Perhaps the most often asked question by potential recruits is “how much does it cost?" Well, the quick answer is that it's about what you’d expect to pay to get serious in many other hobbies like golf, downhill skiing, or even fishing! The bottom line is that after an initial investment of around $1,500 you will have pretty much all of the gear you will ever need to enjoy the living history hobby for many, many years.

A quick breakdown of the essentials, ballpark prices and the places where you can get them follows:

MUSKET
The short, land pattern or second model BROWN BESS musket: .......$680-800
The Brown Bess was the standard firearm of the British Army for over 100 years. Modern reproductions are available from several sources, the cheapest we have found so far is from Cabela's.
ORDER FROM

Cabela's
G. Gedney Godwin, The Sutler of Mount Misery
Dixie Gun Works

SMALL CLOTHES
These include a shirt, waistcoat, stockings and breeches.

1770s-Style WAISTCOAT in white cotton canvas or white linen: $60-70
(linen is more correct). Working pockets are not needed -- you can't get
into the pockets when wearing a waistbelt anyway. so most of us have a simple, sewn welt where the pockets would go.
ORDER FROM

Bradly Company of the Fox
G. Gedney Godwin, The Sutler of Mount Misery
Jas. Townsend and Son, Inc.

White BREECHES.....$55.00-$90.00
(linen is a more correct fabric but the cotton canvas is more durable) Either way, you will need to ask them for a
five-button leg closure; four buttons below each knee and one on each knee band as recommended by Cuthbertson in 1768.
ORDER FROM

Bradly Company of the Fox
G. Gedney Godwin, The Sutler of Mount Misery
Jas. Townsend and Son, Inc.

The SHIRT can be fine, white cotton ($32.00) though once again, linen is more correct ($65.00)
ORDER FROM

Bradly Company of the Fox
G. Gedney Godwin, The Sutler of Mount Misery
Jas. Townsend and Son, Inc.

Off-white STOCKINGS ..... $8.00-10.00. We are looking at also getting a pair of cotton stockings for the really hot days. heavy cotton stockings in off-white should work for you no
matter what.
ORDER FROM:

Bradly Company of the Fox
Jas. Townsend and Son, Inc.

REGIMENTAL COAT
The best REGIMENTAL COATS are made by our own Ralph Briggs. His coats are the best fitting and the best value we have found so far. Contact Ralph Briggs directly for pricing or to arrange a fitting. Other sources include:

G. Gedney Godwin, The Sutler of Mount Misery
C & D Jarnagin Company

SHOES
Any black leather SHOES will do as they are pretty much hidden under the Spatterdashes

SPATTERDASHES
SPATTERDASHES are black, canvas "spats" worn over the shoes to keep debris out......$50.00
ORDER FROM:

G. Gedney Godwin, The Sutler of Mount Misery

OTHER
The unit tries to keep a few waistbelts, cartridge pouches and other items on hand.

If you or someone you know is handy with a sewing machine you can save a bit of money by making some of your own clothing. Kannink's Korner offers some excellent patterns, though their selection is somewhat limited at present. Also check with Ralph Briggs to see what patterns he recommends.