Kit Requirements...
To make this page a little easier to get around, please either scroll down and read the whole document or, if you know that you're going to join up or are extremely interested in being a part of our group and know which area is right for you, just use the link below...
Remember: Some kit can be "made" by yourself. Others can be purchased through period clothiers and "sutlers" (merchants at re-enactments) as well as purchased from other re-enactors either at events or, through use of our message board, Ye Olde Woolen Blanket or similar things online.
Also note: The Norfolk Militia (Heritage Regiment) Re-Enactment Group have a band of musicians and an artillery group you can join up with. For information, please e-mail musiciansnorfolk@uppercanadianheritage.com or artillerynorfolk@uppercanadianheritage.com and I'm sure they can assist you with extra or special kit requirements.
All "prices" listed are estimates based on information from the webmaster of this site as of July, 2003. Prices/Costs may vary for individuals.
You may also want to read the article linked here
by our own J. Bruce Whittaker about starting into the
wonderful world of re-enacting!
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Minimum Requirements for members of the Norfolk Militia (Heritage Regiment) Re-Enactment Group
Male
- Drop Front Pants - Est. $65.00 CDN
- Shirt* - Est. $60.00 CDN
- Gentleman's Vest - Est. $50.00 CDN
- Hunting Coat - Est. $80.00 CDN
- Boots (See Paragraph Below) - Est. $50.00 CDN
- Hat (Top Hat/Shako/Hunting Hat) - Est. Between $80.00 CDN to $200 CDN
This is the basic "militia" outfit. Prices can vary to more or less depending on what you're looking for and whom you're purchasing from. If you are joining The Norfolk Militia (Heritage Regiment) Re-Enactment Group, PLEASE contact Captain Hanna before your purchase for help. Also, you will need "boots" too... To start, black workboots or surplus army or police boots will be okay. Surplus boots will run you about $30 - $60 a pair. Also, things like a tent (around $200 - $350 CDN to start), a firearm** (can range from $700 to $2,000 CDN), belting with amo box (about $190 CDN) and a bayonet (can range from $90 to $150 CDN) may be necessary if one cannot be loaned to you for events.
Female (Camp Follower - For Soldier, see above)
- Basic Camp Dress - Est. $80.00 CDN
- Fancy Day-Dress - Est. $140.00 CDN
- Mop Cap - Est. $10.00 CDN
This is the bare basics for a women within an encampment. A chemise, petticoats, apron and other items are highly recommended as is a cloak to keep you warm at night. Again, if you need help, contact Linda at lindasearlyfashions@yahoo.com
If you join (or if you're already a re-enactor) and are looking for bargains or previously "loved" items, you are more than welcome to use our message board to either enquire about items that may be available for sale or trade or, perhaps offer something of your own old kit to assist people with their hobby.
A strong and inexpensive recommendation is to acquire a haversack which will likely only set you back about $20 CDN.
Another strong recommendation is to acquire your greatcoat (soldier) or a good cape or cloak (camp follower/civilian) to keep you warm during cooler weather. This will likely set you back anywhere between $120 to $200 CDN.
* - STRONG recommendation - Get two shirts at least!
** - Flintlocks should be fitted with a flashguard and hammer stall (both very inexpensive) for safety reasons. These items are required by most historic sites to be able to use your firearm. Click here for an article on the weapons used in War of 1812 and how to acquire reproductions to use at events.
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"Good" Requirements for members of the Norfolk Militia (Heritage Regiment) Re-Enactment Group (Soldiers)
Nota Bella: This is above and beyond the above minimums and is for anyone wishing to join in on an encampment and in the field...
- Grey "Canadian Volunteers" Jacket* - Est. $70 CDN
- Gaitors - Est. $20 CDN
- Cross Belts (If not already acquired)** - Est. $120 CDN
- Bayonet (for Brown Bess or Rifle) - Est. Range $90 to $150 CDN
- Firearm (For Information On Which Type, Contact Us!)*** - Est. Range $700 - $2,000 CDN
- "Top Hat" for "Canadian Volunteer" - Est. Range $50 - $200 CDN
If you're joining in the full encampment, it is recommended that you pick up a tent (wedge tents range from $200 to $900 CDN) and of course, cooking kits (fire irons, iron pots/pans, eating utensils and the like), candles (load up on these!), wool blankets and lanterns. For encampment tools information, please, again, contact Captain Hanna for information.
As above, a strong and inexpensive recommendation is to acquire a haversack which will likely only set you back about $20 CDN.
And also, as above (a little redundancy never hurt anyone) is the recommendation to acquire your greatcoat to keep you warm during cooler weather. This will likely set you back anywhere between $120 to $200 CDN.
If you need help or want to know where and how to purchase these, please contact Captain Hanna
* - Or, you may want to get a "civilian" jacket (or tailcoat). This will run you about $180.00 or a little less or more depending on the style.
