Tattooed John

This was hands down the best event I've ever been to! Thanks again Jeff, William, and all the other organizers who made this happen, it was awesome! I'll definitely be back for Drake's and for Searle's again next year! Huzzah!

Hey all! I first mentioned this as an afterthought in a post on cartouches and bags in the workshop area of the forum. But I figured I would throw this out there, Although I doubt they were commonly used, because I haven't found any documentation suggesting it, but I've always wondered if sheaths, bags, etc. were made out of the various reptilian species (caiman, snakes, gator, etc.) people ran into throughout the Main and the Caribbean? Anybody find any primary resources stating such? Food for thought at least lol

Since many of us use period paintings as primary resources, I figured these might be helpful, or at the very least cool to see. The artist is Dutch painter, Willem Van de Velde The Elder (1611-1693) who is most known for his paintings of naval battle scenes as well as port scenes and individuals etc. What I always liked about his art is the attention to detail that he adds in, such as figureheads, individual sailors etc. Although I don't think there is any record of him being in the New World, he lived right during the height of privateer/buccaneer activity and the very beginning of the GAOP in the Caribbean and the Main. If anyone wants to add more pics to this post feel free, I've put a few of my favorites. You can find more of his work at this link http://www.artcyclopedia.com , and search Willem Van de Velde the Elder, Enjoy! -Tattooed John Figures on Board Small Merchant Vessels Figures on Board Small Merchant Vessels (1650- 1655) Peasants (17th century) The Battle of the Sound (1668)

Very Cool! If you don't mind my asking, is it cow or pig skin? Obviously buccaneers had access to both, (especially in the early buccaneering era) I'm kind of thinking of trying to make mine out of pig skin. It depends on what I can get from Tandy Leather (for a good price):angry: Although I doubt they were commonly used, because I haven't found any documentation suggesting it, but I've always wondered if sheaths, bags, etc. were made out of the various reptilian species (caiman, snakes, gator, etc.) people ran into throughout the Main and the Caribbean? -Tattooed John

My thanks to both of you gentlemen for the info! One of the main aspects of this period that I've always found to be both fascinating (and yet somewhat frustrating in trying to reconstruct it, like many periods) is the various transitions going on within it in regards to weapons technology (among other things). Since I'm using paper cartridges, I'll probably be going with some sort of pouch or cartridge box. Possibly a couple! As you mentioned that you do Mr. Bagley (always a good idea to not run out of ammo! ) By the way, you mentioned the Grenadier picture Was this the one you were talking about?My link This was the image I was thinking of when I mentioned the shot bag. Brass, I never knew that about the balls being attached to the outside of the cartridge. I always assumed there was a transition from bandolier with loose shot, to either pre rolled cartridge (including ball) or in respect to militia etc the use of loose shot and powder. I am also planning to participate in Searle's Raid next year. So I'm assuming I might see both of you guys there. Look forward to meeting you both! With Thanks, -John

Good day all! I am new here to the Pub and have a question I'd like to throw out. I am assembling a mid to late 17th century buccaneering kit and am trying to decide on what kind of bag I need for powder and shot. I have a flintlock firearm (1650's English lock musket) and now I'm trying to decide on what kind of bag to make to carry my charges in. Exquemelin mentions cartouches "They use cartridges, and have a cartouche containing thirty, which they carry with them always, so they are never unprepared." However my question is what would these cartouches look like? Would they be more like a traditional cartridge box? (Wooden block etc) or more resembling a possibles bag? Or would buccaneers have a mixture of both? Any particular pattern or styles? Any opinions, ideas, etc. would be greatly appreciated! -Tattooed John