"What Shall I Wear?"

"WHAT SHALL I WEAR?" - A Comprehensive Guide to Outfitting Yourself as a Member of the 40th Regiment of Foot Society

In the Internet age, it's easier than it's ever been (and probably a bit cheaper, too) to set yourself up with the clothing, arms and accoutrements you need to take full part in our living history society. There are dozens of suppliers (”suttlers”) on the web who can supply most or all of your needs.

The Regimental Staff offers the following guide to make this process as uncomplicated and trouble-free as possible. In our experience, most re-enactment groups are a bit vague on what a new member has to get, or assume that new members have in-depth knowledge of 18th Century clothing and gear, and the lingo that goes with it. Maybe you do, but in case you don't, this guide will take you through the process, step-by-step.

Also, because we're recreating a military unit, we place a lot of importance on uniformity. We want to have all members Re-enacting the Regiment to be as identically equipped as possible. It looks better that way. In the past, all soldiers would have been equipped out of common Regimental stores. Today, members will be equipping themselves, but by following this guide they will be able to come to much the same standard.

A few points to bear in mind:

1. We know that many members will not be able to afford to go out and buy all the stuff they need in one fell swoop. By following this guide, a member on a budget can gradually build up his or her clothing and equipment over the course of 6 - 18 months until they have the full set.

2. We are not fanatics about absolute historical accuracy. Some living history groups insist that all clothing, or at least all that's visible, must be hand-stitched, for example. This adds enormously to the cost, and the difficulty of finding suppliers. There are many good suppliers of machine-made goods that we will recommend, because we want to make membership in the 40th as accessible as possible. However, we do have standards where we believe they're important, and this guide reflects our compromise between accessibility and accuracy.

3. Many of the items required by those Re-enacting the Regiment will also be required by those Re-enacting the Militia. Those items will be UNDERLINED. For guidelines for those Re-enacting Civilian roles, including Camp Followers, please see "What Shall a Camp Follower Wear?", which in some cases will refer back to this guide for those Re-enacting the Regiment.

Onward...

SHOES -
I'm going to go on a length about this item. Why? Because we are a Regiment of Foot. And for a foot soldier, there's nothing more important than what you wear on your feet.

Your shoes should be the first item you buy, for several reasons. First, 18th Century-style shoes are all-leather, and they have to be broken-in. This isn't something that is going to give you blisters; in fact, you'll probably find your shoes one of the most comfortable pairs you've ever owned. But it does take a few wearings. Second, your shoes are one of the few items of your outfit that you can wear with regular 21st Century clothing that isn't likely to attract any attention. Third, if you find for some reason that buckle shoes are uncomfortable on your feet, you're going to have a problem being a member. We can't imagine how these shoes could be that uncomfortable, but some folks have unusual feet.

Let me say at once that I find my buckle shoes to be one of the best pair of shoes I've ever owned, and I often wear them when I'm not in uniform. Partially this is because they're all-leather, unlike the synthetic shoes we mostly wear today. Also, buckles don't put pressure on the tendons in your upper foot the way laces do.

There are several suttlers for buckle shoes, including Fugawee and C&D Jarnagin, but in my experience the best value comes from Jas. Townsend & Son. These shoes [CS-925] currently sell for $90.00 USD. They come with instructions on care, and how to install the buckles (more below). The uppers are smooth-side out. Some re-enactors feel that rough-side out is more accurate, but we prefer the appearance of smooth-side out. These shoes are lined with cotton for comfort. They are straight-last shoes, which means they are made to fit either foot, which is historically accurate. When you get them, you decide which shoe best fits which foot, and install the buckles accordingly.

NOTE: You may find sources that state that soldiers were instructed to swap their straight-last shoes from one foot to the other every morning. This is nonsense. For one thing, the buckles can only be installed one way. Also, straight-last shoes will quickly take on the shape of the foot.

It's important that you treat the leather of your shoes when you first get them, as according to the instructions, for suppleness and waterproofing. I use Kiwi Mink Oil, which is available at most shoe stores. Dubbin is not necessary. Oil your shoes every six months or so.

