Creating An Authentic Impression

Collecting authentic costume and artefacts takes both time and money. The basic requirement for the civilian re-enactment is the costume ( camping can be on the family camp, available at all ACW events, until an authentic camp impression can be undertaken). The cost can be reduced by using the skills of members to make costumes and artefacts. Dress making, carpentry and tinsmith skills are particularly needed, along with the willingness to make items for other re-enactors at a reasonable cost. Car boot sales and antique shops are a valuable source of artefacts but, beware, make sure any items you purchase are similar to those of the period. Reference books on civilian life are rare in the UK but are available from the USA. The Internet is also a useful source of information.
The following information provides the basic requirements for all civilian re-enactors:

• Dress
  • Women
  • Men
  • Children
• Camp artefacts
  • Camp furniture
  • Other artefacts
• Modern items

Dress

Women

1. Period style 'day dress' consisting of a collarless bodice with dropped shoulder seams and an ankle length skirt gathered at the waist. The skirt and bodice should be made of the same fabric. Alternatively a similar style dress could be worn.
2. Period style laced up, ankle length shoes or 'slippers' of cloth or leather.

Optional items include:

• Undergarments - bloomers, chemise, corset, stockings, petticoats
• Hoops
• Period ball gown for evening wear only
• Shoulder wrap, shawl, parasol
• Hat / bonnet, gloves.

Men

1. Period style frock coat / sack coat
2. Period style trousers, shirt, socks, hat
3. Period style shoes

Children

1. As female dress
2. Male trousers and cotton shirt.
   

Note : All costumes should be made of authentic fabrics and fasteners. All glasses should be of period appearance.

Woman in period dress

Camp Artefacts

Some of these items will be provided by the MSRA but some personal items will need to be made or purchased by re-enactors.

Camp Furniture

1. Wall or 'A' frame tents
2. Period design folding chairs and tables, rope beds, canvas cots
3. Wooden storage chests / trunks

Other Artefacts

1. Quilts and blankets
2. Crockery / stoneware
3. Tin or pewter kitchenware
4. Cast iron pots / Dutch ovens
5. Iron ladles / fire pit accessories
6. Baskets

A period folding chair with
carpet seat

Modern Items

There are certain modern items which are necessary for comfort or hygiene but these can be hidden from view either in boxes and bags or covered by blankets and sacks.