~ QuarterMasters Store ~

~ Uniform & Kit ~

In order to maintain that period look there are a few simple hints and tips which will make a significant difference to your impression.

The easiest thing to do to add to 'the look' is hand stitch those button holes. ALL buttonholes. Simply overstitch the existing work. DO NOT use modern threads such as nylon or polyester ....... stitch with linen thread, pale greys or muted browns, tans are preferred.

Haversack (Bread Bag) :- Ensure the sling is sewn up to the correct height; i.e. the bag resting on the kidneys

Knife, Fork & Spoon :- Kept in the haversack, these should not be stainless steel! Period styles only. The spoons should not be teaspoons, fiddleback spoons are best.

Plates :- Also kept in the haversack. Avoid pie tins and stay with tin plates only ...... no enamelling!

Cup :- Again no enameling or stainless steel. Get a good weight and size and it will double for many things when cooking on the fire.

Knapsack :- Mid-war style, two bag knapsack preferred. Remember this should carry your blanket, shelter half, and a mix of tent pegs, spare shirt, vest (if hot), housewife, washing gear, writing kit and the other bits and pieces a soldier would accumulate on campaign. Your greatcoat if you have one would be strapped to the top. Your poncho would be between two bags for ease of access. In changeable weather the soldier would fold it and hang it over the back of their belt.

Blanket Roll :- In the absence of a knapsack, this may be used and would possibly contain your shelter half and a mix of the aforementioned bits and pieces. The whole thing covered by your poncho/gum blanket or shelter half to keep the contents dry in inclement weather. 

Blanket :- An old grey, brown, tan or dark blue woolen blanket, then hand stitch the ends. No khaki or modern colours that could only come from chemical dyes. Remember that most dyes of this period were organic dyes.

Shelter Half :- All button holes should be hand stitched, the buttons should be bone or possibly wood. There should be no brass gromets on the half!