The Kings Own military uniforms and equipment give our men a very distinctive and historically accurate look, and we encourage our members to actively fill the role. The more successfully we portray soldiers and camp followers of the 18th Century, the better the public and our peers will remember us and the more success we will have as a unit. While "off-duty", our members have greater liberty in how they dress.

For women, there are no uniforms, per se, as none were available for women in the 18th Century. Instead, women are welcome to wear any 18th Century attire that fits their station or work role. The 18th Century New England life (http://www.18cnewenglandlife.org) is a valuable resource. Our members also welcome the chance to answer any questions you may have.

For Men - Updated June 2007
In order to keep the unit authentic, please don't buy anything unless we recommend it. The regiment supplies all metal buttons, leathergear, brasswork and woolen clothing. The items below are approved for purchase from sutlers.

Musket - most expensive single item
Specs: Pedersoli "Brown Bess", British musket, short-land aka second model. (AVOID a long-land AKA first-model; India pattern; sea-pattern) Recommended suppliers: Cabelas; Dixie Gunworks, or used Jap or Pedersoli

Shoes - vital for your comfort and a good impression
Recommended Supplier: Najecki Specs: crooked, round-toed shoe, rough side out $95 ($105 with hobnails, recommended)

Socks (or stockings)
Recommended Supplier: Townsend Specs: Sp-755 light gray (more than one pair always useful when you can afford it) $20 http://jas-townsend.com/product_info.php?cPath=5&products_id=239

Shirt
Cotton is NOT acceptable. You must have linen or osnaburg. Recommended Supplier: Can be hand-made by our seamstress, but we allow the following: Townsend Specs: Osnaburg (OH-124) $35, or white linen (LH-124) $70. http://jas-townsend.com/index.php?cPath=1_17

Buttons (for gaitors):
Recommended Supplier: Najecki Specs: Black horn buttons $0.50 each. You'll need at least 12, but it's always good to have some spare. http://www.najecki.com/repro/BrassHorn.html

Garters
Recommended Supplier: Najecki Specs: 5/8 inch $5 Website: http://www.najecki.com/repro/Haversack.html Or Godwins, Garters #31 (½ inch): $6.75 http://www.gggodwin.com/stockings.htm

Haversack
Recommended Supplier: Najecki Specs: buy the British haversack kit for $14 - very easy to make http://www.najecki.com/repro/Haversack.html

Neckstock
Recommended Supplier: Najecki Specs: Leather, with Brass Clasp ( $5+ $12): allow room to breathe: about one inch more than collar size! http://www.najecki.com/repro/Haversack.html

Canteen
Recommended Supplier: Avalon Forge Specs: British Kidney #CNBKSS $44 http://mywebpages.comcast.net/avalonforge/MainFieldGear.htm

By contrast Godwins (Stainless Steel F&I Canteen #98SS) charge $58.95 and they have a crappy cotton strap!! You can get the tin version cheaper, but the water tastes disgusting http://www.gggodwin.com/98ss.htm or Townsend (SS-727) for $75 http://jas-townsend.com/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=371

Wig
If you don't grow your own hair you must get a wig, or queue. Get the hair BEFORE you order your helmet. I-Party has passable synthetic wigs for $25 or so, just to get you started. In due course you may want to get a good one: Recommended Supplier: Madame Joan Specs: Man's wig, Human hair $125 or synthetic $75. Send a lock of your natural colour and she'll try to match it. Do not ask to have it styled as we can do that for you. NB: Human hair is much cooler and more comfortable. http://www.madamejoan.homestead.com/index.html (Feel free to experiment with her queues if you can figure out how to attach it permanently to your cap. I've had no success yet.)

Godwins also does an acceptable synthetic wig, but it's heavier http://www.gggodwin.com/wigs.htm $105.75 Again, don't bother with styling. #242 or #243 is fine.

Helmet
Recommended Supplier: Godwin Specs: Just get the blank leather helmet shell #252, ($65) and we'll do the rest. Remember to get the wig FIRST so you get an accurate measurement of your head. Generally you need at least one inch more than your hat size. http://www.gggodwin.com/helmets.htm

Small Accessories
Most of these things are essential and can be picked up cheaply at events if you want to wait.

