When did I become an ACW re-enactor?

[gurdymonkey]

E-mail from my brother in law: "Brian [ the one who turns seven at the end of March] and I are at home, and he asked me if you have any civil war clothes that he might have? He is very interested in WWI and WWII and civil war soldier uniforms. I remember you doing all those re-enactments so I am just checking?"

Me: "I do earlier periods than that, but I know where I might be able to get some interesting stuff. When's his birthday? I'll see if I can find something he'd like."

He: "Brian is really interested to know if you found any civil war soldier clothes? Brian is bugging me everyday about it?"

Me: "I haven't seen actual uniforms in children's sizes, but I'm thinking of getting him a hat. [Specifically a kepi.] Would he like that? I suppose it would help to know if he would like to be Union or Confederate."

He: "No , he does not want a hat, and he would like to be a confederate. If you can't, I will find something here at the thrift store."

Me: "What size clothing is he wearing these days? I bet I could knock out a soldier's jacket with brass buttons in grey twill or denim for him pretty easily. " 

It's play clothes, it not only doesn't have to be wool, it needs to be durable and washable. I could even mount buttons and have a hidden placket with velcro that he can get in and out of easily. And a big-enough-to-grow-into shell jacket can be cut a little boxy.  I even find myself thinking about shiny new vs. distressed and ways to fake a bullet hole in a sleeve, because I remember Brian, aged three, in his jammies and fireman's hat acting along with his favorite fire and rescue video. Heck, at my age I still haven't outgrown dressing up!

This is completely dependent on what kind of information my B-I-L gives me, and it's probably kproche 's fault I'm even thinking of doing this, what with his current uniform project.

EDIT: 

B-I-L has reported back:

"He is a 7 or 8 boys and he would love that.
That is the best kind of present ever, he said."

Best. Present. Ever. Mwahahahaha!  The nice sutler I bought my wedge tent from many years ago has reproduction Maryland buttons!!!!! Now to see if I can find any online info on uniforms of the 1st Maryland Infantry.....

EDIT the Second: Found this gallery of photos at the website of the Company H of the 1st Maryland. Clearly, they recruit 'em very young. Check out this one.

Comments

[kproche.livejournal.com]

Well, I do have an established track record for inspiring Evil Aunties :-)

And check this out. The sample pages include a few good photos for inspiration for you.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764311816/thecostumersmani

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

Don't think of it as evil. I AM the Cool Auntie, after all. (See edit to post. I am on the hunt for coolness....)

[kproche.livejournal.com]

Well I mean "evil" as in League of Evil Geniuses, of course. not the "destroy the world in a fit of pique" variety.

:-)

[la-peregrina.livejournal.com]

Clearly, they recruit 'em very young.

Well, didn't both sides have drummer boys?

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

Theirs is packing a rifle, though. ;-D