The soles and heels of your shoes are also made from leather, and it will gradually wear down on pavement and concrete. After a bit of wear, it's a good idea to reinforce the heels where they're wearing. The easiest solution is carpet tacks (cut tacks), available at any hardware store for a couple of dollars. Nailing five #6 x ½” tacks in the wear area will extend the life of your shoes for years.

Having said that, your shoes are the one item of your outfit that will eventually wear out. This is another reason to go with a reasonably-priced shoe like those from Jas. Townsend. In the meantime, try to find a shoemaker (a dying trade, unfortunately) in your area who might be able to replace your soles at some point.

SHOE BUCKLES -
Unlike your shoes, your shoes buckles are something you'll only have to buy once. I've found the Economy Brass Buckles [SB-929] from Jas. Townsend at $20.00 USD, to be a good bargain. Only officers, Militia, and Civilians should wear the fancier buckles, and even this is a matter of taste.

These buckles are brass, and will have to be polished from time to time.

Jas. Townsend provides instructions to install your buckles into your shoes. It's not terribly complicated, but it's something you really want to do right the first time. If you know someone who does leather-working and can provide you with a small leather punch, or if you can have it done by a shoemaker, this is ideal. Or you can buy a Stab Awl [OS-339] from Jas. Townsend. But I did mine with some careful work with an Exacto knife. It depends on how handy you think you are.

STOCKINGS -
Compared to shoes, this item is pretty straightforward. Jas. Townsend has good quality white Cotton Stockings [SP-754] for $8.00 USD per pair. You can order these when you order your shoes. It's a good idea to get at least two pair since, apart from your shirt, these will be in the wash most often. The second pair should be the Heavy Cotton Stockings [SP-757], also in White for $8.00 USD, to wear in colder weather.

Members Re-enacting the Militia can wear stockings in colours other than white, if they wish. Various stripes and patterns are available as well. Keep in mind in general when planning a Militia outfit that most militiamen were regular working men and would not have been able to afford anything too extravagant.

UNDERWEAR -
You can wear whatever underwear you like. No-one is going to see it, so who cares? Besides, reproduction 18th Century underwear is very hard to find, because only the real hard-core can be bothered with it. With the rest of the clothing you'll be wearing, it's unlikely you'll need an undershirt. However, if you do wear one, be sure it's plain white with no logos, etc. that could be seen through your shirt.

SHIRT -
Again, a very straightforward item. Jas. Townsend's 18th Century Workshirt - Cotton [SH-124] in White is what you want, at $35.00 USD. This is a pull-over shirt, so for sizing you should go with the same size you would order in a t-shirt. For example, I have a 44” chest, 17” neck, and 33” sleeve, and I find the XL size fits me very well; it should be fairly loose and long as this will also be your nightshirt when camping out. As with stockings, it's good to have at least two shirts if you can manage.

Members Re-enacting the Militia may choose colours and materials other than white cotton, if they wish and, in fact, something like Osnaburg [OH-124] might be more authentic.

NECK STOCK -
This little item is worn at the collar where we would wear a necktie today. It's actually more comfortable than a necktie, because the knot pressure is at the back of the neck, over the spine, instead of at the front, over the throat. What you want is the Ruffled Stock [RS-373] from Jas. Townsend at $10.00 USD.

Putting one of these on takes a bit of practice. You can either tie the knots behind your head, or you can tie it in front and then turn it so the ties are behind. It's actually a lot like the two ways women use to put on a brassiere.

NOTE: The ties on this stock are not hemmed, and will soon start to unravel. You could hem them yourself with needle and thread. Or you can seal the ends with glue. Mix a dab of white glue with about the same amount of water. Cut off the ends of the ties cleanly, and dab them in the glue until the glue is soaked in about 1/4”. Leave the ends to dry a few hours on a bit of plastic or something else the glue won't stick to.

Members Re-enacting the Militia have various sorts of ties, cravats or neck scarfs they can choose from, or can simply go with a buttoned or unbuttoned collar.

