Keeping our impression alive

[AZFarrier]

OK
I know that there are several related posts in the sinks folder but I want to get a few ideas from all of you in regards what are you doing to keep authentic cavalry impressions alive. In this current economy so many people are dropping hobbies in order to keep a roof over their head and food in their families mouths. Out here in AZ there is a dramatic price increase in feed so now people can't afford to keep horses. I, like all of you are now tightening our belts and prioritizing hobbies. Reenacting has always been a love of mine but it is not really popular in AZ (Except in March; Annual reenactment at Picacho Peak).

Sorry for getting long winded, my question is what are you doing in order to keep and improve your impression with every shrinking funds?

I have now taken up leather work and have build a total of 3 cartridge boxes, also I have started making some tack. In order to get other things I need I have bartered around. Currently I am working with Troy Groves (AZReenacter) to get another pair of mounted trousers. in turn I am building him a complete saber belt with 1841 riflemans box.

I have also build a forge and am now doing some basic iron work using scrap metal (including horse shoes).

With me I am trying to barter to keep my impression alive and growing
what are you doing different now then before?

[Forrestcavalryman]

I started this hobby with little to no money! I took up leatherwork as well to cut costs and I ended up getting pretty good. I also found a fabric store and and have started sewing canvas goods as well. But the barter system is the best luck I've had! I went into a sutlers tent back in May and traded a Pritchard knapsack and holster I made for a NICE civilian frock coat!

[Paul L Muller]

To fund my CW hiobby, I collect scrap steel and aluminum and the like and whatever I make at the forge.Steel scrap prices are up , so it is very much worth the effot. I also sew, do leather work as well as the blacksmithing, so it does allow for all my mainstream events, as well as one or two national ones too. I have been BLESSED by God that we live on a farm and I raise my own hay to keep a horse or two. Trading and creativity is the backbone of our hobby, so keep it up. plm

[AZFarrier]

What I wouldn't give for some irrigated land. Thanks Paul, I didn't think of scrap yards. I have a ton of old horseshoes stacking up in buckets in my tackroom, Getting them to the scrap yard would put some $$ into my reenacting account. Yes please keep up the posts.

[Paul L Muller]

Man! I wish I could get some of your old horse shoes, I created and make "The Muller Pick" and a supply of shoes is something I am always looking for. plm

[TexCavly]

I've been doing my own leather work lately on small things like holsters, belts, spur straps and knife sheaths. It really makes you take more pride in your gear when you know it works and you made it. It also gives you something to do between reenactments and allows you to replace old and unauthentic gear which helps to keep things "alive". I usually have at least one new item between every hometown event.

[Jerry Ross]

Fellas ,
I know several of you are making your own equipment. Make sure you are looking at originals. With leather and cloth be careful with type of thread you use. For leather linen thread that has been waxed and tar pitched is best to use. The way you sew cloth is not the same as leather. Just some things to consider.

[AZFarrier]

I agree.
Yes it gives you personal pride and the items you are making and by researching these items I learn a little more abut how thins were made back then. Of course now I notice looking at cartridge boxes a little more.

[Ken Knopp]

Making your own stuff is a great way to spend "down time" in the hobby, prepare for the next event, learn about the equipment, keep excited about it all but above all have more fun!
However, Jerry is "so very correct"!! The patterns, type leather, thread, number of stitches to the inch, etc. and,....above all "hardware" is absolutely paramount. It quite literally means the difference between good authentic traps and "sutler row crap"...even if you made it yourself.
Look at originals whenever possible. Check out my web site for FREE access to over one thousand artifact photos. Go to relic dealers web pages. Google everything!
Use the right weight leather. Most makers in the hobby use heavy harness leather for skirting or bridle leather. Wrong! I know its hard to find good quality bridle, skirting and harness leather today without buying that "way too heavy" and poorly tanned stuff out there now but, do the research. Call and ask knowledegable people like David Jarnagin about the right leather and where to get it.
Take particular care to use the right hardware. Most people don't. Not even many of the best makers in the hobby today. Dont justify that chrome or painted brass roller buckle you have as "passable". Its NOT! Its probably the wrong pattern too. Those M1904 mortice plates are NOT the same as the M1859 Macs!! Neither are most post war commercial patterns either. Look at photos of original hardware pieces and ask around (here on this site) to get the best modern repro-buckle, ring or ??? that is available to duplicate it. Shop ebay. Or,....go to CW shows and buy original hardware. You can buy original mortice plates, buckles, rings, etc...all day long. Its out there!
When sewing use the right waxed threads and stitch at "least" six to the inch- more for some items, never less. Check out the search engine on this subject for direction.
Then, make two or three of the same items. Keep one for yourself and swap or sell the others to your traveling pards. Hey, in these tough economic times, good stuff can be traded for something your pard owns (that you covet), something he can make for you, trade with you, gas in the truck on the way to the event, registration fees, powder,....use your imagination! Improving your kit is at least half the fun in this hobby!


Ken R Knopp
www.confederatesaddles.com

[AZFarrier]

Here Here!
Ken I was just on your site yesterday looking over all the cool pictures that you collected. I go back and look at different pictures or articles from time to time. So from what I'm hearing most of us are bartering. In fact that is my perfered method of currancy, but Uncle Sam doesn't accept a free horseshoeing or an iron dyed belt in exchange. Thank you all for your posts. I have been wondering what you all do east of the Mississippi, in the land of more then 1 reenactment a year.