Boer/Zulu War or similiar Uniform needed

[VonBednar]

Hi,
As part of my next project I am looking for a Boer war or a similar red uniform coat. It will be modded quite heavily so I am not looking for an authentic uniform. Something that just looks good and is not too expensive.
So far my google-fu failed me in finding one that is under 100 pounds. Does anyone have any idea where I could find one quite cheap that is not of a flimsy quality?

I am considering those:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ADULT-QUEENS-BRITISH-GUARDSMAN-COSTUME-SIZE-STD-XLGE-/400242205045?pt=Adult_Fancy_Dress_UK&var=&hash=item9bffd65c6d

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FANCY-DRESS-COSTUME-BOAR-WAR-BRITISH-SOLDIER-SM-/400174229863?pt=Adult_Fancy_Dress_UK&hash=item5d2c3e2967

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/British-Soldier-Costume-Military-Army-Mens-XL-/280734148316?pt=Adult_Fancy_Dress_UK&hash=item415d0f26dc

Does anyone know what quality are those costumes? I am basically looking for a "canvas" I can work on with the red jacket.

[andrew craven]

 Your probably better off looking for army surplus guards tunics..much better quality than these ones and will look better when worn. I am not sure about the price of these having said that but on the market where I live there is a guy who sells surplus No.2 Dress tunic and trousers, the khaki tunic that is more insinct with the Boar war...well he sells them for around £20. I would imagine it is a bit of hunt...see what you come across. I am not convinced about these costume pieces personally.

[Argus Fairbrass]

Sound the bugle, hopefully the Third Foot And Mouth will be along shortly to assist here. I've never brought a costume myself, but even though the jackets look sort of ok in the pics. From what I can gather what one receives is often quite different to what's illustrated.

And I must say those are the worst attempts at Pith helmets I've ever seen in my life! At least I can help out with that one.

http://www.armysurplus365.co.uk/headwear/pith-helmet-british-white.html

[Capt. Dirigible]

Those fancy dress tunics will be made of quite thin 'velour' type material and probably fasten with velcro..

[VonBednar]

Thank You for all the input so far gentlemen.
Yes, I seen the "quality" of some of the fancy dress outfits. So I guess I will pass on them.
I shall check some army surplus stores around me, but living in Coventry one does not have too much choice.
Thank You sir Fairbrass for the helmet - it is the cheapest I have seen so far, of the proper quality ones.

[Mécanicien de Vapeur]

Sound the bugle, hopefully the Third Foot And Mouth will be along shortly to assist here.

The details of Third Foot & Mouth kit, including suppliers, can be found in the Carry on Up The Khyber thread. Khaki tunics from What Price Glory (good price, great quality and quick shipping)

Surplus red guards wool tunics turn up quite frequently on ebay, though the larger sizes (40" chest and larger) tend to be quite scarce and so command higher prices. A colleague at work has a 38" (ish) chest Scots Guards tunic going spare, sadly it was too small for my 42" chest  :'(, but if anyone's interested, please PM me The wool tunics are rather warm to wear, especially in summer or a crowded con!

Surplus trousers are again common on ebay and elsewhere, I've a pair of RM dress blues (thin red stripe) and RHA overall trousers (wider red stripe)

White Pith sourced via Tinkers Emporium (he also does them in khaki).

Good luck with your search!

[VonBednar]

Yes, I am looking for the red tunic in particular, unfortunately I am looking at sizes 40-42 - so it might be quite difficult to find.
Thank You for the link miss de Vapeur, I have looked trough the topic, but yet, failed to find what I am looking for. Hopefully someone will stumble upon one somewhere

[Capt. Dirigible]

Thank You for the link miss de Vapeur

That's Mister de Vapour..

That's a kilt he's wearing in his avatar...

[VonBednar]

Ooops, I am sorry Mister de Vapour.

[Mécanicien de Vapeur]

Yes, I am looking for the red tunic in particular, unfortunately I am looking at sizes 40-42 - so it might be quite difficult to find.
Thank You for the link miss de Vapeur, I have looked trough the topic, but yet, failed to find what I am looking for. Hopefully someone will stumble upon one somewhere

Kitlist is around page 3 of the thread, alternately also on the Third Foot & Mouth website.

[VonBednar]

I can't seem to access the link above. Do I have to be a member?

[inigo jameson-gatling]

I don't know how close you are to London but there are some intersting retro clothing emporia in Camden Market which may have something suitable.

[Argus Fairbrass]

I can't seem to access the link above. Do I have to be a member?

I can't view it either, so I'm guessing that you do.

[PitYak Studios]

Ha I'm busy making the same thing!



My jacket started out as a lady's suit jacket. It depends how much work you're prepared to do, this is going to take a lot more than I thought originally.