Ideas for a mountain man costume

[MagnumCallahan]

Hello guys. I'm new here, so I guess I'll introduce myself before anything else. I'm 15 years old, and live in the Midwest. I'm a big fan of the 50's and 60's westerns, as well as anything Clint Eastwood, John Wayne, or Fess Parker. And of course, costuming. I also love reading westerns by Johnstone and Compton. I've now delurked, and have a question for you all. After watching " The Mountain Men' and " Seraphim Falls", as well as reading most of the "first mountain man" series, I've decided to make a mountain man/ trapper costume, circa 1830-1840. So, any ideas? thanks for any responses guys!

 

[Shylaah]

The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams!

It's what people in the 1970s thought people in the 1800s looked like!!

Pretty squeaky clean for a mountain man, but he does have some interesting costumes from which you could gather some ideas. From his friend Mad Jack as well, who was the real mountain man in the series. I like the AI details on some of his stuff.

Glad you delurked (is that a real word??) and joined in. Welcome to the club! And good luck on your costume.

Shylaah

 

[Fly4v]

For 1830 to 1840, think your rifle would be a flintlock.

I built the flintlock version of this rifle years ago.

.50 Cal. Kentucky Rifle Kit - 394783, Rifle Kits at Sportsman's Guide

That, lots of skins, and a good knife.

 

[MaulWalker]

Crazy Crow Trading Post has patterns, fabrics, leather, knives, and other supplies. www.crazycrow.com

Lynn

 

[MagnumCallahan]

Thanks for the replies guys. Your advice is like gold to me. Thanks for crazy crow info, and I will probably order a basic buckskin shirt to modify. Also, some of my dad's buddies hunt, so maybe I can scrounge up a few rabbit skins for leggings. As for the rifle, I'll be ordering a kit in the next few weeks. Hawken or Kaintuck rifle replica. Ideas for small props to add some depth to the story? I'm pretty knowledgable about firearms, but just to be sure, any gun guys know if the paterson colt was used by trappers and the like? thanks again and much obliged!

 

[greylocke]

Also try Track of the Wolf - Muzzle Loading & Black Powder Guns Kits, Parts, Accoutrements, Rendezvous Gear & Primitive Americana and I just found a new supplier for some of my stuff, Muzzleloading and More Bob and I spent almost an hour on the phone last week. He was very helpful and sent me his formula for moose milk with my order.

As for a pistol if they even carried one is was normally a single shot either flintlock or cap lock in 40 to 65 caliber. My old one was a .50 cap lock with a belt hook on the left side. The patterson was from the early to mid 1800's and was a very expensive firearm at the time.

 

[MaulWalker]

One accessory you will need is a strike-a-light - a piece of flint and a piece of iron. Crazy Crow has both.

Among the women of many Indian tribes, the flint would be carried in a small leather bag, while the iron would be tied to a leather thong and the other end tied to the belt.

You will need to research to find the style of iron striker used in your area and how it would have been carried.

I suggest you find a mountain man reenactor group/forum. They would more informed about the nuances of your particular area.

Lynn

 

[SLEA]

I'm impressed with your interest in the old days MagnumCallahan, in your spare time you may be interested in some of the old Firefox books. Keep up the good work!

 

[Fly4v]

Hawken is an excellent choice. Lots of people took their muskets post civil war and cut then stock Hawken style to reduce the weight.

 

[simiouno]

Nice to see a young guy who likes the west..not many do now.. I think..for a costume I could use anyplace I would get a cast hard rubber flintlock rifle and large knife that way you can use it at cons etc. A possibles bag also ! !