For those passionate about embodying history through reenactment, accurately portraying figures like Rogers Rangers requires meticulous attention to detail, especially concerning uniforms and equipment. This guide, drawing upon thorough research and documentation, outlines the essential components of Rogers Rangers Uniforms, alongside related attire for King’s Rangers and common gear of the era. Whether you aim to create your kit from scratch or source it from specialized vendors, understanding these elements is crucial for an authentic representation.
Essential Uniform Components for Rogers’ Rangers (French and Indian War Era)
Recreating the look of a Rogers Ranger from the French and Indian War period involves several key clothing items and accessories. Costs provided are estimates and can vary based on vendor and material quality.
- Brown Fly-Front Breeches: A foundational garment, these breeches in brown fabric typically cost around $50.
- Shirt, Colored or Check Pattern: Unlike the stark white shirts of some other regiments, Rogers Rangers often wore shirts in colored or checked patterns, reflecting a more informal frontier style. Expect to budget approximately $30 for a period-accurate shirt.
- Long Dark Green Waistcoat: A defining piece of the Rogers Rangers uniform, the long dark green waistcoat provided warmth and a distinctive look. These are typically priced around $60.
- Scottish Bonnet, Green Wool: Headwear for Rogers Rangers often consisted of a green wool Scottish bonnet, offering both practicality and a touch of regional flair. These bonnets can be found for about $15.
- Uniform: Rogers’ Regimental Green Wool with Green Facing: The iconic Rogers Rangers uniform coat was made from regimental green wool with green facings. This comprehensive uniform, including wool and buttons, can cost around $160.
King’s Rangers Uniform (Revolutionary War Era)
For those interested in portraying King’s Rangers from the Revolutionary War, the uniform details differ slightly, reflecting the evolving military styles.
- White, Drop-Front Breeches: Shifting to a more conventional military appearance, King’s Rangers wore white, drop-front breeches, priced similarly to their Rogers Rangers counterparts at around $50.
- Shirt, White Cotton: White cotton shirts were standard for King’s Rangers, aligning with typical British military dress of the Revolutionary War. Budget around $30 for a white cotton shirt.
- Short Dark Green Waistcoat: While still dark green, the waistcoat for King’s Rangers was a shorter style compared to the longer versions worn earlier. These waistcoats are also generally around $60.
- Floppy Hat, Black Felt (Tricorn): The tricorn hat, or floppy hat in black felt, became a common headwear item for King’s Rangers, replacing the bonnet. A black felt tricorn hat will cost approximately $30.
- Uniform: King’s Regimental Green Wool with Red Facing: King’s Rangers uniforms maintained the regimental green wool but featured red facings, distinguishing them from Rogers Rangers. A King’s Rangers uniform coat, including wool and buttons, is estimated at $200.
Gear Common to Both Time Periods
Certain pieces of gear were common across both Rogers Rangers and King’s Rangers portrayals, bridging the French and Indian War and Revolutionary War periods.
- Frock, Green Linen: A versatile garment, the green linen frock provided an extra layer and cost around $70.
- Leggings, Green Wool (Handmade): Green wool leggings, often hand-made for authenticity, were essential for protection and warmth.
- Stockings, Silk and Wool: Stockings were necessary, with silk options for warmer weather and wool for colder conditions. These typically range from $8 to $12 per pair.
- Moccasins: Practical footwear for the frontier, moccasins were a common choice, costing about $30.
- Wooden Bowl & Spoon: Basic mess kit items, a wooden bowl and spoon were essential for meals, costing around $13 and $3 respectively.
- Haversack: A practical bag for carrying personal items and rations, a haversack could be obtained for approximately $8.
- Tin Cup: Another mess kit staple, a tin cup cost around $5.
- War Belt: A sturdy belt for carrying equipment, a war belt was priced at about $25.
Additional Equipment and Considerations
While the above items cover the basic uniform, certain larger pieces of equipment are also necessary for a complete portrayal, though these may sometimes be loaned to new reenactors initially.
- Tent, Wedge, White Canvas: A period-appropriate wedge tent in white canvas is essential for overnight events. Costs vary depending on size, with single soldier tents starting around $155, plus poles. It’s crucial to consult with your reenactment unit regarding tent specifications before purchasing.
- Musket, Brown Bess: The iconic Brown Bess musket is a significant investment, typically costing around $650. Used muskets may occasionally be available from unit members at reduced prices. Always consult with experienced members before purchasing a musket to ensure it meets safety and authenticity standards.
Women’s Clothing for Reenactment
For women participating in reenactments, appropriate period clothing is equally important.
- Shift, Cotton or Linen: A basic undergarment, the shift in cotton or linen, costs around $25.
- Petticoat, Cotton or Linen, Drawstring: A petticoat in cotton or linen with a drawstring waist, priced at approximately $25.
- Apron, Drawstring: A practical apron with a drawstring, costing about $7.
- Stockings, Cotton, Extra Long: Cotton stockings, extra long and in pairs, are needed, with each pair costing about $8.50.
- Cap (Not a Mob Cap), Cotton or Linen: Headwear in the form of a cotton or linen cap (avoiding mob caps) costs around $15.
- Shortgown, Bedgown, or Sleeved Jacket: Acceptable outerwear options include a shortgown, bedgown, or sleeved jacket in cotton or linen, costing approximately $40. Sleeveless bodices are not appropriate.
- Modesty Piece Scarf: A modesty piece scarf costs around $10.
- Shoes, Black: Black shoes are necessary, with an estimated cost of $85.
Many of these items can be crafted using readily available patterns and period-appropriate materials. Numerous vendors specialize in supplying patterns and materials for historical clothing. While pre-made children’s clothing is available, many reenactors choose to create their own and often pass them down within the community.
Obtaining Your Rogers Rangers Uniform and Equipment
Sutlers (vendors specializing in historical reproductions) are invaluable resources for acquiring uniforms and equipment. You can find sutlers at reenactment events, online, and through hobby-related magazines. While startup costs can be considerable, many reenactment units offer loaner uniforms, tents, and muskets to new members initially. However, new members are generally expected to acquire their basic kit soon after joining and purchase larger items within their first or second season.
It is strongly recommended to contact a reenactment unit before making any significant purchases, especially for muskets, tents, or uniform items. Experienced members can provide guidance on authenticity, quality, and unit-specific requirements, ensuring you invest in pieces that are both accurate and suitable for your reenactment activities.
