Calling All Commanders!!!

What is it about this hobby and things starting with the letter B?  Bodices, Baggy Breeches, Beards.... Imagine how good we'd all look without this trifecta of terrible!  But it's only when we use another word, "BAN" as in banish, do standards really stick.  Which is why there hasn't been a bodice sighting at Battle Road in thirteen years.  Unfortunately, bans are very unpopular and nothing gets people's breeches in a bunch like the mere mention of the word.  Which is why I'm going to move on to the letter "C", as in Captain, Commander, Colonel.

Accuracy standards in this hobby are largely determined at the regimental or unit level and leadership plays a major role as to what direction a group goes in.  All of us have seen groups go from mediocre to marvelous when they elect captains who are driving the authenticity bus.

We can educate people, we can educate sutlers, but until the people in leadership positions in this hobby decide that they actually give a damn about what their female membership is wearing, things won't change.  And the bodice will persist until people who head up the umbrella organizations push for that change.

So I'm hereby putting out a call to my friends Bob Allegretto, Barry Greene, Tom DeLucco, as well as the others who hold important offices in the Continental Line, BAR, NWTA, and Living History Association.  I know that authenticity is very important to you and I also know that you can influence and educate the organizations you lead.  Now it's understood that these umbrella groups do not dictate the rules for each of your members but you can influence direction and encourage action when it comes to this issue.

So guys, will you help all of us move forward and help work to eliminate a garment that has no place at an 18th century reenactment? We're counting on you!

Buyer Beware - Read the Fine Print

As I’m writing these posts about bodices, I can’t help but wonder why we are even having these discussions in 2013, since the inaccuracy of this article of clothing has been common knowledge for years. Certainly, they continue to be an issue because they are still sold by sutlers.  

To their credit, Jas Townsend has now added a disclaimer to their bodice offering, 

“This item is not considered accurate by many organizations, if you are working with an organization or will be wearing this at a judged event please check with them before purchasing this item.” 

They would be doing their customers a greater service if they just stopped selling them. 

Smoke and Fire?  All I can say is shame on you!  They’ve taken a real squirrely approach and instead of calling the bodice what it is, they are referring to it a “sleeveless jacket or unstayed jump”.  Really?  I’m calling you out on this one, that’s an English bodice and you know it!   

Some of the smaller sutlers, etsy and ebay sellers are the worst offenders.  There is one in particular, who knows bodices are inaccurate and sells them anyway because she thinks they are more attractive than short gowns.  

"18th Century Rev War Ladies English Waistcoat"
(A Rose by another other name........)

She admits to it in her disclaimer:  "I will not answer indignant inquires by some women insisting I should only sew drab floppy shortgowns for the reenacting public" nor can she "be responsible nor accept excuses after the sale that style or colors are unacceptable to the commander or director of your group".  Mmmmm, maybe she's had some issues with returns due to inaccuracy?????

There's another vendor on ebay, who includes the phrase. "Colonial Williamsburg" when describing her items.  I hate to break it to her, but that's a brand name that implies a certain level of quality.  A little trademark infringement perhaps?

My favorite is the one that sells a "colonial, civil war era french bodice".  I guess the American Revolution was a civil war, but somehow I don't think that's what they meant. 

Colonial, civil war french bodice

Don't get me wrong, I don't care that they sell these things.  This article of clothing might make a really good boho look paired with a vintage jacket and a pair of jeans, but don't pawn it off as 18th century for reenactors, s'il vous plait.

Once again, it comes down to us.  As members of the reenactor community, let's make sure that we are supporting the  sutlers who do their homework and offer accurate, quality goods and to eschew the ones who'll pawn off anything as "period" to make a buck.  In addition, if you are involved in organizing an event, take the time to vet your sutlers -- you'll be doing the community a big favor!