Quick clarification: Tinware like tin cups and tin plates are not actually made out of tin. Tin is a very soft metal with a low melting point. They are generally made from some form of sheet iron/low steel, which is then "tinned", or coated in a thin layer of tin for protection and corrosion resistance. This is why if the tin coating is rubbed off, like through too aggressive cleaning/scrubbing, they will start to rust. Also, be careful using modern cans as boilers. Many/most cans no longer use solder, but instead a rolled lip with a polymer sealant. Most cans are also lined with a polymer/plastic coating to help prevent the contents from reacting with the metal. These *might* be ok at boiling temps (though I have my doubts), but any sort of frying is likely going to start breaking them down. Even if the seal doesn't fail, all of that stuff is going to get cooked into the food.

You remind me of myself 1st Sgt. even when there’s no event, I got the gear out seeing what I can do and how it works. Good tips for the newer soldier!

I recommend not cooking or boiling in modern cans they line them with plastic

I see that y'all are fans of Jas Townsend as well.

Great info on tin and how to properly "patina" stainless... I'm ditching most of my collection of FARBerware and getting more authentic after 16 years. Love y'all's channel. We CS Marines had things a bit better than the Army in the field. We were mainly based at Drewry's Bluff and had good access to Richmond and it's "riches". I stepped down from Company command last year and I'll be returning to the rifle pits along the James; so, a little rougher life is now due.

Two tips from a unit mess sgt. 1. It may be farb, but apply a little bit of liquid dish soap to the bottom of your cooking vessel to ease soot removal. 2. Crisco shortening or cheap vegetable oil should be reapplied to cast iron or other rust prone metal cookware after full cleaning and rinse. Coat all surfaces inside and out, then bake in for a few minutes. Set aside to cool- a fantastic nonstick finish and rust proof. PS- never had to worry about crisco or vegetable oil going bad.

Yes I have a Mucket, bought it too go with the kit I bought, when I went to Shiloh for the 150th anniversary. I actually use mine still today. Yes its stainless, but it looks old because I use it alot.

Thank you 1st. Sgt. I think by you doing these videos it will help bring new reenactors to the hobby . I’ve been away from it for many years but am coming back to it. I definitely believe in always striving to be more authentic the longer I’m in it, Although I never forget what it’s like just starting out. As long as they show they care & try to do better when they can.

"If ya'll plan on actually using your equipment." Gotta Love it!

Great video Jared, just discovered this channel yesterday and I’m loving the videos

I’m starting to re-enact soon, this will be useful but the battle only last minutes ( kids one ) but eh I’ll see if I can join the main one because kid soldiers were a thing

Are the tin plates a one piece stamping, like from a die in a press

I don't usually leave comments on your videos, but as this one was geared specifically to new people I feel it's important to point out that there is a whole lot of information here that is based in reenacting lore and common bad habits and very little of it based in any kind of research for Fidelity to historical authenticity

Very nice video hope you keep posting content.

As a Boy Scout 60 years ago, we used a large (half gallon) tin can with a wire bail to cook our supper in over a camp fire. As I remember we had hamburger meat, potatoes and tomatoes in it. I made the fire and another Scout did the cooking and food prep. All I know is it was good.

Awesome, Sarge. More outside by a fire videos, please. I camped out in nonstop rain this weekend. The lid on my mucket came in handy. Thoughts on me, as a civilian, using cast iron pans and Dutch ovens?

I had a question on the mug is it a 12oz or 28 oz?

Well done, young man! Your presentation was clear, precise, informative, & considerate of folks with limited financial assets, or who ar new to such events! At age 82 & a CW & Rev. War re-enactor for only 20 years, I am still learning. At least 5 of my ancestors (all great-great grandfathers) served in the Civil War. In my opinion, the mess gear you highlighted could be used for both military & civilian impressions. You mentioned the smooth-sided tin cans; are you familiar with the well-known "Peach Tin" that was commonly used during the C.W? I think that at one time Dixie Gun works had the Peach Tin in their older catalogs. By the way, one of CW ancestors was in the Georgia Sharpshooters! I am seriously considering subscribing. Thank you for sharing, and may God bless you, sir! The Old Preacher/Chaplain

the unit i am in uses pie pans for loaner gear that i think are alloyed between tin and aluminum, they had to be bought in a pinch as we were expecting a good number of newbies, we bought 15 of them and in a season well...you can guess what happend to half of them xD. Good info, ill be using it to improve not only my, but my comrades impressions as well.

I just want to revist some fond ole memories so ld off all my kit, so " LCpl Hodgepodge" reporting for duty 😉 So any help getting the most inexpensive gear would be helpful.

1st Sgt. How do you get that hatchet so sharp

Will there be a video on caring for canteens? I’m on the fence whether to buy traditional tin or stainless. Thanks.

Awesome video! I love your channel so much, I can’t wait for it to grow. I would love to start re-enacting very soon, your channel has helped a lot and motivated me. I have some close friends who would also love US Civil War history want to reenact, the only problem is that we can’t seem to find a unit anywhere. We live in Utah, what should we do? Thanks! Keep it up fellows

You should make a quick video showing some of the younger people how to tell stuff made from tin then from other metals

Hey sgt i know that this has nothing to do with the mess kit but if you were to have a bugler in your unit what would be some basic and common calls he or she would need to know. Thanks☺ (for berdan sharpshooter)

Cool!

Any body have any thoughts, ideas, opinions about stainless steel cups, plates, etc that are coated in tin?

Another hint for stainless cups/pots: Cook in them, eat out of them, and then when you clean them, DO NOT use Scotchbrite pads. These clean too well, and will take off the SS oxide haze and carbon soot you've been building up. Use a plastic bristle brush instead.

I am curious if it's worth while to try to remove the corrugation of the modern cans.

Was the tin plate or the canteen half more common for Union soldiers?

Hello Great video. I would suggest any newbie to reseach with the Unif they want to portray reenacting with regarding the required equipment for that unit First ! Secondly , don't buy stuff just because someone said it used during Civil War era. You'll end up with stuff that you won't use. Thanks.

I purchased a spoon made of bone for my confederate impression, and I wanted to know if that kind of spoon would be considered farby? Thanks for the video, love the content on this channel!

Don't let the tin go rusty.... Clostridium tetani .... it's where stainless beats tin (on a practical level). Be scrupulous about rust prevention and you'll be fine, particularly in your canteen if your wax liner has broken down..... brown water anyone? ;) . But if your of the 'rushed' kind of reenactor getting back at dark in the morning and going to work the next day, forgetting the post camp clean up ........ well maybe stainless, and patina the heck out of it..... ;)

Can you heat the tin plates?

I can see that you have stuff, but I can't see the stuff that you have. Throw in some close-ups.

A video on the soldiers rations at the time would be great to see

Why didn't you include canteen halves, just curious

Links please Subbed

Best item of the whole video was that little stick hanging from yur tripod. Excellent hack! Worst item would be wiping yur gear down with mineral oil. Yuk. I personally, have never oiled any of my tinware. Cup is over forty years old, still going strong. Still, a very good video. Enjoyed it.

I was under the impression that the government didn't issue eating utensils?

A damp handkerchief works great for grabbing hot items as well. And less bulky then gloves.

Umm

Hoi