Looking back at this rather lengthy thread I am guilty of having created, I see that several months have passed since I posted one of my overly-wordy and boring updates on this developing impression.
Because the Covid-induced border closure, which lasted over a year and a half, has prevented my attendance at the past two National Musters, this impression … which I originally needed to complete in the approximately four months remaining before the 2020 Muster (following the rather unexpected acquisition of a reproduction NWMP red wool dress tunic which fits me) I have had ample ongoing opportunity to add items, and to tweak those already acquired or made … and that process continues.
At the time of my last update (...prior to my hoped-for attendance at the 2021 Muster … which, alas, was not to be …) I chronicled my fairly extensive re-working of the rather unsatisfactory cotton duck fatigue/stable jacket made for me in India. I mentioned that I thought I would alter it further if I got the time. Well, I certainly got the time, and eventually did the further adjustments, rounding off the corners of the front closure to make the jacket much closer to the appearance evident in various period photographs, as well as dyeing it to a darker and more satisfactory shade. Rank insignia have now been applied, also …
Although I previously indicated that it was unlikely I would bother getting the unique cotton duck cap which formed part of this NWMP fatigue uniform ... and was frequently worn with the fatigue jacket on patrol. For that reason, it has variously been described as a patrol cap, or "prairie cap". However, I have changed my mind!
I have worked a trade with a young Montana acquaintance who graduated a year or so ago with a degree in historical interpretation studies (or something like that) with which he hopes to make a career in the US National Park Service or a similar line. He is a talented amateur tailor and hatter, who will construct me a couple of these caps. He is currently in the process of producing a prototype.
I may also have mentioned that I once had on order a reproduction of the rather utilitarian British Pattern 1853 Cavalry Sabre … which was the pattern first issued to NWMP Sergeants ...
On that first attempt to acquire a reproduction of this sword, it was on backorder for such a long time that I finally had second thoughts and cancelled the order. After all, the sabre was really only a dress wear item for NWMP Sergeants … and would similarly be limited to wear with my dress uniform … i.e. for a brief period at the banquet before I would have to remiove it to comfortably sit and eat … However, recently I was rather foolishly browsing that same dealer's website (… the sort of "mistake" we all presumably make from time to time …) and saw that this sabre apparently was back in stock!
You guessed it: I confirmed that it was available, and one is now making its way to me via UPS …