VENDORS-
Okay, now we come to the fun part, finding all that stuff. The really good news is that since the reenacting hobby has grown in the last couple decades, there are vendors who now reproduce all the stuff it used to take months to hunt down and find, if you could find it all. The bad news is… well there isn’t any. Even though this stuff costs money, if your hobby of choice was skeet shooting, scuba diving, or racing motorcycles, you’d be spending a lot more money just to get started.
Lee Enfield No1 Mark III- and 1907-8 bayonet-
The most expensive part of the impression. However proper WW1 dated Enfields are not too hard to find. They are also affordable. You will only need one magazine for it and plenty of stripper clips for your blanks. At a bare minimum you should have thirty .303 stripper clips. Fifty if you want to carry a couple additional bandoliers. If you can find a period brass oiler and cleaning gear, get it. Also, I strongly suggest purchasing an extra barber brush to help clean dust and dirt from your rifle.
Original 1908 Bayonets are pretty easy to find as well. Don't pay more than $150.00 for one.
Check your local shops or search on https://www.gunbroker.com/
Parts-
Liberty Tree Collectors- https://www.libertytreecollectors.com/productcart/pc/ltc-default.asp
Sarco Inc.- https://www.sarcoinc.com/rifle-parts/lee-enfield/?sort=featured&page=3
IMA- https://www.ima-usa.com/
Site with tips on Enfield care-
https://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=178-How-to-wrap-an-Enfield-pull-through-and-steps-for-Enfield-care-cleaning
Blanks- British .303
There are several good vendors out there. We tend to use Swanson's Motion picture blanks. Order the long 303 blanks. They will feed correctly.
http://www.joeswansonsmotionpictureblanks.com
Or Atlantic Wall Blanks-
http://www.atlanticwallblanks.com
There are three main places you’ll be shopping. All the vendors are online so you order it and it comes to your door. Most of what we’ll need will be found at Jerry Lee’s “What Price Glory.” He makes it all. Then, below, there are a few alternative vendors who make what you’ll want as well.
Vendors-
Soldier of Fortune-Wales
https://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/shop-re-enactment/british-ww1.html?limit=192&p=3
Great place to find almost everything. Also carries lots of odds and ends. Has personal and other hard to find items. Has original helves and bayonets. Sells great quality P-08 sets. I have not seen his uniforms up close but I hear good things. Has budget quality P-08 sets as well. Has decent affordable boots as an option. Sells other interesting British personal items. Has some prop items from the film 1917. Shipping from Wales, England can be a bit pricey. Use if you are going to purchase several items. (I would avoid their kilts. They seem to be wool blend. Thats a No-no.)
What Price Glory- USA (via Pakistan)
http://onlinemilitaria.net/products/c201-Australian-Militaria/
Jerry Lee is a bit of a one stop shop. He has what I would call “acceptable” uniform items that are fairly priced.
I do find his wool tunic and kilts to be a lesser quality but you cant beat his prices. Especially if you are buying in bulk. You can find the Tam, Feather hackle, Tunic, Kilt, Kilt Cover, Short Putties, Blackwatch Buttons, Gas Mask, and Long Hose there. He has more affordable P-08 sets. He sells mess tin repos and covers. He also has some budget boot options. Shipping is decently priced and ships quickly but tends to be from Qatar or Arab Emirates. So is the manufacturer.
USA Kilts- https://www.usakilts.com/blog/category/history.html
https://www.usakilts.com/
This vendor custom makes historically accurate kilts. Although a little expensive I think their attention to detail is amazing. Use if you intend to get a proper custom kilt made. I do plan on ordering one from them soon. I have had a few conversations with them. I will say they are a pleasure to communicate/ work with.
Clever Forgery- (Canada)
https://www.facebook.com/cleverforgery/
Clever Forgery has some really cool items such as ID tags and Paybooks. Its a Facebook link but send him a message tell him that you want the 1915 styled Canadian playbook and he’ll send you a quote.
Prairie Flower Leather Co.- (USA)
https://www.pflco.com/helmets.html
By far one of the best helmet vendors out there. Also sells repro liners and parts if you want to restore an original shell. You will want to purchase the British model, 2nd pattered helmet. The Canadian model is specific to the 85th Division CEF.
Ruff-Lander- (UK)
https://www.rufflander.co.uk/shop/heritage-footwear/town-and-country-boots/world-war-1-replica-boot/
Pricey but I’ve heard good things about this company. The use heavily oiled leather. They are a dark brown in color. If you purchase these boots I would not suggest dying them.
KT Footwear- (UK)
https://www.dealerboots.co.uk/world-war-1-replica-boots.html
I have not seen them up close but looks like a great quality boot.
World War Knits-(USA)
https://www.worldwarknits.com/
This talented young lady makes quality knit and crochet items for your kit. Knit gloves, sweaters, cardigans, caps. hoods and Balaclavas/Helmets. Her work is amazing. She makes these items by hand so expect some production, knitting time. Well worth the wait. Again, quality items. Check out her site.