BREECHES -
These are the knee-length pants worn in this period. Most sources indicate that soldiers' breeches would have been made of wool. However, we have decided to go with cotton canvas, because it was in use, it's more comfortable in hot weather and it's easier to wash. The button-fly front was standard in our period.

Get these as well from Jas. Townsend [CP-129], for $65.00 USD. You want Bright Red colour (NOTE: This may have to be toned down with dye to match your woolen garments, but it's easier to tone down than to tone up), and you will have to provide waist, thigh, inseam and calf size measurements; check their Measurements Page for advice on giving accurate measurements, and remember that a bit too large is better than a bit too small. (NOTE: There is a gusset in the back to adjust waist size slightly.) This is a tailored garment and will require three to five weeks to be made, as well as the usual shipping time (about 10 - 14 days).

Members Re-enacting the Militia have a variety of options. Breeches were widely worn, but trousers were not uncommon among the working class. Native-style leggings were sometimes worn on active service.

WAISTCOAT (pronounced WESS-kit) -
This is basically what we would call a vest today, but in our period it was longer, and an essential part of the uniform. For privates and corporals the waistcoat will be made of madder red wool, lined in linen. The source for this is C&D Jarnagin Co. (scroll to “Clothing” in menu, select “Coats, Waistcoats, and Breeches”, scroll to “French And Indian Waistcoat”). The wool waistcoat #WFI4000 in sizes 36 - 46 is $101.00 USD; larger sizes slightly higher.

NOTE: Woolen uniforms in the 18th Century were made with “raw” edges. The wool cloth in use at the time could be cut in any way without fraying or unravelling, so it did not need to be hemmed or “finished”. This is how C&D Jarnagin will make your waistcoat. This will also apply to your regimental coat (see below).

You should complete the Customer Service Size Form, print it and mail it with your waistcoat order. Jarnagin will keep it on file for you, which is handy because this is also where you will get your Tricorn Hat, Gaiters, and possibly your regimental coat as well. You will also want to print the Waistcoat Ordering Detail Sheet, and specify the following details:

Body: Madder Red
Back Length from collar to tail (desired length): Measure from the back of your collar to just above the base of your buttocks. In my case that's 30”.
Number of Buttons Down the Front: 10
Type of Buttons: #545RW Small Utility Button (Domed)
Pocket: Madder Red
(Working / Non Working) Pockets: select “Working”
Number of buttonholes on pockets: No buttonholes, no buttons
For an additional $22.00 USD they will sew the buttons on the waistcoat for you. This is easy enough to do yourself, but it's your choice.

The Regimental Staff intends to send a list of specifications to C&D Jarnagin at some point to standardise our requirements for the waistcoat, regimental coat, etc., so it will only be necessary to specify your sizes rather than include all the other details.

To finish your waistcoat, you will need about four metres of regimental lace. “Lace” is actually 1/2” worsted wool tape sewn to most of the edges of the garment. The lace of the 40th has a black stripe down the middle, and two buff stripes on either side. This is a special product that we have to have made to order, and you will have to get it from the Regimental Staff. We supply it at our cost of $7.00 CDN per metre. We also supply detailed instructions as to how and where it should be sewn.

Members Re-enacting the Militia have a wide variety of civilian-style waistcoats to choose from, if they choose to wear a waistcoat at all. There are other items such as jackets, hunting shirts and frocks, etc., that would also be appropriate; see Jas. Townsend or your choice of suttler, and consult the Regimental Staff.

FATIGUE CAP -
This is the headgear worn by soldiers when in barracks or in camp, when doing physical labour (”fatigues”) or exercises, and when off-duty; that is to say, most of the time. C&D Jarnagin has them [#FI5005] (scroll to “Clothing” in menu, select “Hats”, scroll to “British Fatigue Cap”), for $19.95 USD. Specify buff colour bottom band and madder red crown, plus your head circumference and modern hat size (which should be included on your Customer Service Size Form that accompanied your waistcoat order).

