Re-enactors immerse themselves in their roles — right down to their sundries. Before you head out to a living history event, familiarize yourself with the old-fashioned objects you might encounter. This glossary will get you started:
? brogans: heavy, ankle-high work shoes
? carbine: short-barreled rifle
? cockade: rosette or knot of ribbon worn on soldiers’ hats
? gaiters: knee-high leg coverings, usually made of heavy cloth or leather
? hard tack: a tough, tasteless unleavened bread made of flour and water, and rationed to soldiers
? haversack: shoulder-strap bag
? gauntlets: gloves
? kepi: a soldier’s cap with flat, round top and stiff visor
? minnie balls: bullets
? mucket: metal cup
? shank: the loop or ring on the back of a button
? strop: thick leather strip for sharpening razors
? waistcoat: vest
From the August 2005 Family Tree Magazine
