Impression Upgrades

[BlindSword]

Thanks to a lot of hardwork I earned some much needed cash of which I am going to use for impression upgrades. However, I do not know which items should be upgraded first with rougly 200 dollars. I hear that purchasing new brogans is what a lot of c/p/h units say should be purchased first, however, having a complete set of mainstream equipment I am not sure of which items to upgrade first. What are some of your opinions on this?

[poncho]

Re: Impression Upgrades

Greetings,
I would start with a good repro hat/cap, depending on what your impression is. Bad head gear is the first thing people will see on you. The rest of your kit could be top notch but would still look pretty shoddy if you have a farby piece of headgear. If you are doing fed and looking for a good type II forage cap I suggest Brad Kuene, if you are looking for a slouch I suggest Tim Bender or Dirty Billy. Hope this helps.

[dave81276]

Re: Impression Upgrades

First I would determine what I needed. Even though I started out mainstream, my unit had enough progessives to give me advice. Therefore, not all my kit needed immediate upgrade. For some good deals to conserve your money, I'd keep an eye out on the "For Sale" forum. I'd have to agree, though, that headgear strikes the eye first. If you need a new hat or forage cap, I'd get that first.

-Dave Eggleston

[amazingkenneth]

Re: Impression Upgrades

Hello All,
Yes, a good hat I too would pick. A good one will last for years and years. I have a few from Dirty Billy from Gettysburg who make good ones and there are many other makers that are just as good. A hat makes or breaks you in my mind. It states something about you. Flare, if you know what I mean. Kepi, Bee Hive, etc.....

Your Servant,
K.J.Reihl

[JimConley]

Re: Impression Upgrades

Thanks to a lot of hardwork I earned some much needed cash of which I am going to use for impression upgrades. However, I do not know which items should be upgraded first with rougly 200 dollars. I hear that purchasing new brogans is what a lot of c/p/h units say should be purchased first, however, having a complete set of mainstream equipment I am not sure of which items to upgrade first. What are some of your opinions on this?

Kevin,
What type of impression(s) do you portray? I do agree that an authentic piece of headgear would be a good start. Also, since 200 bucks is what you have specified, that limits your options considerably as well. Though you do have some good choices for that $200. You could get a great confederate kepi, union forage cap, union fatigue blouse (sack coat), brogans, trousers, some of the big outer wear. If you do confederate impressions, I do not recommend that you look for a fock coat or shell jacket with that limited amount of cash. The best reproductions of frocks and/or shell jackets run a bit higher. Your only other option here being a couple items of leather accoutrements. Some of the best vendors of accoutrements offer cartridge boxes and cap pouches that could be picked up for that amount of money, but that would be cutting it a little close. If you did decide to go with say a bayonet scabbard or cap pouch, that leaves room for headgear as well, that way you get two birds with one stone. Rambling now...you do have options. I wouldn't really stress one particular item becasue it will be a while before you acquire a completely authentic kit, so does it matter where you start? There are plenty of guys that can loan you basically any item for events while you're working on this project.

[Gallinipper]

Re: Impression Upgrades

I'd have to echo what Jim said. If you have only $200 it won't cover everything but will give you a decent start if you are being selective about the particular impression. A good unit or mess can probably loan you whatever else is of concern, for a little while. Good luck!

Rich Croxton

[MarkTK36thIL]

Re: Impression Upgrades

Found a couple of links that will offer good reading and plenty of opinions for you.

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3349&highlight=upgrading

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1079&highlight=upgrading

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3418&highlight=impression+upgrade

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1650&highlight=upgrading

Best of luck to you!

[BlindSword]

Re: Impression Upgrades

Thank you for your replies. I have done some research and found some very nice hats available. And I have also found some very nice items that I can purchase from CJ Daley and Missouri boot and shoe. With the items I have been looking at I can knock out a few birds with one stone.

[Gerkin]

Re: Impression Upgrades

One thing I have to throw in hear(I have gone down this road, and I am still upgrading). Try to find used stuff. Or if people you know, know some fellows that make various articles, for a cheaper price look for that. Make sure they are GOOD first. Be an educated shopper. Know what you are looking for before you look. Myself being only 15, and having no continuous income, I have learned a lot of this. If money is an issue(which you have specified that it is), shop around. Don't just buy something from someone just because Mr. Hardcore Joe said to. Ask around and get all of the opinions you can. There is my 2 cents.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Re: Impression Upgrades

I suggest reading some of the threads we have for "do it yourself" projects. Small things like refinishing the stock of your rifle go a long way to upgrade your impression and the cost are minimal. Alot of little things have been beaten into the ground, and even I sometimes forget to use the search function. But it really does help.

Paul B. Boulden Jr.

RAH VA MIL '04

[BlindSword]

Re: Impression Upgrades

Well I really don't need to work on the little things like shortening straps and working on first person impression type thing (though first person always needs work) because i have been continually working on those. I just need an area to start from to begin upgrading with authentic gear. While all your opinions have been a great help, I have found through research that 200 can actually get me quite a bit. New boots and even a good forage cap can be purchased with this amount. Canton Drawers, Wool Socks, and even a forage cap can be purchased so there are mnay options. Eh..decisions decisions..

[Dale Beasley]

Re: Impression Upgrades

Is it our impressions that need upgrading.....or is it our attitude in working together and leaving the egos at the door we need to improve on?

[BlindSword]

Re: Impression Upgrades

Is it our impressions that need upgrading.....or is it our attitude in working together and leaving the egos at the door we need to improve on?

I am not trying to turn this discussion into one about attitude as there is no attitude being shown. I am mearly trying to find a good area to begin upgrading my gear. I am always constantly researching and improving impression through appearence and first peroson introspect. But I think this discussion is starting towards in area where people believe this is more of a focus on bad attitude which it is not. I think we need to look more towards the main topic which is looking for a good area to start from in upgrading gear. If this topic is going to turn into a heated debate over egos which I can see it will soon tread that way then maybe this thread should be closed as there is no need to begin any debate over ego in a thread that is about equipment upgrades.

[msmjr]

Re: Impression Upgrades

Attitudes and gear aside, the one best hope for establishing/furthering a great physical or "spoken" impression is through association with a good mentor. I also don’t feel that mentors are particularly limited to NCOs and officers from a reenacting standpoint. Locating the diamond within the rock is the key and has been what has aided me greatly.

I’ve found mentors that not only could help me with an impression, but generally were able to offset some of my expenses as I upgraded. Suppose you have $100 to your spending limit...your mentor might likely have an item (or know where to get it) for a substantially reduced price. Furthermore, you might get it free (if you wash his car – kidding.) Of course, a good mentor has been around the block and is a vital asset to improving a first person impression and what have you.

Have a great day,

-Mike Montgomery

[MassVOL]

Re: Impression Upgrades

Kevin,
I didnt take that attitude post to be directed at anyone on the thread specifically. That being said, I want to echo what others have mentioned, get yourself some squared away headgear. Start at the top and work down.

p.s. and watch the boards like a hawk. I was able to pick up a Dirty Billy Kepi in my size for a great deal. Thanks again to Brian Hicks for that one!!