Calling all reenactors!!

[davim19]

I used to reenact jacobite rebellion (both sides) and can assure you, wool is the only material you should use. I've seen synthetic kilts smoulder and even burn when caught by a spark or flame.

With regards to what kind of kilt, go for a philabeg if you portray AWI british army.

[BoldHighlander]

With regards to what kind of kilt, go for a philabeg if you portray AWI british army.

I'd have to respectfully disagree on this point in that before you purchase any kit for a Rev War Scots impression, decide upon the unit, then contact them to see what their kit standards are.

You will find that most Highland Rev War units on this side of the pond use the feilidh-mhor, but some allow a feileadh-beag for certain impressions.
The reason most utilize the feilidh-mhor is that they are basing their impression upon orderly books & returns from the period, and this most usually is what is listed.

However some units might have access to other accounts (i.e. journals) that might mention the feileadh-beag being utilized at certain periods or functions /duties.

Anyhow, the point is save yourself $$$$ by contacting the unit(s) your interested in portraying, then make your purchases --- some units also have their own stocks of tartan / & other supplies and can save you money as well.

[SteveB]

I have worked with Colonial Reenacting groups here in Massachusetts. Check with the group first. I kit in Elizabethan attire for activities here. The fabrics and design are critical to the portrayal. Also, I have to lose the eyeglasses during the performances as the form we use today were not available then. While in character, I depend on just barely seeing those around me to keep me marching in the right direction. My whole kit is wool, the performances are generally in July and August. Although it is not kilted, No PV would be tolerated here.

just my 2d.
Steve

[BoldHighlander]

I have worked with Colonial Reenacting groups here in Massachusetts. Check with the group first. I kit in Elizabethan attire for activities here. The fabrics and design are critical to the portrayal. Also, I have to lose the eyeglasses during the performances as the form we use today were not available then. While in character, I depend on just barely seeing those around me to keep me marching in the right direction. My whole kit is wool, the performances are generally in July and August. Although it is not kilted, No PV would be tolerated here.

just my 2d.
Steve

Just curious Steve, what is the activities /group(s) your involved with?

[davim19]

I'd have to respectfully disagree on this point in that before you purchase any kit for a Rev War Scots impression, decide upon the unit, then contact them to see what their kit standards are.

You will find that most Highland Rev War units on this side of the pond use the feilidh-mhor, but some allow a feileadh-beag for certain impressions.
The reason most utilize the feilidh-mhor is that they are basing their impression upon orderly books & returns from the period, and this most usually is what is listed.

However some units might have access to other accounts (i.e. journals) that might mention the feileadh-beag being utilized at certain periods or functions /duties.

Anyhow, the point is save yourself $$$$ by contacting the unit(s) your interested in portraying, then make your purchases --- some units also have their own stocks of tartan / & other supplies and can save you money as well.

My research through the reports and memoirs of troops (mainly officers) speak of feilidh-mors being issued then cut in half by the men because the feilidh-mor was too cumbersome, especially in the more southerly campaigns. This way not only were they less cumbersome, but lasted twice as long.

Matt Davis
Grenadier co. 13th Foot
Pte, 6th Company 19th (1st N. Yorkshire) Regt foot
formerly of the Atholl Brigade and Frasers Highland Regt.

[BoldHighlander]

My research through the reports and memoirs of troops (mainly officers) speak of feilidh-mors being issued then cut in half by the men because the feilidh-mor was too cumbersome, especially in the more southerly campaigns. This way not only were they less cumbersome, but lasted twice as long.

Please understand that I do not doubt you. I always thought it strange that it was reported that during the F&I War that the Scots were cutting down their feilidh-mors for actions in the heavy woods & for work details, and then you have researchers saying that during the Rev War period the Highland Regts wore just the feilidh-mors, as if they forgot the lessons of the previous war.

No my point, (& source for disagreement) is advising 'Yeti' to purchase a feileadh-beag (or any other kit) until he knows exactly what the chosen unit's requirements are.
It doesn't matter what you or I think otherwise, or can show, these units have their own requirements & I don't wish to tell anyone to spend their cash on any item (be it kilt, weapon, or haversack) that they won't be allowed to utilize in the field. That's all.

[davim19]

I agree with you, I'd speak to units, but sometimes it helps to have provenance, believe me when I did the filming for the Culloden Visitors centre, some of the hired in extras were wearing Gold Brothers specials and had their faces painted blue.
It's nice to have someone actually asking somewhere before assuming.

[BoldHighlander]

I agree with you, I'd speak to units, but sometimes it helps to have provenance, believe me when I did the filming for the Culloden Visitors centre, some of the hired in extras were wearing Gold Brothers specials and had their faces painted blue.
It's nice to have someone actually asking somewhere before assuming.

Blue face paint @ Culloden?!
Oh Mel, what thou hath wrought upon us!

The nice thing is once one joins a unit, and has the research, they can effect change from within
I've done this myself in the past, & most recently within my own clan society, with the assistance of information provided by our own Matt Newsome & the Scottish Tartan Authority regarding rather a certain Mackay tartan was a district or family tartan & its history.

[Woodsheal]

Here's an excellent unit that does both F&I War and Rev War impressions:

http://musketsofthecrown.homestead.com/77th.html

They are a great bunch of folks who do it "right"....