Lucky Line Militaria- USA (E-Bay store)
Lucky line has the most affordable set of P-08 gear on the market. I have not seen them up close but I do know he took over Shipperfabrik’s stock (old skool vendor). They have some cool odds and ends. They tend to really lag with their shipping. They also have a reputation as a bit dodgy with customer service.
Ebay-
Tam Hackle- https://www.ebay.com/itm/391458948304?hash=item5b24c584d0:g:mIkAAOSwPhdU83Cw
UNIT INSIGNIA-
I am on the lookout for sets of reproduction brass 42nd Battalion collar devices and RHC shoulder devices. I have found vendors on Ebay that do have them. I also have purchased both the dark green and French blue wool for all of our brigade cloth arm patches. Contact me and I will send you all the insignia you need.
Warning- Do not, I really mean it, do not order anything from a company called the History Bunker in England! They are shysters and have laughable quality items. You have been warned!
Okay, now we come to the fun part, finding all that stuff. The really good news is that since the reenacting hobby has grown in the last couple decades, there are vendors who now reproduce all the stuff it used to take months to hunt down and find, if you could find it all. The bad news is… well there isn’t any. Even though this stuff costs money, if your hobby of choice was skeet shooting, scuba diving, or racing motorcycles, you’d be spending a lot more money just to get started.
Lee Enfield No1 Mark III- and 1907-8 bayonet-
The most expensive part of the impression. However proper WW1 dated Enfields are not too hard to find. They are also affordable. You will only need one magazine for it and plenty of stripper clips for your blanks. At a bare minimum you should have thirty .303 stripper clips. Fifty if you want to carry a couple additional bandoliers. If you can find a period brass oiler and cleaning gear, get it. Also, I strongly suggest purchasing an extra barber brush to help clean dust and dirt from your rifle.
Original 1908 Bayonets are pretty easy to find as well. Don't pay more than $150.00 for one.
Check your local shops or search on https://www.gunbroker.com/
Parts-
Liberty Tree Collectors- https://www.libertytreecollectors.com/productcart/pc/ltc-default.asp
Sarco Inc.- https://www.sarcoinc.com/rifle-parts/lee-enfield/?sort=featured&page=3
IMA- https://www.ima-usa.com/
Site with tips on Enfield care-
https://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=178-How-to-wrap-an-Enfield-pull-through-and-steps-for-Enfield-care-cleaning
Blanks- British .303
There are several good vendors out there. We tend to use Swanson's Motion picture blanks. Order the long 303 blanks. They will feed correctly.
http://www.joeswansonsmotionpictureblanks.com
Or Atlantic Wall Blanks-
http://www.atlanticwallblanks.com
There are three main places you’ll be shopping. All the vendors are online so you order it and it comes to your door. Most of what we’ll need will be found at Jerry Lee’s “What Price Glory.” He makes it all. Then, below, there are a few alternative vendors who make what you’ll want as well.
Vendors-
Soldier of Fortune-Wales
https://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/shop-re-enactment/british-ww1.html?limit=192&p=3
Great place to find almost everything. Also carries lots of odds and ends. Has personal and other hard to find items. Has original helves and bayonets. Sells great quality P-08 sets. I have not seen his uniforms up close but I hear good things. Has budget quality P-08 sets as well. Has decent affordable boots as an option. Sells other interesting British personal items. Has some prop items from the film 1917. Shipping from Wales, England can be a bit pricey. Use if you are going to purchase several items. (I would avoid their kilts. They seem to be wool blend. Thats a No-no.)
What Price Glory- USA (via Pakistan)
http://onlinemilitaria.net/products/c201-Australian-Militaria/
Jerry Lee is a bit of a one stop shop. He has what I would call “acceptable” uniform items that are fairly priced.
I do find his wool tunic and kilts to be a lesser quality but you cant beat his prices. Especially if you are buying in bulk. You can find the Tam, Feather hackle, Tunic, Kilt, Kilt Cover, Short Putties, Blackwatch Buttons, Gas Mask, and Long Hose there. He has more affordable P-08 sets. He sells mess tin repos and covers. He also has some budget boot options. Shipping is decently priced and ships quickly but tends to be from Qatar or Arab Emirates. So is the manufacturer.
USA Kilts- https://www.usakilts.com/blog/category/history.html
https://www.usakilts.com/
This vendor custom makes historically accurate kilts. Although a little expensive I think their attention to detail is amazing. Use if you intend to get a proper custom kilt made. I do plan on ordering one from them soon. I have had a few conversations with them. I will say they are a pleasure to communicate/ work with.
Clever Forgery- (Canada)
https://www.facebook.com/cleverforgery/
Clever Forgery has some really cool items such as ID tags and Paybooks. Its a Facebook link but send him a message tell him that you want the 1915 styled Canadian playbook and he’ll send you a quote.
Prairie Flower Leather Co.- (USA)
https://www.pflco.com/helmets.html
By far one of the best helmet vendors out there. Also sells repro liners and parts if you want to restore an original shell. You will want to purchase the British model, 2nd pattered helmet. The Canadian model is specific to the 85th Division CEF.