Hammerstall
Recommended Supplier: Najecki Specs: $4 http://www.najecki.com/repro/Musket.html (Or Godwins #117 for $4.50 http://www.gggodwin.com/tompions.htm) (Or Avalon Gorge #MUFC $4.00 http://mywebpages.comcast.net/avalonforge/MainFieldGear.htm

Flashguard
(Check to see if your musket comes with one first!!) Recommended Supplier: Avalon Forge Specs: Brass #MUFG $4.50 http://mywebpages.comcast.net/avalonforge/MainFieldGear.htm or Godwin - Flashguard #8, $4.00 http://www.gggodwin.com/tompions.htm

Lead Musket Flint Pads
Recommended Supplier: Najecki Specs: $0.25 each (get more than one) http://www.najecki.com/repro/Musket.html By contrast Godwins charge $1.00 each http://www.gggodwin.com/flints.htm

British Musket Tool
Recommended Supplier: Najecki Specs: $12 http://www.najecki.com/repro/Musket.html Or Avalon Forge #MUTB $10.00 http://mywebpages.comcast.net/avalonforge/MainTools.htm You may have to file ends down to fit screws.

Mainspring/Hammer spring vise
Recommended Supplier: Najecki Specs: $12 http://www.najecki.com/repro/Musket.html

Wisk and Pick
Recommended Supplier: Avalon Forge Specs: PICK & BRUSH - #PIBR $7.00 http://mywebpages.comcast.net/avalonforge/MainFieldGear.htm Better made than the cheaper one from Godwin (Whisk & pick #1), $5.95 (tighten the loops with pliers, or it will fall apart) http://www.gggodwin.com/whiskpick.htm

Worm
Recommended Supplier: Godwin Specs: #591, $14.50 http://www.gggodwin.com/cleaningtools.htm or Avalon Forge (Musket Bore Wiper) #MBW2 $12.00 each http://mywebpages.comcast.net/avalonforge/MainFieldGear.htm Make sure the thread fits with your ramrod! Just ask the supplier.

Useful Optional Extras
Knife
Indispensable for a gazillion little things like cutting meat, rag. Poor soldiers would have something cheap. Avalon Forge has a good "starter" knife in the BRASS BARLOW POCKET KNIFE Item #KNBB and it's only $8.00 http://mywebpages.comcast.net/avalonforge/MainTools.htm Godwins has a nice selection: http://www.gggodwin.com/page17.htm

Fork
Recommended Supplier: Avalon Forge Specs: Twisted wire fork #TWWF $5.00 http://mywebpages.comcast.net/avalonforge/MainCookEat.htm Or Godwins has them (Soldier's Eating Fork [#136]) at $4.75 http://www.gggodwin.com/forks.htm

Spoon
Recommended Supplier: Townsend Specs: 6" wooden spoon WS-147 $2 or Horn HS-730 for $5 http://jas-townsend.com/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=135

Bowl
Recommended Supplier: I have some spare, or try Townsend Specs: Wooden Bowl WB-898 $14 http://jas-townsend.com/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=118 Or Avalon Forge #WB8 $12.00 http://mywebpages.comcast.net/avalonforge/MainCookEat.htm

Tin Cup
You can only borrow from the Unit for so long….. Recommended Supplier: Godwin Specs: Soldier's Tin Cup #159 $4.95 http://www.gggodwin.com/mugs.htm

Tompion
For keeping rain out of your muzzle. You can make one yourself by whittling a stick to fit, or by wrapping a stone or marble in a rag. Recommended Supplier: Godwin Specs: Tompion #306 (you will need to sand it or shave it to get a good fit), $5.85 http://www.gggodwin.com/tompions.htm

Gun case
One of our ladies can make these cheap, or… Recommended Supplier: Avalon Forge Specs: Musket case #MSCW $12.00 each http://mywebpages.comcast.net/avalonforge/MainFieldGear.htm Or you can get one that's slightly fancier from Godwin(Guncase #592), $37 http://www.gggodwin.com/cases.htm Since it's mainly for protecting the weapon in transit, you can also consider using a modern padded zipper case.

Flint packet
Recommended Supplier: Godwin Specs: "Flint Packet" $15.50 http://www.gggodwin.com/flints.htm

Bigger Camp Items:
Tent:
Recommended supplier: Tentsmiths: Specs: British Infantry wedge tent (belled) 6' x 7' x 6' (1'3" bell). I recommend getting the Fire resistant sun-forger canvas. $255 http://www.tentsmiths.com/period-tents-wedge-tents.html

Oak tent pegs #TPEG $9.00 dozen http://mywebpages.comcast.net/avalonforge/MainMisc.htm Tent Poles: Make your own (from regular store bought 2" x 2" or order from Tentsmiths

Kettles:
Recommended supplier: Carl Giordano:

Tools:
BEAVER RIVER TRADING COMPANY, Jack and Donna Vargo RD 1, Box 109, Belfort Road, Croghan, NY 13327, (315) 346-1505 I think that's their address. They make the best fascine knives and axes. If you want an accurate shovel, I think you want to contact Jim Hoffman. He's in the 40th.

Sutler Addresses: Roy Najecki, 1203 Reynolds Road, Chepachet, RI, 02814-2400 401 647-3631.