KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT:
By Gary Weigel

Every 18th century soldier had to carry a cartridge box. In German it is called a MUNITIONSTASCHE and the cartridge box belt is called the BANDOLIER. The Munitionstasche will contain a wooden block with holes drilled for 30 paper cartridges. Under the block there is a tin tray. The tray would hold the following:

• Oily rag.
• Container filled with powdered brick for cleaning.
• Worm for swabbing out the musket barrel.
• Extra flints.
• Musket tool.
• Container with oil for your musket.
• Piece of leather for shining your musket.
• Extra cartridges if room permits.

A soldier would use his blacking ball (carried in his Tornster) to polish his Munitionstasche. The Munitionstasche was made of black leather. The flap held a pewter plate that bore the Duke of Brunswick's monogram. The purpose of this plate besides decorative was to supply weight to keep the flap closed. To keep the Bandolier clean a white pipe clay was applied in a paste form to give it that pristine look.

WHAT'S IN A SEWING KIT???
By Mark Krug

Everybody needs a sewing kit. Without it, you can literally unravel at a reenactment event. Considering all the abuse your period clothing goes through during a single weekend, it is not surprising to find all sorts of rips, snags, or missing buttons. To keep your clothing in workable condition, you honestly need to invest in this easily assembled resource.

Even if you do not sew, nor plan on learning, this item holds value. From a historic perspective, most 18th century soldiers often repaired their own clothing. Consequently, a sewing kit goes a long way in completing the reenactor's gear, especially when displaying equipment in front of the public. Often times, a fellow-reenactor or camp-mate will ask to borrow your kit. Having the necessaries around to stitch up the occasional emergency comes in quite handy.

So, what does putting such a kit together cost, and how do you go about it? Simple! All one ever really needs, is a few needles, a pair of scissors, and some thread. Usually a reenactor will bind these items up in a canvas or linen bundle. Ladies may wish to invest in small baskets for more elaborate materials. Period scissors are necessary. Please, no modem-day blades. Both Godwins and Townsends sell authentic cutting tools. When in doubt, feel free to contact one of the NCOs or company officers.

As for thread, get a spool of light or white thread for small clothes and a spool of dark blue thread for repairing your regimental. The spools should be made of wood. You can, however, improvise with wooden dowels. I use both. Once again, please avoid inauthentic synthetic materials for thread. Cotton varieties are still quite prevalent, and are even sold by reenactment sutlers.

Needles are kinda tough. What is a period needle? How can you tell? I find as long as the needles are large, they appear more authentic. 18th century technology did not permit the type of small needles we use today.

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