Recently I have come across several articles and/or
discussions on web boards regarding the cost of our lifestyle…er..hobby. The
figures offered differed greatly and were IMHO, based on a very different
reality than the daily lives of us in the western Carolinas. As such, I thought
it might be useful to take a look at what functioning as a member of our
regiment entails…
To begin, it
occurred to me that the initial costs are different than the “maintaining
costs”… so, I decided (for Right now) to just look at initial outfitting costs.
Additionally, as John Wayne said, Life is Hard, It’s a lot harder if you are
stupid”. I can outfit a new troop, if
they are patient, a lot cheaper than they can do it themselves. But, I know
several (including me as a shiny) troops who were so enthusiastic that they
went & bought the stuff- cost be dammed. I will show both.
Cost for new troop
who lets the Unit help equip him:
2 Frock Coats (1 Federal, 1 Confederate), single breasted,
Piped in Red $140.00
1 Pair Sky Blue Wool Pants $42.50
3 Shirts, Had Woven $75.00
1 Pair White Cotton Pants $40.50
1 Pair Brogans $80.00
1 Belt W/Buckle $14.00
2 Stainless Steel Canteens $36.00
1 Tarred Haversack $14.00
1 Plate $14.00
1 Stainless Mug $10.00
1 Dark Blue Engineer Hat $35.00
1 Cartridge box $20.00
1 Cap Pouch $8.00
Musket- 1842 Springfield .59 Caliber $578.00
Total-$1107.00
From a reputable Sutler- (Milk Creek They do FINE work- My personal Sutler)
2 Frock Coats (1 Federal, 1 Confederate), single breasted,
Piped in Red $280.00
1 Pair Sky Blue Wool Pants $65.00
3 Shirts, Had Woven $84.00
1 Pair White Cotton Pants $65.00
1 Pair Brogans $125.00
1 Belt W/Buckle $30.00
2 Stainless Steel Canteens $80.00
1 Tarred Haversack $30.00
1 Plate $12.00
1 Stainless Mug $12.00
1 Dark Blue Engineer Hat $35.00
1 Cartridge box $60.00
1 Cap Pouch $20.00
Musket- 1842 Springfield .59 Caliber $795.00
Total-$1693.00
