Putting together an kit (84th Royal Highland Emigrants)

[Sir William]

I appreciate the replies. The regiment leader is a bit of a stickler and said the material from WM Booth wouldn't be quite accurate. Looks like I'll have to find another way, probably from a shop.

I'm a bit surprised your new unit doesn't have a list of recommended sutlers from which to acquire the necessary items of your kit, especially since the items you need have to meet their specifications. They should have some recommendations for you on where to get your hose cloth, bonnet, sporran, leather gear, etc, as well as patterns available for your regimental, or an approved tailor. If they don't, then they shouldn't be complaining if you can't what you need. Your new unit has a responsibility in helping new recruits outfit themselves, otherwise they won't keep many new members.

My first Highland unit (we did the 77th for the F&I War and the 71st for the Rev War) had a small stock of some kit items like tartan and buttons on hand, and they provided recruits with a list of sutlers/vendors where you could acquire accepted muskets, bayonets, cartridge boxes, shoes, etc, as well as a suggested list of "acceptable" alternatives until you could acquire the more correct items (I used a heavily modified French beret in the beginning). Coat and wesket patterns were available so you could make your own clothing, or have it made if you lacked the skills or time. We also had a generally accepted time in which to acquire what kit you needed, understanding that it took time and money to assemble even the basics.

[Nick the DSM]

I'm a bit surprised your new unit doesn't have a list of recommended sutlers from which to acquire the necessary items of your kit, especially since the items you need have to meet their specifications. They should have some recommendations for you on where to get your hose cloth, bonnet, sporran, leather gear, etc, as well as patterns available for your regimental, or an approved tailor. If they don't, then they shouldn't be complaining if you can't what you need. Your new unit has a responsibility in helping new recruits outfit themselves, otherwise they won't keep many new members.

My first Highland unit (we did the 77th for the F&I War and the 71st for the Rev War) had a small stock of some kit items like tartan and buttons on hand, and they provided recruits with a list of sutlers/vendors where you could acquire accepted muskets, bayonets, cartridge boxes, shoes, etc, as well as a suggested list of "acceptable" alternatives until you could acquire the more correct items (I used a heavily modified French beret in the beginning). Coat and wesket patterns were available so you could make your own clothing, or have it made if you lacked the skills or time. We also had a generally accepted time in which to acquire what kit you needed, understanding that it took time and money to assemble even the basics.

Yeah, they should. They've been around for years I'm told, but it's run by people not so technologically efficient at times haha. They told us to get the basics and gave us some places. Still need to get a pattern or something from them to make the regimental jacket. They have some spare clothes, but they helluva lot taller and bigger than the both of us. We're short and scrawny, and no spare clothes fit us greatly, as usual.

[Nick the DSM]

Slowly our kit is coming together. Mostly borrowing some clothes for now such as the jackets and plaids. We've got shirts, waistcoats, shoes (which I have but had a wardrobe malfunction that day), and overall trousers now. One of the regiment members is making us period correct bonnets with bear fur and 84th badge.

Mind the jackets as well. Brother is wearing 42nd, and I believe I'm wearing something F&I era. It worked for the rag tag "campaigning" look though.

[Tarheel]

Slog away Nick. Looks as though you're doing a fine job. Or should that be Grog away Nick?

[brownbess]

The best things you can do is follow Sir William's advice. Your unit should have a list of sutlers they perfer you to use. I belong to a group here in PA Muskets of the Crown we do 77th Highlanders F&I and 42nd Highland Grenadier for AWI we do lots of reenactments with the local 84th lads good group of guys lots of fun. I can advise you talk to your unit before you buy anything. Also do research ask questions! Learn to sew or make friends with someone who can it goes along way for saving money.

[Nick the DSM]

They've given us a list and such. They know how long it takes to get this stuff together and it's slow with the two of us in university.

I've heard good things from the Maryland 84th.

We've found some people who can do the sewing for us, at least for the coat. We have the other basics down now.

[figheadair]

Does anyone know if this, which is described as a brooch, is from the 84th? The text has the heraldic motto Nemo me impune lacessit on the inside and on the outer edge Quicquid aut facere aut pati which was the regiment's motto. I have never seen another example. Unfortunately I don't know the size but could find out.

one of the officers

[Nick the DSM]

Does anyone know if this, which is described as a brooch, is from the 84th? The text has the heraldic motto Nemo me impune lacessit on the inside and on the outer edge Quicquid aut facere aut pati which was the regiment's motto. I have never seen another example. Unfortunately I don't know the size but could find out.

one of the officers

Definitely from the 84th from the sources I've seen. It could also be a cartridge box badge from others' discussions.