A note about the vendors listed in these guidelines:

After receiving numerous emails from re-enactors both inside and outside my own unit requesting information as to where they could purchase quality authentic items, I have added a list of vendors under most items that I feel offer such goods.This is based on either personal experience, comparing their products to what we know about the originals, or by reputation. I have not viewed or purchased all of these products and I take no responsibility if you are not pleased with the product or transaction ... so I encourage people to do their own research before buying. I'm doing this simply as a favor.

There is no mandate to buy from these vendors, and they are not exclusive. Also, some may offer both good and bad reproductions. Just because a vendor is listed under one item does not mean that all of their products are quality. I have also tried to give a range of quality and price where possible, hopefully without sacrificing either. I have avoided vendors that I could not in good conscience include, though I realize price is always an issue and new re-enactors may have to sacrifice in some areas. Just understand that while buying quality goods up-front may seem expensive, buying poor quality or incorrect patterns could cause you to waste your money on items you would need to replace later. Not to mention that quality goods will generally last longer, allow you to feel proud wearing or using it, and will usually command a good resale price if you ever desire to sell it.

That said, while I always recommend buying the best quality and most authentic uniforms and equipment you can afford right from the start out of all the items listed in the guidelines, the two that I strongly urge a person to not skimp on from the start, is their forage cap and coat (whether it be a sack coat or mounted services jacket). Buy the best you can here! Unlike most accoutrements, where if the pattern is basically correct it's generally fine from a few yards away, buying a poor quality cap and coat is obvious not only close up, but from even 100 yards away simply by the wrong color of the wool and how it fades to that sickly purple.

Lastly, do not forget that many used quality items come up periodically on the forums (and even eBay) and can cost nearly as little as that "farby" piece of Pakistani import junk sold at the event "tent mall" or other low-end vendors. Just make sure you know who the maker is, and what constitutes a quality made reproduction. Do your research before buying, do not be in such a hurry to buy that you make uninformed mistakes, and remember that the adage "you get what you pay for" usually holds true.