The Regimental Staff can have your cap embroidered with our regimental number on the front of the bottom band for apx. $5.00 CDN. If you wish to have this done yourself, we will supply you with a copy of the approved pattern. The embroidery company we use has also made a pattern for our forage cap and may be able to supply them to members at a cheaper price.

Members Re-enacting the Militia again have a variety options for headgear, from tricorns to bonnets to voyageur caps; see Jas. Townsend or your choice of suttler, and consult the Regimental Staff.

STOP!
At this point, if you are Re-enacting the Regiment, you have already completed our most basic outfit. With the above-listed gear, you are clothed from foot to head and ready to participate as a recruit re-enactor. This outfit is adequate for basic training and drill, encampments, and “off-duty” socialising, at least in the summer. Let's review the costs:

    Shoes ---                                          $ 90.00 USD
    Shoe Buckles ---                                 20.00 USD (min.)
    Stockings (2 pair) ---                        16.00 USD
    Shirt ---                                                 35.00 USD
    Neck Stock ---                                     10.00 USD
    Breeches ---                                         65.00 USD
    Waistcoat ---                                     101.00 USD (min.)
        Waistcoat Lace ---                         25.00 USD (apx.)
    Fatigue Cap ---                                   19.95 USD
    Shipping, GST, customs, etc. ---    60.00 USD (apx.)
    TOTAL ---                                      $441.95 USD (apx.)

At current exchange rates, this converts to about $460.00 CDN, which is a very reasonable start-up price for any hobby. If you're Re-enacting the Militia, your cost will be approximately the same, since so much of this basic clothing is similar or identical to that worn by the Regiment.

MARCHING ON...

Now that you have the basics of the uniform, it will soon be time to complete your outfit to become a fully-dressed member of the regiment. Previously we started with the feet and worked up to the head; now we're starting with the head and moving down.

TRICORN HAT -
This is the more formal headgear worn by soldiers when on duty, on parade or in action. Although the Cocked Hat form of tricorn appeared in the latter stages of our period, we wear the regular tricorn because it was in use in the time before the French and Indian War. C&D Jarnagin has the best price [#5001] (scroll to “Clothing” in menu, select “Hats”, scroll to “18th Century Tricorn”), for $79.95 USD. Specify white wool edging, plus your head circumference (which should be included on your Customer Service Size Form that accompanied your waistcoat order), as well as black rectangular cockade. Note that Jarnagin always ships their hats as a separate item.

Members Re-enacting the Militia will not require more than one type of headgear, although the option is theirs. Again, ask the Regimental Staff if what you have in mind is appropriate.

REGIMENTAL COAT -
This is the big-ticket item of your uniform, but it's also what defines you as a Redcoat. There are several options to be considered here, and we present them in order of preference.

OPTION 1 -
Your coat is a tailored garment, and something that you want to fit properly. If you (or someone you know) has advanced skills with a sewing machine, you (or they) may be able to make this yourself. If not, you should be able to find a tailor/seamstress/dressmaker in or near your community who can do it for you. The advantage of this option is that you can get exact measurements and have your coat fitted to be as comfortable and stylish as possible, while also leaving room for possible future alterations.

The starting point is the pattern. You can get this from The Smoke and Fire Company (scroll to ”1750's Coat Pattern JPR-202) for $20.00 USD. The same pattern is also available from Jas. Townsend and G.G. Godwin (scroll to F&I Coat Pattern) for the same price. You have to specify your chest measurement for this pattern. In future, the Regimental Staff plans to have patterns available, for most chest sizes, that you can borrow.

Once you have the pattern, you need the material (”cloth”, in 18th Century terms). We highly recommend the Kochan & Phillips cloth available from Najecki Reproductions for a number of reasons. First, our consultant, Kerry DeLorey, says it's the best. Second, it's historically accurate, and can hold a raw edge. Third, it can be ordered in quantities as small as 1/4 of a yard. Fourth, Najecki provides a handy yardage requirement chart on this page, although it's not quite right for our purposes as our coat skirts are lined in buff, not serge. Be sure to wash all cloth before having your coat made! These natural fabrics will shrink slightly the first time they get wet, and it's better that this happens in a washing machine than the first time you're out in the rain.

