Re-enactors Apparel and Gear Should look near new and 1943 Repro Web Belt

I reenacted American Civil War battles from 1979 into the 1990s. One thing I learned is that a lot of civilians are not well versed in history so it is up to us to be educated and informed so as not to misguide spectators at an event.

On the other hand some reenactors also have the wrong impression of how things should be or look.

Equipment gets used and worn out, it is replaced.

Uniforms and equipment should not look 50-100 years old. If you are portraying a time period in history, those items might have showed wear, but they would have either been left over from a previous war or near new issue. This thought applies to any period in history. You have traveled back to that time period for event purposes, why would your equipment look 50-100 years old. It would not. I spent thirty years in the US Military and most of the equipment I was issued was less than 20 years old. 1981 I was issued Vietnam Era gear for training purposes. When I arrived at my first assignment 5 months later, I was re-issued near brand new gear "Y" Harness (LBE) and Pistol Belt, pouches, etc. When I left , it was collected for reissue. Stealing from the US Government is frowned upon if they catch you. I have heard of all kinds of items being sold in the civilian market, but that isn't because it's legal. It was in all probability removed without owner consent.

It might seem a little morbid, but we were trained to all have our gear set up the same so if you lost personal to action, you would know where the ammo was or whatever else you need to replenish your issue. The Military reuses "serviceable gear" until it is unserviceable, and BTW  no longer sells it off to army navy stores by the same procedures practiced 50 years ago. Auctions are online instead of at individual installations and much more competitive, which drives the price up and I have my limits. 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: WW II Reenactors should remember, (especially early war impressions) most of the gear would either be WWI left over or near new gear. It would not look 50 years old if it is 1937 issued in 1941. Now you know.

M-1937 WWII Replica M1937 Web Belt US JQMD 1943 | AIRCORPCAMO