Calling all reenactors!!

[Brian F]

Howdy all,

I need some assistance from any Highland Regiment reeanctors of the American Revolution period. I am hoping to make a Black Watch kilt my next purchase (after some weight loss), that will be used for dual living and reenacting purposes. Should I go ahead and get the kilt in wool, or is PV/acrylic acceptable?

I know a lot of people stress "correct" fabric, and I didn't know if this was of the same mention.

Also, on a side note (hijacking my own thread, I reckon?), can anyone PM me with some resources on said reenacting, and also with an answer as to which would be "better" to buy first, a belted plaid or a kilt? (I.E., was there a reason some wore one, or was it personal preference?)

Thank y'all in advance.

~Yeti

[macwilkin]

Howdy all,

I need some assistance from any Highland Regiment reeanctors of the American Revolution period. I am hoping to make a Black Watch kilt my next purchase (after some weight loss), that will be used for dual living and reenacting purposes. Should I go ahead and get the kilt in wool, or is PV/acrylic acceptable?

I know a lot of people stress "correct" fabric, and I didn't know if this was of the same mention.

Also, on a side note (hijacking my own thread, I reckon?), can anyone PM me with some resources on said reenacting, and also with an answer as to which would be "better" to buy first, a belted plaid or a kilt? (I.E., was there a reason some wore one, or was it personal preference?)

Thank y'all in advance.

~Yeti

You might want to get in touch with the Brigade of the American Revolution, a reputable organization of Revy War reenactors:

http://www.brigade.org/barmem/british/brit.html

I note that there are two companies of the 42nd listed there, and one of them a grenadier company.

In terms of material, wool is the only way to go. Trust me on this. I reenacted for over a decade, and you'll want to do your research before you buy any kit. Some units even assign mentors now to help newbies out, but make sure you contact any unit you may wish to join and see what standards they have in terms of authenticity. I can guarantee that PV is going to be a major no-no for any unit worth its salt (PV would be "farby").

T.

[BoldHighlander]

Hello,

I am a member of the BAR (Brigade of the American Revolution) as well as the recreated 84th RoF Royal Highland Emigrants. I'm also the moderator for the 84th RHE's egroup. The 84th has numerous units around the US, though I'm not sure of the active status of some of them, I could put the question out there for any in your neck of the woods. The Ohio company would probably be the closest. Here are some links:

1st Coy 2nd Bn (Ohio)
http://members.tripod.com/~ohio84th/

I'll list the NY company just because they have more info listed at this time:
10th Coy 1st Bn (NY)
http://www.geocities.com/piseag/84th_Fun.html

Our members egroup (that I moderate):
84th_RHE eGroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/84th_RHE/?yguid=3057750

And though currently inactive (i.e. retooling the unit), and just for the heck of it here's my unit:
5th Coy 1st Bn (Pacific NW)
http://www.geocities.com/pnw_84rhe/

there are other companies (Maryland / Nova Scotia / California etc) but I'm not aware that they have websites of there own. Also, the regimental website of Colonel Kim Stacy is being revised & is not on-line. Too bad, it was a treasure trove of info. Col. Stacy himself is putting the finishing touches on a book about the 84th RoF that has been under research for years!

I'm not sure that the 84th RHE's as a whole still belongs to the BAR, but individual members do. Oh, wool is the only way to go!
We have fairly high standards of authenticity when it comes to uniforms / weapons. It's all been fairly well researched, we have a good idea of what is what & what is not.

Anyhow, do give us a look & if you have any more questions give me a shout!
I'll assist as I can. Best of luck!

Aye.

[TheSp8]

Go with the wool. I've talked to some BAR folks several years ago, don't remember the unit, and they were very knowledgeable about their arms, equipment, and dress. Some of the organized groups I've looked at or talked to had For Sale sections of websites/newletters. Like the rest of us, they gain/lose weight and have to re-equip, so that might be a possible source. I use wool in the woods quite a bit and I wouldn't want anything else.

YMOS,
Tony

[davim19]

I used to reenact jacobite rebellion (both sides) and can assure you, wool is the only material you should use. I've seen synthetic kilts smoulder and even burn when caught by a spark or flame.