You will need between 2 and 3 1/2 yards of Bright Madder Red cloth as the body cloth. Based on my chest measurement of 44”, 2 3/4 yards @ $56.00/yd. is $154.00 USD.

Also, 1 yard of Buff cloth for facings, including coat skirt facings, @ $56.00/yd is $56.00 USD.

Also, 2 yards of Osnaburg Linen for coat body and sleeve linings, @ $19.00/yd. for 54”wide is $38.00 USD.

In all cases it's better to order a bit more than required, to provide for future alterations, patching, etc.

You will also need 35 7/8” domed pewter buttons. Get these from Jas. Townsend [B-1004], @ $0.65 ea. is $22.75 USD. It's a good idea to get a few extra as spares. At the same time you can order 2 pairs of Small Hooks and Eyes [HK-101], to hook back the skirts of your coat, @ $2.50 per pair is $5.00 USD.

Finally, you'll need about 24 yards of regimental lace from the Regimental Staff. As with your waistcoat, we supply it at our cost of $7.00 CDN per metre. We also supply detailed instructions as to how and where it should be sewn.

Let's review the costs of the materials of your Regimental Coat:
    Pattern (inc. postage) ---                                 $ 25.00 USD
    Body Cloth (based on 44” chest) ---            154.00 USD
    Facing Cloth ---                                                      56.00 USD
    Lining Cloth ---                                                      38.00 USD
    Buttons ---                                                               22.75 USD
    Hooks and Eyes ---                                                 5.00 USD
    Shipping and Handling (apx.) ---                    30.00 USD
    Sub-total ---                                                        $330.75 USD
This converts into about $350.00 CDN, to which you must add the cost of the regimental lace, $168.00, for a total material cost of $518.00 CDN.

Now you have to find someone who can put this all together. If you can do it yourself, that's great, but bear in mind this is a very advanced sewing project. A tailor/seamstress/dressmaker in your area would likely be a better option. You can expect to pay somewhere around $100 - $150 to have your coat made. Although this is fairly expensive, in the end you will have a top-quality coat made of the best and most authentic materials, as well as being able to be altered and repaired as time goes on.

OPTION 2-
Several suttlers can make a regimental coat for you. C&D Jarnagin (select Coats, Waistcoats and Breeches from the menu, scroll to French and Indian Regimental Coat) at $345.00 USD is one option; G.G. Godwin (scroll to British Private or Sergeant Coat) at $441.95 (including required wool-lined turnbacks) is another. Bear in mind that these prices do not include the cost of the regimental lace, which is the same as for Option 1, and that it's more difficult to get a good fit at long distance than in person. However, the Regimental Staff will be providing details of our coat (facing colour, cuff style, etc.) to these suttlers if you choose this option.

Members Re-enacting the Militia again have a variety options for coats. The linen coat from Jas. Townsend is a good choice, but if looking for a more “backwoods” look a hunting frock may be a better option. As always, you should consult the Regimental Staff.

GAITERS -
These lower leg coverings were essential protection against mud splatters, thorns, and brush and grass, as well as providing a certain degree of waterproofing. On most occasions we will wear white cotton gaiters. If you can afford a second pair of painted brown waterproof gaiters for tactical exercises, so much the better.

C&D Jarnagin has them [#6016C] (scroll to “Leggings/Gaitors” in menu, scroll to “French and Indian War Gaitors”, and yes, Jarnagin can't spell), for $47.00 USD. If you can afford it, also order a pair of waterproofed cotton [#6061PC] as well, for $55.00 USD, and specify brown. You must also supply a number of measurements as found on their Customer Service Size Form. Gaiters are tricky to fit well, and one advantage of shopping from C&D Jarnagin is that they supply the buttons and you sew them on for final fit. Loose-fitting gaiters make you look like a clown. Tight-fitting gaiters restrict the movement of your knees and even the circulation to your feet. It may take a while to get these absolutely right for you. Your white gaiters should be liberally sprayed with Scotchgard, which will make them almost as waterproof as the waterproof kind.

