When I need anything for my re-enectment portrayal, the number one place I go is, as some of you already know, “Coopers Choice”.
I love to go out with my camera and visit the different Napoleonic re-enactment events. Next to making hundreds of photographs, I also try to make film and make video coverage of these events. And when I have gathered enough courage I want to be in these videos myself to tell you all about this fantastic hobby and those re-enactment events where the history of the Napoleonic era comes to live.
But before I can appear in front of the camera, I need an outfit to present these videos in. I wish to do this in a officers uniform of the Dutch militia. Why? Because I think it is the most beautiful uniform there is thats really represents where I come from. The dark blue coat with orange collar and cuffs makes it unmistakable that my roots lie in the Netherlands.
First I saw the sash, it was exactly what it should be. Beautifuly hand made knots and braids that adorned it that made it a sash really befitting an officer.
So I asked Maarten, from Coopers Choice, if he could make me an officers shako of the Dutch Militia and if he could acguire an officers sword and sash. The only thing he needed was my head size. During an Napoleonic event in the Netherlands I visited his shop that he set up in the allied camp. There he could take my measurements and after an amusing chat with him I went my merry way, taking a lot of photographs of this event, and let him do his magic.
Why I only asked for a shako, sword and sash? Well, the hobby can be very expensive. All of the uniforms and itmes are custom made and that comes with a price. I am already in possession of a militian uniform. That of a ranking soldier. And I reckon that of I wear that uniform with a greatcoat over it that I already own, I only need a officers shako, sword and sash to make it look like an officers uniform. That gives me time to save up some money before I buy the rest of the officers uniform.
After some time I got a call from Coopers Choice that my order was ready.s
The sword was exactly what I was looking for. It looks like it can do some serious damage on the fields of battle but also has the sophistication that suits an officer.
The shako, like most items in the re-enactment world, was hand made. Again custom made just for me. I wore it all day on my head during a photoshoot and it felt very comfortable.
Many thanks to Coopers Choice and the people who made these beautiful items. I can’t wait to wear all this duting the upcoming re-enactment events.
Coopers Choice:
www.cooperschoice.nl