Ruff-Lander- (UK)
https://www.rufflander.co.uk/shop/heritage-footwear/town-and-country-boots/world-war-1-replica-boot/
Pricey but I’ve heard good things about this company. The use heavily oiled leather. They are a dark brown in color. If you purchase these boots I would not suggest dying them.
KT Footwear- (UK)
https://www.dealerboots.co.uk/world-war-1-replica-boots.html
I have not seen them up close but looks like a great quality boot.
World War Knits-(USA)
https://www.worldwarknits.com/
This talented young lady makes quality knit and crochet items for your kit. Knit gloves, sweaters, cardigans, caps. hoods and Balaclavas/Helmets. Her work is amazing. She makes these items by hand so expect some production, knitting time. Well worth the wait. Again, quality items. Check out her site.
Lucky Line Militaria- USA (E-Bay store)
Lucky line has the most affordable set of P-08 gear on the market. I have not seen them up close but I do know he took over Shipperfabrik’s stock (old skool vendor). They have some cool odds and ends. They tend to really lag with their shipping. They also have a reputation as a bit dodgy with customer service.
Ebay-
Tam Hackle- https://www.ebay.com/itm/391458948304?hash=item5b24c584d0:g:mIkAAOSwPhdU83Cw
UNIT INSIGNIA-
I am on the lookout for sets of reproduction brass 42nd Battalion collar devices and RHC shoulder devices. I have found vendors on Ebay that do have them. I also have purchased both the dark green and French blue wool for all of our brigade cloth arm patches. Contact me and I will send you all the insignia you need.
Warning- Do not, I really mean it, do not order anything from a company called the History Bunker in England! They are shysters and have laughable quality items. You have been warned!
RESEARCH AND HISTORY LINKS
A most comprehensive WW I site is Trenches on the Web. They feature pictures, posters, music files, resources: a truly multi-media site.
You can visit the Royal Highlanders of Canada Home Page and see the modern military unit in action.
Canadian Military History/ Heritage
https://warheritage.royalroads.ca/
Guysborough County WW1 Veterans blog- Has some info on 42nd vets.
http://guysboroughgreatwarveterans.blogspot.com/2016/04/guysborough-county-cef-enlistments.html
More unit history-
https://cefresearch.ca/matrix/Army%20Corps/Divisions/3rd%20Division/7th%20Infantry%20Brigade/42nd%20Battalion.htm
A great site with a large WW1 Photo Archive http://www.gwpda.org/photos/greatwar.htm
Nice informative site
https://www.blancoandbull.com/
A Great site showing how to properly tie your boot laces.
https://plus.google.com/photos/110169237000562683075/albums/5596620179625842913?banner=pwa
An informative site on recreating your own historically correct civilian clothing. Many different eras are represented.
https://www.lulus.com/blog/diy-2/sewing-patterns-and-guides-for-historical-clothing-and-costumes/
Reading List-
Canada's Black Watch: The First Hundred Years by Col. P.P. Hutchison
That's about it. Collecting and working on your impression is half the fun of the hobby. But please do yourself a favor, unless you already have collected or are an expert in the uniform and kit of a Great War Canadian Highlander, do not buy anything until you have contacted us. We will be happy to guide you and make certain you are buying the correct items. It will save you time and money. Feel free to email me with any questions.
[email protected]
Cheers,
Al Gehry
Unit Commander
A most comprehensive WW I site is Trenches on the Web. They feature pictures, posters, music files, resources: a truly multi-media site.
You can visit the Royal Highlanders of Canada Home Page and see the modern military unit in action.
Canadian Military History/ Heritage
https://warheritage.royalroads.ca/
Guysborough County WW1 Veterans blog- Has some info on 42nd vets.
http://guysboroughgreatwarveterans.blogspot.com/2016/04/guysborough-county-cef-enlistments.html
More unit history-
https://cefresearch.ca/matrix/Army%20Corps/Divisions/3rd%20Division/7th%20Infantry%20Brigade/42nd%20Battalion.htm
A great site with a large WW1 Photo Archive http://www.gwpda.org/photos/greatwar.htm
Nice informative site
https://www.blancoandbull.com/
A Great site showing how to properly tie your boot laces.
https://plus.google.com/photos/110169237000562683075/albums/5596620179625842913?banner=pwa
An informative site on recreating your own historically correct civilian clothing. Many different eras are represented.
https://www.lulus.com/blog/diy-2/sewing-patterns-and-guides-for-historical-clothing-and-costumes/
Reading List-
Canada's Black Watch: The First Hundred Years by Col. P.P. Hutchison
That's about it. Collecting and working on your impression is half the fun of the hobby. But please do yourself a favor, unless you already have collected or are an expert in the uniform and kit of a Great War Canadian Highlander, do not buy anything until you have contacted us. We will be happy to guide you and make certain you are buying the correct items. It will save you time and money. Feel free to email me with any questions.
[email protected]
Cheers,
Al Gehry
Unit Commander
