authentic toiletries

[fedcampaigner]

I'm always trying to add little things to my impression to improve authenticity. The latest thing I've been looking at is putting together an authentic toiletries kit. I was wondering if anyone out there could point me in the right direction. I would really like to find some first hand accounts that talk about toiletries. Thanks for any help.

[JohnTaylorCW]

Not quite what your looking for, but hopefully helpful:

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5011&highlight=writing

[Jim of The SRR]

Morgan,

I use a small poke sack with a bone handle, boar bristle toothbrush, a small tin of tooth powder and a small tin with modern medications. Sometimes I will add a small piece of lye soap and a small, huck towel. For living history purposes I also have a period razor. Original period razors can be found for reasonable prices (however I suggest using them for show and not for real shaving). Get a new repro razor if you wish to actually shave with it.
Aside from a very small housewife, this is about all I carry in regards to toiletries.

regards,
Jim Butler

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Morgan,

Kevin O'Beirne's article on Knapsack and Haversack Packing 101 on the Columbia Rifles website, hands down is my favourite. http://www.columbiarifles.org/Articles/Blanketroll_Packing.html

Regards,

Jason

[GrumpyDave]

A properly constructed toothbrush and tooth powder and the rice bag from your haversack. That's all you need.

:wink_smil

[fedcampaigner]

Thanks for the help everyone. Has anybody out there come across actual accounts of soldiers in the field talking about toiletries or related items?

[Charles Heath]

I would really like to find some first hand accounts that talk about toiletries.

Take time to read letters and journals, and you will find plenty of references to period toiletry items, especially soap, or the lack thereof. In the meantime, you have had some excellent advice on this thread.

[Rough&ReadyVagrant]

just a toothbrush stuck in a buttonhole for me, the haversack is a far too foul and greasy of a place for it.

[fedcampaigner]

Take time to read letters and journals, and you will find plenty of references to period toiletry items, especially soap, or the lack thereof. In the meantime, you have had some excellent advice on this thread.

Mr. Heath,

Thats what I am trying to find. Could you point me in the right directioin of these soureces. I'm not lookin for someone to do the research for me...I just need a little help getting started.

[FlaYankee]

Awhile back, I would say a year, someone posted some excellent pictures of some toiletries; ie toothpaste containers and the such with the actual labels so clear. I believe it may have been lost when the AC went down.
Kindest Regards;