The 37th Virginia expects it's vendors to meet five criteria:
1) Quality workmanship, to include a professional ability in tailoring, leather work and use of Civil War era manufacturing techniques. Also, the vendor must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the historical background and context of the items they produce.
2) A consistency in production of high-quality garments and equipment.
3) A business-like attitude. Vendors should be able to be reached at a regular business or home line during normal working hours as well as be depended on to return calls and answer questions. Additionally, payment methods, production schedules and shipping methods should be standardized and in accordance with regular business practice.
4) Reasonable and consistent delivery times. We know quite well that authenticity takes time. However, a wait of over eight to ten months is probably too long for any item, no matter what quality, and usually indicates a poorly run production house or an overwhelmed manufacturer.
5) Economy. We accept the fact that the most authentic items are a bit more expensive than sutler row wares. However, price is not necessarily an indicator of quality. We have designed this list to reflect the best vendors with the most reasonable prices so that those with a limited budget may acquire the best possible items.
Many excellent vendors are working today that we have not included here, simply because we have not had occasion to review their wares. Additions to this list are solicited and welcome as long as they adhere to the above stated criteria.
The 37th Virginia does not cling to the suggestion
that there is only one acceptable vendor for any given item, to the exclusion
of all others. The habit of maintaining allegiance to a single sutler is
myopic and ultimately destructive. Rather, advances in our understanding
of Civil War material culture accompany new techniques in reproduction
to constantly move ahead the quality of vendor's wares. At this time, there
are many vendors that produce similar items, all of which are acceptable
under a reasoned scrutiny. As always, we look
forward to any new advances that will make our experiences more authentic.
Please note that there are NO vendors listedfor reproduction period firearms. This is because they are available widely from nearly every major sutler. For our members, we would strongly advise however, that you NOT undertake a purchase of a musket without the assistance of a senior member. There are distinct differences in the quality and reliability of specific manufacturer's goods in this regard; and in essence "you get what you pay for..." so to speak. Be warned! Be wise!!
UNIFORM AND CLOTHING MANUFACTURERS AND TAILORS
Tart, Brantley,
& Benjamin
Ben Tart
P.O. Box 28
309 W. Main St.
Spring Hope, N.C. 27882
(910) 594-1332
ben@portbridge.com
http://www.bentart.com/
Ben makes completed uniform parts as well as blanks
and kits, including Richmond Depot jackets and pants and North Carolina
state issue jackets. Ben's specialty is a well researched jean cloth dyed
using 
period
chemicals by the "piece dyed" method (i.e. dyed as a finished cloth, rather
than as yarn), which was more widely used at the time than some people
would like to believe. He has the evidence to back this up, and is enjoyable
and educational to talk to. He also makes flags.
County Cloth
Charlie Childs
14797-C Georgetown St. NE
Paris, OH 44669
(330) 862-3307
crchilds@bright.net
Another excellent source for Confederate uniform parts. Charlie is now producing completed garments again, along with kits. County Cloth is the primary source for shirt patterns and several other specialty ites available nowehere else.
Lynn Bull
809 N. Spence Ave.
Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 778-7032
Lynn assembles kits and makes custom uniform parts,
especially Confederate and Federal frock coats. First rate work.
C.J. Daley
Historical Reproductions, Inc.
Chris Daley
P.O. Box 425
Scotland, PA 17254
(866) 851-1861
http://www.erols.com/chrisdaley/index.htm
tailor@cjdaley.com
Chris Daley makes primarily Federal clothing, but also make a fine reproduction of the "Selden" shirt, imported from England for the Confederacy. Chris is also the sole retail distributor for Pat Klein's (Family Heirloom) yard goods.
N.J.Sekela
1-973-626-3051
http://www.njsekela.com/
Excellent source for Federal garments, particularly his finished shirts and contract blouses. Needless to say, Nick
makes some of the best finished Federal garments around.
CAPS & HATS
Tim Allen
1429 Becket Road
Eldersburg MD 21784
Tim makes to basic types of slouch hat, the "flat-top" and "bee-gum", although he is adding more as time goes on. They are fully lined and stamped. Moderately priced, but beautifully made. Tim is currently our first choice for all slouch hats.
Greg Starbuck
P.O. Box 30948
Savannah, Ga. 31410
(912) 352-2381
ogstar@ix.netcom.com
Really nice, really authentic, but rather expensive handmade kepis. A highly recommended source.
Lynn Bull
See above listing.
Get
highest quality caps from Lynn.
Brad Keune
19 Pleasant St.
Rockville, CT 06066
(860) 872-4022
Brad is now our primary source for Federal forage
caps. Beautifully made, hand worked and very accurate. They only cost $60.00,
so you've got a bargain there, considering the prices of most hats!
SHOES, BOOTS & SOCKS
Missouri Shoe & Boot Company
Bob Serio
Rt. 7, Box 207
Neosho, MO 64850
(417) 451-6100
Military and civilian boots and shoes; the absolute best for the least money, and Bob stands behind his work. All types are authenticated from originals, and he'll give you a copy of the file he has on each one if you want it! Little can be said about Bob's work except that you'd be foolish to go anywhere else, it's that good!
