Newbie with Questions...

[Josh Wilson]

Hello all,

I'm a newbie to 19th C reenacting, and am trying to put together an 1850's kit. Below, I have posted some pictures that have caught my eye when it comes to clothing to emulate. I guess off hand I'm looking right now for brogans, shirts, pants, vest and a civilian coat of some kind (probably a sack coat, as opposed to a fancy frock coat). I'm not sure where to look, and where to avoid when it comes to buying clothes. Money is an issue so I do need to walk that fine line between cost effectiveness and authenticity, by getting off as cheaply as possible on price, with out buying utter crap. When did machine sewn clothes become more widely available than hand sewn clothes? Also, at what date did the blue and white speckled enamel ware come into common use? What books do you all recommend I read for putting together a civilian kit?

Thank you very much for your time and help!

Josh Wilson

[Johnny Lloyd]

Brother Josh-

Welcome to the AC. There is a search function on here that might help you in your endeavor, as these topics have been covered in quite detail depth at one point or another on here.

Try using this first. Refine your questions, as these questions are quite broad you are asking, and then come back to ask about further-refined details on here.

You have a wealth of knowledge on here if you just know what KEY WORDS to SEARCH for.

Also, the Approved Vendors on here make top-notch stuff. Try checking their items out and comparing them with original research so you don't get taken for your money.

All the best- JLLO

[LibertyHallVols]

Josh,

Welcome to the Authentic-Campaigner. I would recommend that you take Johnny's advice and read around here a bit, then come back with some more specific questions, as well as more specifics of your impression. You will find that there is a wealth of information here, both in terms of articles and discussions on the fora. Take the time to read them.