Recommended Sutlers

he sutlers, or suppliers, listed on this page have outfitted the men of the 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry over the years. They have generally provided the soliders in our ranks with quality goods, reliable service, and fairness in all dealings.

When buying online or through the mail, be forewarned: most of these suppliers are small outfits, and it is not uncommon for certain items to take weeks, if not months, to arrive at your door. We recommend asking for an estimated delivery time when placing your order.

If you need something right away, you can probably obtain it at an event, but merchants on "sutler row" in general tend to sell less authentic goods at higher prices than you will find online or by mail order. A good rule of thumb is to plan ahead, shop carefully, order from recommended sources, and be willing to wait for delivery. You will be rewarded for your patience with authentic and durable gear that will serve you well for many years.

When ordering items, always be sure to tell the supplier that you are a member of the 28th Massachusetts and that your impression is Mid War. This can sometimes make a difference in what the supplier provides you.

Veteran members of the 28th Massachusetts are generally your most reliable source of information about what items to buy and from whom. They know from experience which suppliers offer the best combination of authenticity, durability, service and value. Many of the listed suppliers, although their answers to your questions may sometimes be self-serving, can also offer you helpful advice.

Recommended Sutlers for Maximum Historical Accuracy

Many of these merchants specialize in only a handful of goods and make them one at a time by hand, copying original specimens or adhering to authentic patterns.

• C.J. Daley Historical Reproductions
  http://www.cjdaley.com
  (301) 766-7112
  Top quality uniforms, drawers, great coats, NCO chevrons, shelter halves and shirts.
  
  
• Dell's Leatherworks
  http://www.dellsleatherworks.com
  (914) 339-4916
  Cap pouches, cartridge boxes and belts.
  
  
• Dirty Billy's Hats
  http://www.dirtybillyshats.com
  (717) 334-3200
  Forage caps and slouch hats.
  
  
• E.J. Thomas Mercantile
  http://www.ejtsutler.com
  Newer sutlery specializing in accurate handmade reproductions of leather goods. Also sells other high-quality items from respected makers, including highly recommended J.T. Martin contract sack coats by N.J. Sekela Historic Clothiers.
  
  
• Haversack Depot
  http://www.haversackdepot.com
  (830) 620-5192
  Haversacks, hemp rope and shelter halves. Highly recommended haversacks patterned after originals in the U.S. Quartermaster Museum and West Point collections.
  
  
• Jersey Skillet Licker
  http://www.skilletlicker.com/
  (800) 431-1862
  Uniforms, leather accoutrements, blankets, brogans, canteens, eating utensils, forage caps, great coats, haversacks, knapsacks and shelter halves. Quality reproductions by respected makers. Fast, friendly service.
  
  
• Keune, Brad
  (203) 872-4022
  Highly recommended McDowell visor forage caps.
  
  
• Land, Robert
  http://www.robertlandhistoricshoes.com/servlet/StoreFront
  (519) 836-0747
  Highly recommended brogans and boots.
  
  
• Mattimore Harness
  http://www.civilwarboots.com
  (307) 745-8460
  Boots and brogans.
  
  
• Missouri Boot and Shoe (Robert Serio)
  http://www.missouribootandshoe.com
  (417) 451-6100
  Highly recommended boots, brogans, knapsacks and leather accoutrements.
  
  
• Orchard Hill Sutlery
  http://www.orchardhillsutlery.com
  (518) 875-9981
  Simply the best selection of historically correct canteens available anywhere. Also highly recommended for extremely authentic hand-made uniforms, leather accoutrements, brogans, shelter halves and tin ware. Fast service.
  
  
• Provisional Supply
  http://www.provisionalsupply.com
  Fax: (856) 802-0748
  Reenactor-operated sutlery supplying fully researched and authentic but affordably priced goods. Offerings include trowsers by Chris Sullivan, American-made leathers, hand-sewn shirts, and other accurate reproductions. Responsive and friendly service.
  
  
• Semancik, Chris
  http://www.foragecaps.com
  Highly recommended private purchase type forage caps, including McDowell pattern. Also available from S&S Sutler of Gettysburg.
  
  
• S&S Sutler of Gettysburg
  http://www.ss-sutler.com/
  (717) 334-4253
  Top quality uniforms, headwear and accoutrements from respected makers: Jodi Nolan, Chris Semancik and Jim Warehime.
  
  
• Stony Brook Co. (Chris Sullivan)
  http://www.bridgemicro.com/msullivan/catalog/index.htm
  (315) 343-1557
  Highly recommended Schuylkill Arsenal pattern trowsers. Also takes used articles on consignment. Very knowledgeable and helpful.
  
  
• Zimmerman, John, Master Gunsmith
  http://www.edsmart.com/jz/
  (304) 535-2558
  Firearms and musket "defarbing" services. One of our recruits took the field at his first event with a Zimmerman-made Enfield rifle, leaving many a veteran wanting his own.

Recommended Sutlers for Basic Historical Accuracy

Most of these companies are full-line sutlers from whom you can obtain a musket and most if not all of your basic "kit" (i.e. uniform and accoutrements).

• C & D Jarnagin
  http://www.jarnaginco.com
  (662) 287-4977
  One of the primary outfitters of the 28th Massachusetts over the years. Uniforms, leather accoutrements, blankets, brogans, canteens, forage caps, great coats, gum blankets, haversacks, knapsacks, muskets, shelter halves, tents and tin ware. Good overall quality, reasonable prices and reliable service. Its gum blankets, knapsacks and tin ware are highly authentic and of exceptional quality.
  
  
• Blanket Brigade
  http://www.blanketbrigade.com
  (610) 381-4400
  Colorful sutlery known for the proprietor's impression of General Custer. Seen at many events. Offers handsome rifle cases made from Witney blankets. Friendly service and reasonably priced goods.
  
  
• Blockade Runner
  http://www.blockaderunner.com
  (931) 389-6294
  Good full-line sutlery. Wide selection of firearms. Nice federal Type II shelter half tent. Hand sewing on some uniform items. Reasonable prices and reliable service.
  
  
• Fair Oaks Sutler
  http://www.fairoakssutler.com
  (540) 972-7744
  Friendly and responsive full-line sutler. Nice selection, reasonable prices and fast service, although it's better to see the goods in person than to buy them by mail.
  
  
• Fall Creek Suttlery
  http://fcsutler.com
  (765) 482-1861
  Full-line sutlery seen at many events. Leather accoutrements, blankets, brogans, canteens, eating utensils, muskets and tents. Its brogans and "A" tents have been popular with the men of our unit. Reasonable prices and reliable service.
  
  
• Old Sutler John
  http://www.oldsutlerjohn.com
  (607) 775-4434
  Family-owned, full-line sutlery; one of the oldest and best-known in the Northeast, and seen frequently at events. Has supplied firearms, edged weapons, and sundries to many of our troops over the years. Honest, friendly service.
  
  
• Panther Primitives
  http://www.pantherprimitives.com/
  (304) 462-7718
  Shelter halves and "A" tents. Not as authentic as some, but extremely well made and durable.
  
  
• Regimental Quartermaster
  http://www.regtqm.com/
  (215) 340-1863
  Well-known full-line sutlery often seen at events. Large selection of goods with an increasing focus on historical accuracy. Still better to see the goods in person than to buy them by mail.