Stocking stuffers

[J.Whitley]

Well-informed gentlemen of the AC,

I am just now finishing up my first AC impression. The shoes are being made, the musket is on the way, I have all my clothes and (basic) accoutrements either in hand or on order. Now, the question becomes what items I should pick up to improve my impression. I know this list is different for everyone, but I was hoping for some ideas on small (less than $100 a piece) things I could pick up to add to the look.

Your Obdt. Svt.,
Jim Whitley
Wampus Cats Mess

[Justin Morris]

Re: Stocking stuffers

Jim, obviously there are numerous things to be had, but here a few that come to mind.

Big items
coverlet
used knapsack
slouch hat from Tim Bender
kepi from Greg Starbuck
shirt

Small items
Candle or two
Period Lucifer matches
Clay bowl pipe (if you smoke)
several ration bags
small tin cup
canteen half
housewife
extra socks
scarf
Knife/Fork/Spoon combo
Deck of cards
pencils


Maybe this will help! Good luck and an early Merry Christmas!

Justin

[Shantyman]

Re: Stocking stuffers

Some of the little novelties I like to carry with me that haven't been mentioned:

Leather wallet- a few confederate or even federal bills as well as a few pieces of writing paper and a pencil as well as some of my own letters and passes so it doubles as a basic writing kit (If your persona is literate)

small bible or period novel (I fancy Shakespeare personally)(once again if literate)

A small knife w/ sheath or folding-

Plug or pipe tobacco wrapped in brown paper

Shaving razor and small piece of soap wrapped in paper

There is little need to spend allot of money on most personal effects. Many things you can make yourself from material bought from craft stores.
I always like to ask myself "Can I make this or something similar myself cheaply and relativly easily?"
If not, go ahead and buy it

[Rmhisteach]

Re: Stocking stuffers

US or CS?????

Rm

[J.Whitley]

Re: Stocking stuffers

CS. Although, I will be doing US as soon as funds come available.

Your Obdt. Svt.,
Jim Whitley

[Hank Trent]

Re: Stocking stuffers

but I was hoping for some ideas on small (less than $100 a piece) things I could pick up to add to the look.

Here's my suggestion. Don't think of it as "adding to the look." In the 1860s, for the most part, soldiers weren't trying to add to a look, they were trying to survive comfortably. So figure out what you'd need to survive comfortably, and start by adding that.

Many of the same suggestions as above will certainly apply: if you need to cut rations, a sharp knife; if you smoke, a pipe; if you need to start a fire, matches; if you don't want to lose your loose money, a wallet, and so forth.

But the mindset is different if you think of the items as solving problems rather than adding to a look. And, of course, if you'll be going to campaign events, you actually will need to be functional with what you carry.

Of course, there were things that men carried even then just to add to their look or for sentimental or non-practical reasons, depending on who they were and what they wanted: a nicer pocket watch than they needed because it was the period equivalent of bling, some paper collars, sentimental jewelry, a good luck charm, a photo from home, etc. But even choices like that depend on taking one step back and figuring out what type of man you want to portray, and then what kind of self-image he wanted to project and how he'd do it, whether it was with a paper collar and hair oil, or a bowie knife and bone jewelry made from an enemy.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Stocking stuffers

A couple thoughts:

1) A blanket is part of your "basic" kit. Everyone sees a blanket in your blanket roll. If you carry a knapsack, everyone will see it when you bed down. FWIW, everyone should have a good hat, shoes, jacket/coat, and blanket... those are the first things people will see and notice.

2) Consider learning to sew. Fabric, buttons, thread, and a pattern are pretty cheap for a shirt, drawers, or a jacket. These garments are great "learning" projects.

3) Listen to Hank! ;)

[gschult3]

Re: Stocking stuffers

A period matchsafe for your matches is a nice touch. Throw in a hand carved, simple fruitwood or other hardwood pipe and proper tobacco pouch. Can't go wrong with these items.

[robert-m]

Re: Stocking stuffers

A good ground cloth has saved me a few times. My personal favorite items, A FEW GOOD PAIRS OF SOCKS. A good house wife. Full of good period thread and spare buttons. A good small sized field knife. Those go a long way in the art of cutting up rations as well as a good way to cut back on the scissors in the house wife.

[C.R. Henderson]

Re: Stocking stuffers

A good sheath knife is a great tool- not only for cutting up rations- but for cooking them too. That way you can cut out the fork.

[Old Reb]

Re: Stocking stuffers

I usually think what I don't need and what I can do without, especially if I am marching a long distance. But I like string. String comes in handy. I also like to pick up stuff for building a fire. Paper that bacon was wrapped in is nice. Wax from a cheese wheel flames well. I have a poke sack filled with pieces of broken up cane and various tree barks that serve as kindling. I had a fancy period watch but it rained on it. It still looks good, but it don't work. I would like to have a rocking chair and someone to carry it. That's my list for now. Yeah, and what Hank said. He is a wise woodsman.

[tmdreb]

Re: Stocking stuffers

Candles can be extremely useful, add very little weight and take up very little room. Extra socks are a good idea.

Something else to think about is backup items for things that wear out quickly or that you may want to change into during a demanding event. Another shirt and a pair of drawers can help you out a lot.

A housewife or sewing kit with a few extra buttons and some thread can make a big difference if you pop a suspender button. Like Tom said, string is quite useful as well, and maybe a small length of period correct rope. Poke sacks are essential for most ration issues. I've gotten much use out of my pocket knife.

You had some good advice already to not worry about loading yourself up with all manner of things you won't use. A bit of research will show you a lot of the items that soldiers did carry.

[Dreamer42]

Re: Stocking stuffers

I have found some "little" things that both add to the "look" and are usefull:
1) Consider a handcarved wooden canteen stopper from wood rather than the issue stopper.
2) Small book and pencil for notes, sketches and TP doesn't weigh much at all and serves many uses.
3) A housewife with necessities (buttons, thread, needles, etc)
4) Candles
5) Jacknife
6) Make a few poke sacks from shirt material

As I'm sure most here will advise, keep your extras to a minimum. You'll find you can do with little, and still enjoy the experience.

- Jay Reid
Dreamer42
9th Texas

[Pvt Schnapps]

Re: Stocking stuffers

Four or five Gillott 404 nibs and a couple of 303s from John Neal (items N72 and N74 -- less than $10 all told), plus a jar of McCafferty's oak gall ink (I37 for $6.50). Check it out at: http://www.johnnealbooks.com/prod_detail_list/6/2

A cheap wood holder (H35 for $1.20) will do until you can find something closer to period at an antique shop or an event that Bill MacIntosh shows up at (don't tell anyone, but the interior metal collar is post ACW).

Plus a small blank book of decent paper (regular printer paper wilts in the field).

Plus an ink bottle of course -- you can find something appropriate at a flea market or antique store, generally for anywhere from around $5 to $30. This site will give you an idea of what to look for: http://www.sha.org/bottle/index.htm

Writing home is always appropriate and is way under-represented. So is helping with the company paperwork. Forms, instructions, and more info is here (for free): http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...ead.php?t=9874

Enjoy.

[BenjaminLDavis]

Re: Stocking stuffers

Start with neccessities ~ a housewife and a scarf have been mentioned,
I would concur and add that a good sleeping hat will help keep you warm
at night.
And dry sleeping socks.
And an extra, dry shirt, which can be better than sex when you put it on.
First, what you need. Then, what you want.