The Brigade of the American Revolution permits the display and sale of original artifacts, authentic documented reproductions, and research materials pertaining to the American War for Independence at Brigade events. Permission is granted so that the membership of the organization may obtain the necessary materials required for recreating their desired impressions. To this end, the Brigade of the American Revolution will establish, when allowed by the host site and/or local authorities, a Merchants Row at Brigade events. Merchants may conduct business pursuant to the following rules:
1. The Brigade of the American Revolution assigns to the Office of the Brigade Inspector General the authority to determine what items shall be permitted for display and sale at Brigade events. The Brigade Inspector General shall appoint a Brigade Merchant Inspector to oversee that the merchandise and research materials sold at B.A.R. events meets the minimal standards of authenticity and safety as set forth by the organization. The Brigade Merchant Inspector may seek the advice of suitable advisors as he or she deems necessary. Should the Brigade Merchant Inspector be unable to perform an evaluation a representative approved by the Brigade Inspector General shall be allowed to serve in his or her absence.
2. Brigade Membership and a Merchant License shall be required for merchants operating at Brigade events or at events and/or sites under Brigade control. Membership information and application forms are available from the Brigade Adjutant. The Brigade Board will vote to authorize a merchant license to be issued by the Brigade Adjutant General once it has received a recommendation to do so from the Brigade Inspector General. The Brigade Inspector General shall make this recommendation upon consultation with the Brigade Merchant Inspector who has inspected the goods to be sold. A temporary license may be issued at the discretion of the Brigade Inspector General to those merchants who have yet to stand inspection. The Brigade Board reserves the right to revoke the license of any merchant who continuously fails to comply with, or uphold, the rules and standards set forth by the organization. This shall be done upon the recommendation to do so by the Brigade Inspector General in consultation with the Brigade Merchant Inspector.
3. There is no fee for a merchant license, however the Brigade reserves the right to charge a merchant fee on a per event basis.
4. All merchandise offered for sale at B.A.R. events must meet the minimal standards of authenticity set forth by the organization. All merchants are required to have documentation available for the goods to be sold and are expected to comply with the recommendations of the Brigade Merchant Inspector and/or Brigade Inspector General. All dress, equipment, fabrics, and products offered for sale must be made of appropriate materials and patterns for either military or civilian use in North America during the American War for Independence or immediately preceding colonial period and meet all Brigade standards as to fit and appearance.
5. The Brigade of the American Revolution shall establish a "Source of Supply" catalogue as a reference to the membership. This shall include a list of all merchants licensed by the Brigade of the American Revolution as well as the merchandise they sell. The Brigade Merchant Inspector shall update this list, upon the approval of the Brigade Inspector General, as often as he or she feels necessary.
6. Certain items will not be allowed for sale at Brigade events. Examples of these items will be listed in the "Merchandise Not Allowed for Sale" section of these Merchant Guidelines. The Brigade Merchant Inspector, upon the approval of the Brigade Inspector General, shall update this list as current research proves necessary. Unless governed by local authorities or site management, the Brigade of the American Revolution has the final authority on all items offered for sale at Brigade events. Variances to these rules may be made at the discretion of the Brigade Inspector General.
7. Reference books, patterns, documents, videotapes, compact discs, cassette tapes and other similar materials pertaining to 18th century life are a valuable resource to the membership of the Brigade, and, as such, are allowed for display and sale. However, merchants must display these items in a manner that does not detract from the "18th century" setting of "Merchant's Row".
8. At all times, merchants must keep their area visibly free from all anachronisms. Unless an emergency proves otherwise, a merchant is allowed to set up, pack up, or leave only during those times when the camps are closed to the public. No modern jewelry, eyeglasses, watches, cigarettes, coolers, chairs or other modern items are to be visible during public hours. The clothing worn, and the tents, booths or carts used by merchants must meet Brigade standards. Demonstrating artisans must use the tools, equipment and techniques that are appropriate to the period. Modern folding tables are permitted but they must be entirely covered with a suitable cloth. Display racks should be made out of appropriate materials. Pegboard, chicken wire, etc. are not permitted. Packaging materials should be appropriate to the period whenever possible (straw, pasteboard, plain paper, etc.). In those cases where items require extra protection, display cases, plastic wrap or plastic bags will be permitted as long as they do not detract from the general appearance of the merchant's display.
9. Selling to the general public is allowed at Brigade events, subject to the regulations presented herein, and where the selling does not conflict with any state or local law or the wishes of the sponsoring site or organization. Merchants are solely responsible for complying with all applicable legal requirements such as obtaining permits, licenses, and payment of appropriate sales tax whenever necessary.
10. Vehicles are permitted in Merchant's Row only during the hours prior to the opening of the camps to the public on Saturday morning and after the camps close to the public on Sunday afternoon unless permission is otherwise granted.
11. No merchant or supplier may imply or state any approval by the Brigade of the American Revolution.
12. These guidelines are a supplement to the Brigade's Constitution and By-Laws and are in no way meant to supersede the Constitution or By-Laws.
EXAMPLES OF MERCHANDISE NOT ALLOWED FOR SALE AT BRIGADE EVENTS
1. Candy, Ice Cream and other novelties.
2. Toys that are NOT directly copied from 18th century originals. This includes
items such as popguns, toy drums, dolls, other children's playthings (or their
equivalents).
3. Lantern Stands.
4. Octagonal, Rectangular, or Oval "18th Century" style eyeglasses. Spectacles during this time period were round.
5. Slat or Rendezvous chairs.
6. Salt glazed "Williamsburg" pottery (the type with blue floral decoration).
7. Cotton Canvas Water Bags.
8. Wooden barrels, kegs or buckets with Galvanized Iron Hoops.
9. Cotton Canvas Haversacks, Snapsacks or Knapsacks. These items should be made of linen
10. Any contemporary item that has an 18th century counterpart but is not, in itself, a true reproduction or authentic to the period.