I have created a construct for historic interpretation (loosely call it a character if you will, it is an amalgam of several English officers in Burgundian service - It is a tool to educate, not an alternate identity), and I then have tried to get the equipment I would most likely have. I have tried to dillegently limit myself to this approach, it being very difficult to portray a man of arms a cheval as it is, without diverging into other things.

Now, as a reenactor I am often tempted to get material objects that I don't need for my portrayal - a habit I have had to keep on a sharp curb, needing to fund a suitable wardrobe, as well as a complete harness of appropriate quality, nevermind needing to eventually come up with a saddle or two, and all the appropriate tack. THe few manifestations of the habit have given me some basic equipment to outfit or arm a few others with some basic clothing, harness, and appropriate weapons.

If I had limitless time and funds, I would unfortunately follow my inclinations, and have a miniature version of the Schloss Churburg armoury, several rooms of Flemish furniture and daily material objects, and a wardrobe in full for myself and a number of retainers.

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I am focused on one portrayal, the english esquire (man at arms), though I have picked up a few items that I could hand out to new members of the group I belong to, to outfit them in other portrayals.

I do not try and make items outside what is feasible fit the portrayal. I stick to what is appropriate. In fact, I have developed my desires such that I tend to LIKE the appropriate items more than anything outside what the portrayal would likely have had.

So, I guess you could say I chose a portrayal THEN gathered/made the accutrements.

It also occured to me that, having seen so many "odd-ball" justifications for OoP items that I was determined not to go down that route.

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