Tobacco Question

[angdazzo]

My husband is a hardcore reenacter (he likes to do the campaigner style reenactments), and is attentive to every detail. He loves everything to be authentic to the time period. That being said, his birthday is at the end of the month, and this year is his first attempt at growing/drying/smoking tobacco. I have no idea what men back in the Civil War days would have used for flavoring, but I thought it would be a cool gift for him. All the sites I saw had some strange sounding flavorings (kaluha, creme de menthe, etc...), but I'd really like to "impress" him by getting him something from the ol' days. Help me please!!? He has a little white pipe already that he brings to reenactments, so he doesn't need one of those, but anything that would tie the tobacco to the reenacting would be helpful. He has mentioned something about making chewing tobacco ropes as well, so if there are any ideas on that note I'd appreciate it. Don't let me down, guys! He has raved about this website stating that the guys on here really know their stuff... Thanks so much!

[Matt Woodburn]

Re: Tobacco Question

First kind lady, please list your full name on your posts on this site.

Now to business. Get him a sweetheart tobacco bag. Look here:

Corner Clothiers

Kara Bartels makes fine tobacco bags and I have used one for years. The leather liner keeps all tobaccos properly moist whether they be smoking, plug or rope. Skip the flavorings idea as your husband will be very particular about his tobacco if he's going to all the trouble you list.

Another item would be a period match safe, a vespa I believe they are called. Nothing too fancy, plain will do well. You'll need to do some research to learn what is correct for the period. It's much too extensive a topic to cover here.

[Mark Choate]

Re: Tobacco Question

Good morning, ma'am and I echo everything that Matt said.

Might also add that as far as the tobacco itself, stay away from all of those exotic "flavored" types as you don't want him to be too fragrant, if you catch my drift......

I advise that you go to a good tobacco shop where they stock scores of types of tobacco and describe his interests. They are pretty good a matching up nice blends that would be reminiscent to the day. Very inexpensive, too.

Finally, while you mention that he has a "little white pipe", it means it is probably a clay pipe or perhaps a meerschaum bowl. One can never have too many pipes, I have always said and I would suggest that you contact some pipe makers who can customize a good briar or hardwood pipe accurate to the day. I will send you a private message with a suggestion or two that you might contact. This would make a perfect gift!!

Kudos to you for supporting his efforts!

regards,
Mark

p.s. And as Matt said above, please sign your posts.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Tobacco Question

1) I'll second the tobacco pouches from Kara B! Superb!
2) Match safes are a great option. I've found them online and from Bill MacIntosh (sp?) ("Mac's Sutlery", I think) I think the "Sutler of Fort Scott" (is that right?) might carry something like this.
3) Pipes... this can be an investment. I'm a fan of Randy Ubben. He can either make a pipe, or restore one you own.

In terms of preparing your home-grown 'baccer...
I would point you toward Jeff Clagg, but I haven't talked to him in years and don't have his contact information. Jeff is a spectacular resource for all things "living in the 19th Century".

[Huck]

Re: Tobacco Question

Sutler of Fort Scott ....these are the two matches I purchased from him resently.

https://www.sutleroffortscott.com/oscommerce2/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=261&osCsid=vd41ibo2gpgruu2dqeqk15k091

and or

https://www.sutleroffortscott.com/oscommerce2/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=265&osCsid=vd41ibo2gpgruu2dqeqk15k091

You can also find matches from Ezrabarnhousegoods

http://www.ezrabarnhousegoods.com/products.html

or simply matches rolled up in same paper bound with some twine.

[poilu1917]

Re: Tobacco Question

Bill Mac sells a nice plain wood matchsafe copied off the originals found on the steamboat ARABIA. They are real nice and sturdy. For those looking for Tobacco Bags, Corner Clothiers should have a bunch at the upcoming Maryland My Maryland event.

[klatham]

Re: Tobacco Question

Also check Old Virginia Tobacco Company's Antietam or Gettysburg blends........
And as for pipes, I hear there are some good pipe makers out there making period pipes at good prices...

[sodapop63]

Re: Tobacco Question

I just ordered a tin of Gettysburg blend from Old Virginia Tobacco Company...
I plan to use it in my period "Buford" pipe...from Ken Latham, of course...

[J. Donaldson]

Re: Tobacco Question

Flake tobaccos are a period style of smoking tobacco not seen very much. Peterson's University Flake is a good variety that I've used, and it's a very pleasant smoke.

[Rmhisteach]

Re: Tobacco Question

you might try my pal sean , He many different choices online

http://www.etsy.com/shop/soldiersjoy

RM

[Mark Choate]

Re: Tobacco Question

Bob,

I agree on the flake tobaccos and the packing process is very old and period. The folding and loading process with flake takes a bit of touch. He may want to try that as another area to explore.

Mark

[J. Donaldson]

Re: Tobacco Question

Mark-

It is an acquired skill, but oh! the reward.

Currently regretting having to smoke the Captain's blend again....

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Re: Tobacco Question

Several styles of 'period' good ole twist available for purchase through Sam'l Gawaith:

http://www.samuelgawith.co.uk/

This may give you some idea about options out there...

Paul B.

[mason dixie]

Re: Tobacco Question

Dear Mrs. Randazzo,

Just about any wood pipe would do as long as the Plastic stem is made out of gutta percha, which is vulcanized rubber(antique plastic). How you can tell is that gutta percha is normally not as shiny as modern plastic. Secondly, over time some of the gutta percha begins to turn slightly brown. Look on ebay for gutta percha buttons to see what I mean about turning brown.

Next the stem should have a round hole at the end that goes in the mouth not a slit.

As far as tobacco is concerned most smoking tobaccos were blended from a variety of tobaccos by a tobacconist for a desired flavor, strength(mild to stronge) and burn quality. Most good/fine tobaccos today are blend in this fashion. They are not flavored with vanilla, cherry, apple peach etc. Also any meerchum pipes will do. Most English blended tobaccos are blended in the old style. I hope this helps.

Bosewell pipes in Chambersburg, PA makes really nice pipes at an affordable price. Of course Ubben pipes are period correct without any modification but they are pricey.

Sincerely,
Richard Ward