LauraConklin

Found and bought a gunner's level (got lucky on Ebay and nabbed up the Franklin Mint variety) . Still searching for gunner's quadrant and gunner's calipers or gunner's stiletto.

Have scoured the internet looking for reasonably priced reproductions of gunner's tools, such as gunner's level, gunner's quadrant, and gunner's calipers. Cannot find them if they are out there. Anybody have some they want to part with, or can anyone recommend a site that may carry them?

Thank you, Foxe! Very grateful to you I am!

I understand that frequently pirates were after more than just gold and silver; they would also go for fabrics, spices, clothes, weapons, foods, liquor, etc. (And please correct me if I'm wrong) as well as restocking crew and medications. I once had reference books that reflected this, but for the life of me I can't find them. Anyone know of good, accurate references, such as papers showing what was taken from a prize? Thank you in advance.

Modern acrylics should work just fine. The paint I"m used to using is water based, though, and so it might stand a better chance of penetrating the leather. There is a product available here called Saddle Lac that seals the leather after it is painted and keeps the paint from just flaking off. Stitching over the years has been done decoratively as well as practically. A lot of bridles (for horses) and some belts have this even today. It makes a product look like it is the more expensive two + layer, without being so. For an aged look, you could even use dye, let it set, and then go over it very lightly with a fine grit sandpaper.

The elaborate Fleur de Lis on the front flap of that pouch was probably cut in with a small knife (modern tool for this is a swivel knife), and stamped in with a beveller. This is a time-consuming process, but turns out beautiful. For a simpler method, you could paint on the flap (I would recommend black leather dye- it will stay put...but ceramic paints will do just fine as well with occasional touch-ups. In reference to your question 1b., the rough edges on belts are easily smoothed by wetting them and rubbing vigorously with a cloth such as an old shirt. The rough backside wears smooth after just a few wearings, so I don't see where it would be considered to cause undue wear and tear to clothing. If it were to be lined, I would think it would be with wool that would also serve to add padding to prevent chaffing from the leather (which is a constant problem).

Each of these flacketts is made by me. I included a description with each one, so I won't be redundant. First come first serve, I will not be making more of any of these designs. (Although I can do additional designs by request, price will vary based off of complexity and color.) I can accept Paypal and money order. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. Each one will hold 12 - 14 oz. of liquid, and being made of leather does so very discreetly, for those who still smuggle rum. Ok, I don't exactly know how to make pictures show up on here, so I'll just have to post the whole gallery.

Thank you, Mission, I'll try that. Excellent suggestion! Wish this post were flagged so that it stays on top...it's a very useful one.

So go to one of those self-serve automated laundromats with no guard there? Because I certainly wouldn't dare try that with my home washer. Also, have tried staining and burning cotton canvas...used it to make a cook's apron, and the stuff is apparently unburnable. The fires go out almost as fast as they are lit! If I pour something flammable on it, the flammable material burns off and the apron is left in good shape. Even grill grime washed out of the stupid apron......

I have ruined many a nice modern shirt by wearing it to the stables when it's time to clean horses, stalls, or just go riding. May try this in my garb and see what happens to it.

What material are these made from?