Michael Black
Rt. 1, Box 350 A
Salisbury, N.C. 28144
(704) 637-3331
This is the only source we are currently aware
of for authentically styled, period cotton socks similar to those made
for Confederate troops (and) civilian trade. They are very reasonably priced
too (only
$9.00/pair)!
The Sock Lady
Joyce DeMatteis
798 Old Stage Rd.
Arrington, VA 22922
(804) 263-6590
CWSockLady@aol.com
Our primary source for custom made, hand-knitted
woolen and cotton socks at the most reasonable prices ($5to$8/pair). Joyce
is making stuff on a priority basis for 5th battalion members, so let her
know you are a battalion member when ordering. you are a battalion member
when ordering. (Call or e-mail for details.)
ACCOUTERMENTS, LEATHERGOODS, AND KNAPSACKS
N.J.Sekela
1-976-626-3051
http://www.njsekela.com
This is the best choice at this time for well made US double bag and Isaacs & Campbell knapsacks! We do not recommend that our members go to anyone else for the latter item at this time. Nick also makes reasonably priced Federal clothing that is really top-notch,plus the only current reproduction of the Federal India Rubber blankets (note-we currently do NOT recommend Jarnagin for this item as their production standards have changed)as well as some hard-to-get "non-standard" items. Get a copy of his catalog and see for yourself.
Bob Serio
(see entry under Missouri Shoe & Boot Co.)
Bob is now making top quality accouterments, belts, and Federal double bags as a sideline to his shoe and boot business. A highly recommended source, especially for cap boxes, cartridge boxes and belts.
Sam Haywood
2463 Woodland Dr.
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Sam makes wonderfully authentic knapsacks, including the Federal double bag, Mexican War style, and Isaacs & Campbell pack. He's a bit pricey, but his stuff will last a long time because its extremely well made and very durable.
Spiros Marinos (The Gettysburg Sutler)
PO Box 3192
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-0077
Spiros
is currently making an excellent repro of a Federal issue haversack, nearly
indistinguishable from the original item (highly recommended). Also a good
source for Federal style braces (suspenders)
and bayonet scabbards, handmade by ex-Mudsill,
Ray Hock.
BLANKETS & TINWARE
County Cloth Inc.
(see entry under "Uniform Parts")
Excellent US blankets, as well as NC State issue, and Confederate styles. Highly recommended.
Wisconsin Veterans Museum
30 W. Mifflin St.
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 267-1799
http://badger.state.wi.us/agencies/dva/museum/giftshop.html
These folks make a fine quality reproduction Confederate blanket which will likely have a limited run. They also make some of the best tinware around (our first choice for these items).
C & D Jarnagin Company
PO Box 1860,
Corinth, MS 38835-1860
Phone: (601)-287-4977
Fax: (601)-287-6033
We still are recommending this manufacturer for specific items, such as tinware, and canteens. They have a fast turnaround time with generally good quality; they also have high quality belts, buttons, and some hard to find accouterments like the Enfield cartridge box (50 round) and matching snake buckle belt. (Note-Jarnagin is in the process of upgrading all their supplies, and our hats are off to them for allowing us to help in anyway that we can!)
Ft. Branch Supply
Ken Bucher
PO Box 222
Hamilton, NC 27840
(919) 798-2671
These folks make an excellent repro of the Gardner pattern wooden drum canteen, as well as other, neat, hard-to-find items. They are a good source for belts, straps, stuff of that sort, and of course, buttons.
Quartermaster
Woolens
20473 Idaho Ave.
Lakeville, MN 55044
http://members.aol.com/qmwoolens
The folks at QM Woolens have outdone themselves
in researching and producing an excellent reproduction Federal Blanket.
The run may be limited, but hopefully they will make more if it runs out
altogether. They are also going to be making several other items
including Federal trousers, which I suspect will be wonderful.
FABRIC & TRIM
Tart, Brantley, & Benjamin
Ben Tart
See above listing for address
Rabbit Goody
101 Chestnut Ridge Rd.
Cherry Valley, N.Y. 13380
(518) 284-2729
rabbitg@albany.net
Rabbit Goody makes excellent jean cloth.
Charlie Childs
(See listing above)
Good jean cloth and shirting material
Needle & Thread Yard Goods
2215 Fairfield Rd.
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-4011
These folks are one of the most reliable suppliers for wool and cotton tape and piping type trims. Often their supply is limited, so give them a call to find out what they have available.
The Rancocas Merchant
Sue and Ted Fuesken
33 Pancoast Blvd.
Delran, NJ 08075
(609) 461-3369
Although these folks supply primarily the Rev-war reenactment community, they are an excellent source numerous grades of linen, cotton/linen, and linsey-woolsey yard goods. They are also a reliable source for many colors and diameters of twill tape (cotton only).
CARTRIDGES/TUBES-ROUND MAKING SUPPLIES
Cartridges Unlimited
Mike Watson
217 Mt. Everest Drive
Fenton, MO 63026
(636) 349-0460
Mike is our primary source for pre-rolled authentic-looking
blank cartridges and tubes. His work is top-notch, and the finished
goods are shipped in a timely manner. At $4.75 per 'bundle' of 10,
its a bargain. But get your order in early during the reenacting
season...he can get very back ordered!
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