GARTERS -
These are essential for holding up your gaiters. Jas. Townsend has them [GA-753] at $7.50 USD per pair.

STOP!
At this point, if you are Re-enacting the Regiment, you have completed your uniform, apart from weapons, accoutrements and accessories. With the above-listed gear, you are clothed from head to foot and ready to participate as a fully-uniformed re-enactor. Let's review the costs:

Basic Uniform (see above) ---                                $441.95 USD (apx.)
    Tricorn Hat ---                                                            79.95 USD
    Regimental Coat materials (less lace) ---        330.75 USD
    Gaiters ---                                                                     47.00 USD
    Garters ---                                                                       7.50 USD
    S&H on Tricorn, Gaiters and Garters ---            20.00 USD
    Sub-Total ---                                                           $927.15 USD

This converts to about $955.00 CDN, to which we must add $168.00 for regimental lace and an average of $125.00 labour for the coat, giving a total cost for your complete uniform of $1,248.00. If you've already bought your basic uniform for apx. $460.00, completing your uniform will cost you $788.00 extra.

MARCHING ON - ARMS & ACCOUTREMENTS (The Fun Stuff)...

NOTE: It is permissible for members to equip themselves with the following after purchasing their basic uniform but before completing their uniform. Historically, recruits would often be issued their arms and accoutrements for training purposes before their uniforms were complete. If you're eager to get to the “stuff that goes 'bang'”, you can proceed in this manner.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: Flintlock muskets, including reproductions as used by the Regiment, are considered Antique Firearms by the Canada Firearms Centre. You do not need a Firearms Acquisition Certificate to buy a flintlock musket or rifle (long arms).

FIRELOCK -
“Firelock” is a general 18th century term to describe all flintlock long arms, that is, muskets and rifles. Members Re-enacting the Regiment will carry a smooth-bore Brown Bess musket. Members Re-enacting the Militia will mostly carry the same, but may also use other flintlock muskets or rifles. One reason we incorporate the Militia, apart from history, is so potential Members who already own a non-Brown Bess flintlock can participate without having to buy a new gun.

Members Re-enacting the Regiment should buy the 1728 Bess Transitional Model from Loyalist Arms & Repairs for $840.00 CDN. Loyalist Arms is in Harrietsfield, HRM, and you can visit their shop at 10 Brunt Road to make your purchase, or do so by mail if you wish. Loyalist Arms has top-quality products and provides excellent service. NOTE: The Regimental Staff is working on a bulk-purchase deal with Loyalist Arms that will reduce this price to all members by about 25%.

Another supplier is The Discriminating General. Their British Army (First Model) Long Land Pattern Brown Bess Flintlock Musket [MTS-008], at $689.00 CDN, plus $28.00 shipping, is also acceptable. Bear in mind that TDG ships their muskets with the vent undrilled, so you will have to find a certified gunsmith, with some knowledge of firelocks, to drill the vent for you to put it in firing state, which will be an additional expense.

Members Re-enacting the Militia have several options to choose from, if they don't already own a firelock. If not, the Early British Trade Gun from Loyalist Arms (scroll down to 2) Our early English trade gun), at $683.75 CDN, is the kind of gun that most colonists would have owned for hunting and for their militia duties.