With regards to what kind of kilt, go for a philabeg if you portray AWI british army.

[BoldHighlander]

With regards to what kind of kilt, go for a philabeg if you portray AWI british army.

I'd have to respectfully disagree on this point in that before you purchase any kit for a Rev War Scots impression, decide upon the unit, then contact them to see what their kit standards are.

You will find that most Highland Rev War units on this side of the pond use the feilidh-mhor, but some allow a feileadh-beag for certain impressions.
The reason most utilize the feilidh-mhor is that they are basing their impression upon orderly books & returns from the period, and this most usually is what is listed.

However some units might have access to other accounts (i.e. journals) that might mention the feileadh-beag being utilized at certain periods or functions /duties.

Anyhow, the point is save yourself $$$$ by contacting the unit(s) your interested in portraying, then make your purchases --- some units also have their own stocks of tartan / & other supplies and can save you money as well.

[SteveB]

I have worked with Colonial Reenacting groups here in Massachusetts. Check with the group first. I kit in Elizabethan attire for activities here. The fabrics and design are critical to the portrayal. Also, I have to lose the eyeglasses during the performances as the form we use today were not available then. While in character, I depend on just barely seeing those around me to keep me marching in the right direction. My whole kit is wool, the performances are generally in July and August. Although it is not kilted, No PV would be tolerated here.

just my 2d.
Steve

[BoldHighlander]

I have worked with Colonial Reenacting groups here in Massachusetts. Check with the group first. I kit in Elizabethan attire for activities here. The fabrics and design are critical to the portrayal. Also, I have to lose the eyeglasses during the performances as the form we use today were not available then. While in character, I depend on just barely seeing those around me to keep me marching in the right direction. My whole kit is wool, the performances are generally in July and August. Although it is not kilted, No PV would be tolerated here.

just my 2d.
Steve

Just curious Steve, what is the activities /group(s) your involved with?

[davim19]

I'd have to respectfully disagree on this point in that before you purchase any kit for a Rev War Scots impression, decide upon the unit, then contact them to see what their kit standards are.

You will find that most Highland Rev War units on this side of the pond use the feilidh-mhor, but some allow a feileadh-beag for certain impressions.
The reason most utilize the feilidh-mhor is that they are basing their impression upon orderly books & returns from the period, and this most usually is what is listed.

However some units might have access to other accounts (i.e. journals) that might mention the feileadh-beag being utilized at certain periods or functions /duties.

Anyhow, the point is save yourself $$$$ by contacting the unit(s) your interested in portraying, then make your purchases --- some units also have their own stocks of tartan / & other supplies and can save you money as well.

My research through the reports and memoirs of troops (mainly officers) speak of feilidh-mors being issued then cut in half by the men because the feilidh-mor was too cumbersome, especially in the more southerly campaigns. This way not only were they less cumbersome, but lasted twice as long.

Matt Davis
Grenadier co. 13th Foot
Pte, 6th Company 19th (1st N. Yorkshire) Regt foot
formerly of the Atholl Brigade and Frasers Highland Regt.

[BoldHighlander]

My research through the reports and memoirs of troops (mainly officers) speak of feilidh-mors being issued then cut in half by the men because the feilidh-mor was too cumbersome, especially in the more southerly campaigns. This way not only were they less cumbersome, but lasted twice as long.

Please understand that I do not doubt you. I always thought it strange that it was reported that during the F&I War that the Scots were cutting down their feilidh-mors for actions in the heavy woods & for work details, and then you have researchers saying that during the Rev War period the Highland Regts wore just the feilidh-mors, as if they forgot the lessons of the previous war.

No my point, (& source for disagreement) is advising 'Yeti' to purchase a feileadh-beag (or any other kit) until he knows exactly what the chosen unit's requirements are.
It doesn't matter what you or I think otherwise, or can show, these units have their own requirements & I don't wish to tell anyone to spend their cash on any item (be it kilt, weapon, or haversack) that they won't be allowed to utilize in the field. That's all.