** - For the cross belts, you will need a plain, militia cross-belt plate which is less than $30.00
*** - Norfolk does have a Rifle company but the good old Brown Bess is still the standard recommended. Also, you will need to get a "flash guard" (under $15.00) and a "Hammer Stall" (under $10.00) for safety reasons. Click here for an article on the weapons used in War of 1812 and how to acquire reproductions to use at events.
For those interested in the Rifle Coy. of the Norfolk, a green rifle tunic and a green rifle vest is highly recommended... These two items will set you back about $120 for both.
For all those in the field, a period canteen is highly recommended. These items are about $70 CDN and are round, made of wood with metal bands, have a shoulder strap (belt) and a cork. Excellent item for keeping your fluids "topped up" and getting the nasty taste of black powder out of your mouth!
Please Note: Canadian Law says you do not require an FAC (license) for an antique replica firearm (flintlock), but you will require a PAL (Possession and Acquisition License) from the Federal Government to purchase the powder (black powder) to fire the weapon (this is currently $80 CDN as of July 2003). Information on this can be obtained by clicking here (opens a new browser).
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"Ideal" Requirements for members of the Norfolk Militia (Heritage Regiment) Re-Enactment Group (Soldiers - War of 1812)
Nota Bella: This is above and beyond the above minimums and the items in the "good" category.
- Red Coat with Black Facings* - Est. $300 CDN
- Fatigue Jacket with Black Facings - Est. $70 CDN
- Shako (Military Hat)** - Est. Range - $150 - $250
- Forage Cap (Black Facing on Red) - Est. $20.00
- "Soft" (no wood) Back Pack (Black, unadorned) - Est. $100 CDN
- Boots/Footwear (Period - Mens - Black) - Est. $180 CDN
- If not acquired already, White Drop Front Pants*** - Est. $65 CDN
- If not acquired already, Wool Blanket (grey) - Est. Range $40 - $150 CDN
- If not acquired already, Haversack (plain) - Est. $20 CDN
- If not acquired already, Greatcoat - Est. Range $120 to $200 CDN
- If not acquired already, Canteen**** - Est. Range $70 CDN
None of the above is necessary to join up. This is only if you wish to add to your accoutrements when re-enacting. These items can be acquired while "re-enacting" or "on-the-go".
* - The Norfolk Militia was and is not a true "Red Coat" group as, in history, we note that only 29 "Red Coat Tunics" were ever delivered to the unit. Being militia, most of the soldiers wore their normal everyday clothing so this tunic is not a necessity.
** - White tuft on the Shako and "Stove Pipe" style please and standard Shako Plate for militia.
*** - Historically, even most regular British regiments had pants of all sorts of colours (the tunic colour and facings being most important in the line of battle) but white is what was "supposed" to be the issue of choice. Militia regiments probably had a complete mixed-bag of grey, brown and white pants.
**** - A canteen should be "period" to the early nineteenth century. This would be a round, wooden with metal bands canteen with a cork. Several sutlers carry these and it is a good idea to have one in the field... particularly on hot days!
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Extra Kit Acquirements
Although we certainly do not impede you picking up "extra" items... possibly other tunics (like an American "Blue-Coat" or a Revolutionary War tunic) it is STRONGLY recommended that if you're joining the Norfolk Militia (Heritage Regiment) Re-Enactment Group or are already a member, before you pick up any clothing, weapon, tentage or the like that you contact and clear it through Captain Hanna to ensure it can be used within our events.
Of course getting things like lanterns, fire and cooking equipment, plates and eating utensils... well, you get the idea... is a good idea. Picking these items up while at re-enactments is usually best for both accuracy and for your pocketbook!
Of course, if you're a collector like y'r humble webmaster, I have plenty of items that probably won't be used in a Norfolk event, but I have them at home to enjoy for myself.
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Where do you buy this stuff?
As stated a couple of times above, you can gather kit gradually... going to re-enactments and purchasing things there, ordering stuff from online or "mail order" places and of course, feel free to post requests (or items for sale) on our message board.
We do have links to some of the available online sutlers which you can see by clicking here.
Please keep in mind, this "hobby" is kind of expensive, but if done gradually and gently as well as seeing what other's "in the field" are using (what works and what doesn't) can be of great assistance to your patience and pocketbook!
Also, although buying "real" antiques via stores and even online auctions is fun and everyone likes collectables, do you really want to bring out that thousand-dollar antique sword into a re-enactment scenario? Again, before purchasing (especially a "big ticket" item) that you may want to bring to an event, check with Captain Hanna before dropping a big chunk of cash on something that may be only a "home based collectable".
©2003 - Norfolk Militia (Heritage Regiment) Re-Enactment Group - This Website is C/O GHRS - Ontario 100632991
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