FIRELOCK ACCESSORIES -
There are several items that are required accessories for your firelock, and several others that are highly recommended. The required items are indicated with a “*”.
    * FLASHGUARD - While flashguards are not authentic for our period, we require them as a safety feature, as they prevent burning powder from the pan hitting the person to your right when firing in a line. Loyalist Arms will install this on your firelock for an additional $6.20 CDN (scroll to part LAFGP, Flash Guard Plain Brass).
    * FRIZZEN-STALL - Another item that may not be completely authentic, but a safety feature to prevent accidental discharges. This is a small leather pocket that fits over the frizzen of your lock. The best price is from Track of the Wolf, Inc., for $1.99 USD.
    * SLING - Members carrying the Brown Bess will need a sling. Najecki has these (scroll to Musket Sling style 'C'). Order this in English Buff leather, to fit a 1st Model/Long Land Brown Bess (37 ½” between sling swivels) for $25.00 + 4.00 = $29.00 USD. Most civilian-type trade guns and rifles, as may be carried by members Re-enacting the Militia, are not equipped with sling swivels, so a sling is not an option.
    * WHISK and PICK - The Whisk is a small brush to clean away burnt powder from the pan. The Pick is used to clean burnt powder from the vent. These are fastened to either end of a short length of chain. Get the type with brass bristles from Loyalist Arms (scroll to part PICKBRUSH, Whisk and Pick Set Brass Bristles) for $19.00 CDN.
    * FLINTS - Your firelock won't fire without 'em! Get these from Loyalist Arms (scroll to part FLINTENG9, Flint English 1 1/8”) for $2.75 CDN ea. Three is a good number to start. For firelocks other than the Brown Bess, ask Loyalist Arms for the correct size.
    LEAD MUSKET FLINT PADS - These help your lock grip your flint securely. Najecki has them (scroll to Lead Musket Flint Pads) at 0.25 USD each. Get 3 or 4.
    * SNAPPER - This is a wooden substitute for a flint that can be used for drill. The Regiment will supply you with these at no charge.
    * CARTRIDGE FORMER - This is a 6-inch length of hardwood dowel, hollowed out at one end, for rolling cartridges. The Regiment will supply you with this at no charge.
    * CARTRIDGE PAPER - The best paper for cartridges is artist's newsprint, available in large pads at most art supply stores for a few dollars.
    POWDER - The Regiment will supply powder for all Regimental events. If you wish to use your firelock outside these events, it's available from Loyalist Arms (scroll to Gun Powder Goex 2FG), at $23.50 CDN for a 1 lb. tin. NOTE: You must buy this in person as it cannot be shipped by mail or courier. The website of His Majesty's 40th Regt. has detailed photographic instructions on making cartridges (http://www.najecki.com/40thfoot/Arms.html). NOTE: His Majesty's 40th Regt. is a sister group that re-enacts the Light Company of the 40th Regiment of Foot during the American Revolutionary War period.
    GUN CASE - After spending hundreds of dollars on your firelock, you'll want to give it some protection from wear and tear. The least expensive option is the Canvas Gun Case available from Track of the Wolf. The 63” case, for $5.95 USD, will fit the Long Land Brown Bess. Members Re-enacting the Militia may find a shorter length will fit their firelock better.
    MUSKET TOOL - You will have to partly disassemble your firelock for cleaning, at least. Regular screwdrivers will work, but this tool, from Track of the Wolf is authentic and will get the job done for both the Brown Bess and the Early British Trade Gun. $9.95 USD.
    CLEANING KIT - Black powder is dirty stuff, and your firelock will have to be cleaned after every use. While there are cheaper options available, we highly recommend the Deluxe Cleaning Kit from Loyalist Arms (U324-75, not on website) at $79.00 CDN, which comes complete with everything you'll ever need for this task, including a fairly authentic Worm which can be used on the threaded end of your ramrod if cleaning “in the field” where the public might see. The Regiment will supply detailed instructions on cleaning your firelock.
    OIL CAN - Once your firelock is cleaned, a very light oiling is needed to prevent rust. Jas. Townsend has an authentic little oil can for $14.00 USD. 3-In-One oil is fine for this purpose; available in most stores for a dollar or two.

STOP!
Let's review the total costs, for a member Re-enacting the Regiment, of your firelock and all the listed parts and accessories, bearing in mind that, overall, we consider the 1728 Bess Transitional Model from Loyalist Arms to be the best deal:

