Over a period of time, you may find that you have a fair amount of money wrapped up in this hobby.  There are some ways you can reduce the amount of money you have to tie up in re-enacting with us (refer to our "Re-enacting Tips: Equipment" section to see ways in which you can save some money).  But re-enacting will cost you a fair amount if yours is a military impression.   That's the bad news. 

But there's good news, too.

Before you panic, remember this: you have six months in which to show that you are making a reasonable effort toward getting your complete Washington Artillery uniform, and a full year in which to obtain the equipment you will need as a member of The Washington Artillery for the Confederate impression; and you have a year-and-a-half from starting in with us until you have to have the complete Federal uniform.  You do not have to obtain all of the equipment before you attend your first event with us.  What we expect is that you will make reasonable progress toward obtaining your equipment, demonstrating that you are making a reasonable effort during your probationary period with us (the first six months), and that your equipment will be within the guidelines set by our organization.  Also, lest you panic when you see the prices, keep in mind that the estimated prices listed here tend to be on the high side, and some items listed are optional.

The question of cost will vary according to a number of different factors.  First, if you purchase all of your goods ready-made versus sewing and making them yourself, the cost will be higher than for someone who is able to make most of their own goods.  Sometimes used goods are available, either from other members or sutlers (the merchants who specialize in supplying goods to re-enactors), which might mean a substantial savings.  Ask around before you make your first purchases.  You may find that you can easily make some items, such as shirts or camp furniture, but that it is prudent for you to buy your wool uniforms from a sutler or used wool uniforms from someone in 5th Company.

You will not need everything on the list today.  In fact, there are a number of items on the list which are optional that you may never need, but may simply want to have.  Plan for the next event you believe you will be able to attend, for there is nothing gained by buying equipment now which will not be useful to you until three months from now when you really need other items between now and then.  For instance, if the next event you plan to attend is one in which The Washington Artillery will be dressed out as a Federal battery, you may want to focus on obtaining the footwear and the Union forage cap, and perhaps the pants if you are able to do so.   Concentrate on those items which will serve you best most immediately and which will be most difficult to borrow from someone within The Washington Artillery.

As with any area of life, you must be judicious and careful in choosing not only the goods but even the merchants who supply them.  Speaking with the non-commissioned and commissioned officers of The Washington Artillery to learn their recommendations of sutlers and sources is a primary way to locate the right sutlers.   As an appendix to your Members' Packet and a more certain way of choosing the right sutlers, we have included a list of sutlers whose products are of an acceptable quality, conform to our standards, and with whom our members have had good experience.   Use this as your guide in locating the items you need.

Estimated expenses would include:

Prices are approximations and they assume that you will purchase the clothing rather than sewing it yourself. 

Most of the wools are available within a price range of $10 a yard (for lightweight dark blue wool, as used in making the Federal shell jacket or forage cap) to $32 a yard (for the most expensive sources for Richmond grey wool).  Wool will most typically cost $16 a yard to $23 a yard, depending on the source you use.  A shell jacket will require somewhere around 2 1/2 to 3 yards of wool, and the distinctive Washington Artillery uniform will require approximately 4 1/2 to 5 yards of 58" - 60" wide material for both trousers and the Richmond Depot jacket.  Buttons for the Federal uniform cost 60¢ to $1 per button, while the authentic cast-brass pelican buttons for the Washington Artillery uniform cost approximately $1.85 per button (and the stamped version of the pelican button, when available, is about $1 per button).  5th Company - Washington Artillery members should refer to the Recommended Sutlers section in the appendix of the Member’s Packet for further source information.

Keep in mind that many items are used for both Confederate and Federal impressions.  For instance, the same shirt, socks, bootees or boots, poncho, duster, greatcoat, and suspenders would be used for both impressions.  You would use the same tin cup, plate, utensils, lantern, and tent, regardless of whether you were Confederate or Federal.  Be mindful of the fact that not all items are required, but some are more a matter of convenience and comfort (such as the greatcoat or poncho or lantern).