire your gear.
A word of caution. Since $1,000 is a lot of money, be sure to
spend it wisely. There is a lot of shoddy and historically inaccurate
material out there, so be sure to buy the right gear the first time.
Included in this brochure is a list of sutlers, or dealers, who handle
quality gear. If in doubt, ask a member before you buy. It is much
better to ask a question than it is to have to purchase an item again
because you got the wrong thing. Our members will gladly steer you in
the right direction.
Here are a few guidelines to help you along.
1. We are a mid-war rifle company, so as a private soldier you will
need no sword. Pistols were carried by officers and upper echelon
sergeants, so do not waste your money buying a handgun you cannot carry
onto the field.
2. Do not spend a lot of money on original items unless you plan on
collecting. This is especially true for firearms. Original weapons on
the field are highly discouraged and, depending upon their condition,
are unacceptable for reenactments and unsafe.
3. Only regulation clothing and equipment as outlined in this
brochure are acceptable. We pride ourselves on our authenticity, so all
non-regulation equipment, i.e. clothes, shoes, eyeglasses, etc., is not
permitted at 30th Pa. functions.
4. When in the field, remove all modern items such as eyeglasses,
wristwatches, etc. Eyeglasses in period frames are encouraged and easily
obtainable.
|
|
The following is a list of sutlers approved by the membership of
the 1st Pennsylvania Reserves. You may buy from any of these dealers with the
knowledge that you are obtaining first-rate gear.
Feel free to contact them for their latest catalog.
|
The Regimental Quartermaster
P.O. Box 553 1180
Hatboro, PA 19040
(215)672-6891
(On-line catalog at www.regtqm.aol.com
Also has a retail store in Gettysburg at
45 Steinwehr Ave., (717)338-1864)
|
Gettysburg Sutler
Hanover Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717)337-0669
(Gives a 10% discount to Vincent's Brigade members.)
|
C&D Jarnagin
P.O. Box 1860 P.O. Box
Corinth, MS 38834
|
Old Sutler John
174 Westview Sta.
Binghamton, N.Y. 13905
|
Fall Creek Sutlery
P.O. Box 92 270C
Whitestown, IN 46075
|
Winchester Sutler
Shadow Brook Lane
Winchester, VA 22603
|
|
If you are looking for very high quality reproductions, the following vendors carry wares
manufactured by the best names in the business.
|
S&S Sutler
45 Steinwehr Ave
Gettysburg, PA 17325
717.338.1990
|
|
|
|
While we have made several suggestions, our recommendation is
The Regimental Quartermaster and the Gettysburg Sutler. Both have
quality items. Also, the Regimental Quartermaster generally gets items
to you rapidly and the Gettysburg Sutler gives members of Vincent's
Brigade a 10% discount. If you shop there, just tell them you're with
"Vinnies." The first step is to get catalogs from the various dealers and
compare prices.
|
|
