Quote Originally Posted by Sir William View Post
All too true. Most of the recreated 1745 Jacobites that I've seen, both here in the US and in Scotland as well, would pass for the lairds and his close kin - not the average crofter. Plenty of swords, targes, firelocks, and all that - but then that "look" is also what catches the interest of the average spectator/visitor, which is what we're there to do.
Some times the guys new to reenacting look the proper "humbly" part: shirt and belted plaid only, occasionally barefooted, armed with a simple polearm, etc. But then they see all the pretty swords, guns, and clothes - and they want 'em! Give them a couple of years and they've acquired all the "stuff." Luckily, a few cling to the common look.
It should be remembered, though, that lots of "stands of arms" - muskets, bayonets, cartridge boxes, infantry swords - were issued to many of the clansmen who did not have them....