Beginning as Authentic?

[sammyba83]

Good Afternoon, folks!

First post here, but I've been lurking for a few weeks, soaking up all the information and wisdom I can. I was a Confederate drummer boy/limberman for an artillery battery when I was a kid in the early 90s, and loved it. Fast forward and I'm 33, still nuts about history in general and the Civil War in particular, and with [some] disposable income to get back into the hobby.

I'm falling in with a group that seems to take this thing seriously and has an emphasis on authenticity. I'm buying slowly and with research/guidance, and will be joining them for our first outing next weekend.

I guess I have a question and a possible topic for discussion. The question would be how to best portray an authentic impression (KY Confederate dismounted Calvary) when you don't have a jacket, a weapon or traps beyond a canteen? My group is going to loan me some stuff to get through the weekend, but I don't want to blow the impression by standing around without the basic gear a trooper would have had. Plus, I'll be clueless as to drill aside from what I can pick up by feverishly reading Hardee's, etc. What do you folks generally have new guys do to keep the overall impression true and correct as they're getting their kit and their knowledge up to speed? Hospital steward? Shirker under guard? In other words, how do I keep it authentic and not blow it for my new pards?

This leads to the possible discussion topic: how realistic is it for me to want to hit the ground running and fit in with you folks here? Is it better to "ease into" the hobby by going mainstream and then transition to authentic/progressive/campaigner? My heart is where this forum and its people are: I'm not looking to throw on a pair of Kersey wool Federal Trousers and a butternut jacket from sutler's row and then drink beer around the campfire. I want to honor what these men did, but the more I look at the realistic situation (and the cost!) of keeping it 100% authentic, I almost feel I'm setting myself up for failure. I'd appreciate any thoughts or comments, and I apologize for rambling a bit. Thanks for having me here!

Sam Bailey
3rd Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles [Provisional]

[DougCooper]

Re: Beginning as Authentic?

Many of us did it - no reason you can't. find a unit that will train you in putting together your impression, from clothing to attitude. I was lucky in that I wondered into a reenactment as a specatator and James Owens stepped out of the crowd and asked if I wanted to join the army. Having a mentor really helps - I never spent a dime on crap and never cracked a drill book written after 1865. He wouldn't let me. There are many excellent units out there and all you need is the right attitude, they will help you do the rest.

[WV_Reb]

Re: Beginning as Authentic?

Hello sir,

This is my first year of reenacting, and even though I'm with a mainstream group, I haven't let it stop me from trying to make my kit and impression the best I possibly can. Is it difficult? I wouldn't call it difficult, I just try my best to carry myself the way a Virginian of the period would. I make many mistakes, but I feel that I'm progressing bit by bit. Luckily my group has some great folks who yearn for progression as well, and they've helped me a lot. The key for me so far has been to try to avoid bad habits and reenactorisms, while striving to do my best to mentally place myself in the 1860's as much as I can. I believe it's better to start off progressively, as it avoids potential farbisms and introduces you to the side of the hobby that will more closely allow you to experience what the original men experienced. Just my .02 cents though, as a new member of the hobby who still has yet to experience its best.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Beginning as Authentic?

No one is perfect their first year. At my first event, my uniform had a ZIPPER!
The most important part of your kit is your attitude. Just jump in!

Your kit priorities are (in order):
Shoes
Hat
Jacket
Blanket

These are the most visible pieces of your impression.
Avoid buying junk gear just because it is cheap... that always leads to regret!

Start sewing now if you want to really save money! Hem a handkerchief, then make some poke sacks, then try a haversack. Then you're ready to make a shirt, and so on...
The money you save will be like getting your musket for free.

[Pennvolunteer]

Re: Beginning as Authentic?

I'd say if you have an authentic group that is willing to help you and loan you stuff, stick with them. That's what we do in our group, we have plenty of quality loaner gear, and encourage guys to just borrow stuff until they can get set up themselves. My concern in starting out with mainstreamers quite honestly is learning bad habits and enjoying yourself. I say that, because I started out with authentics for a year, moved across the country and only found mainstreamers. Honestly it almost drove me out of the hobby until we found like minded folks and founded our current group. Frankly I just was unhappy in the hobby during that time and my son almost quit completely. Find like minded guys who will help you out, you'll enjoy it more.

[Brian Baird]

Re: Beginning as Authentic?

These are all good suggestions but I've always thought that if a guy has the right attitude and desire to improve then he's worth overlooking his kit and to help him out as much as possible.
Brian Baird

[sammyba83]

Re: Beginning as Authentic?

Gentlemen:

Thank you so much for the posts and encouragement! I believe I've picked up at least an idea of the right attitude to have by lurking here, and will endeavor to keep it. Just bit the bullet and ordered a commutation jacket from Richmond Depot (thank God for credit cards!) More importantly, I took some of the funds I was planning on throwing at a knapsack and accoutrements, and have instead ordered some books. The attitude I want to have is research, research, research!

Sam Bailey