    1728 Bess Transitional Model ---                          $   840.00 CDN
    Flashguard ---                                                                       6.20 CDN
    Whisk and Pick ---                                                            19.00 CDN
    Flints (3 of) ---                                                                       8.25 CDN
    Cartridge Paper (pad) ---                                                   5.00 CDN (apx.)
    Cleaning Kit ---                                                                  79.00 CDN
    Snappers ---                                                                         N/C
    Cartridge Former ---                                                          N/C
    HST on above ---                                                       $   134.04 CDN
        Sub-total ---                                                             $1,091.49 CDN
    Frizzen-Stall ---                                                     $    1.99 USD
    Sling ---                                                                        29.00 USD
    Lead Musket Flint Pads (4 of) ---                            1.00 USD
    Gun Case ---                                                                  5.95 USD
    Musket Tool ---                                                             9.95 USD
    Oil Can ---                                                                    14.00 USD
    S&H on above ---                                                       30.00 USD (apx.)
        Sub-total ---                                                         $ 91.89 USD
    Converted to CDN ---                                                            95.00 CDN
    GRAND TOTAL ---                                                     $1,195.73 CDN
NOTE: If the deal goes through with Loyalist Arms, members will save $210.00 on the cost of their firelock.

BAYONET (and Scabbard) -
Members Re-enacting the Regiment will need a bayonet. Loyalist Arms can supply your bayonet and scabbard (scroll to part #LABA945) for $62.50 CDN. Bayonets are also available from TDG (scroll to BAY-002 Brown Bess Socket Bayonet) for $59.00 CDN, plus shipping, but you will have to buy your scabbard from Loyalist Arms for $26.50. This is another reason we consider Loyalist Arms to be your best deal overall.

Members Re-enacting the Militia may or may not need a bayonet and scabbard, depending on whether they are carrying a military-style musket or not. Rifles and trade guns were not built to carry a bayonet, which is one reason why militiamen could not stand up to regular soldiers on the battlefield.

HANGAR (and Scabbard) -
This is the short sword carried by all infantry in our period for close combat. Get this from Loyalist Arms, the British 1742 pattern sword, at $123.00 CDN. NOTE: The Regimental Staff is working on a bulk-purchase deal with Loyalist Arms that will reduce this price to all members by about 25%.

Members Re-enacting the Militia do not carry any kind of sword.

CARTRIDGE POUCH, BELT and WAISTBELT -
These are the final required items for members Re-Enacting the Regiment, the waistbelt to carry your Bayonet and Hangar, and the belt and pouch to carry your cartridges. The Discriminating General has exactly what you need for $220.00 CDN for the set.

Members Re-enacting the Militia will need a cartridge pouch and belt at the least, and will also need some sort of belt or sling to carry their bayonet if carrying a military-style musket. The pouch and belt above is a good choice (available separately for $165.00 CDN). If you also need a bayonet sling you can get one from Loyalist Arms (scroll to Bayonet Sling) for $62.50 CDN.

STOP!
You now have the entire basic kit to be a member Re-enacting the Regiment. Let's review the total costs:

    Basic Uniform ---                                                                                              $   460.00 CDN
    Completing the Uniform ---                                                                                788.00 CDN
    Firelock and all accessories ---                                                                       1,195.73 CDN
    Bayonet and Scabbard (inc. HST) ---                                                                  71.25 CDN
    Hangar and Scabbard (inc. HST) ---                                                                140.22 CDN
    Cartridge Pouch, Belt and Waistbelt (inc. HST, and Shipping) ---         255.40 CDN
    GRAND TOTAL ---                                                                                       $2,910.60 CDN
NOTE: If the deal goes through with Loyalist Arms, members will save $210.00 on the cost of their firelock, and $30.75 on their hanger and scabbard, for a revised Grand Total of $2,669.85.

So this is the bottom line for members Re-Enacting the Regiment. It's harder to judge for members Re-enacting the Militia, although it will certainly be less expensive, mainly due to the items they don't have to buy (regimental coat, hangar, possibly bayonet). However, to be fully equipped in this role will still likely cost around $2,500.00 CDN, and the Regimental Staff strongly encourages anyone who wants to be a member to Re-enact the Regiment. There is no question that the full Redcoat uniform will make the most lasting impression on the general public.

Prospective members are welcome to learn more about us by attending an Event.

The 40th Regiment of Foot Society * c/o 87 Brunswick St., Apt. 2 * Yarmouth * NS, Canada * B5A 2G3