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Ahoay Mates! Circumstances being what they are, I am parting with several of my period weapons. Perfect chance to get outfitted with some new iron before the pirating season gets going! I have a brand-new Doglock Musket, straight from MVT and never fired, the one with the nice curved droop stock (called something "a vache" I think) like a French fusil and the successor to the club-butt long arms. Iron mounted, correct squared off frizzen, flat lock plate, flat buttplate. Excellent handling. Period correct for 17th-18th Century, incl. GAoP and earlier. Asking $650. Original, not reproduction, all-brass (all brass incl. lock and barrel) boxlock turn-barrel pistol, flint, with a safety even. Excellent condition, shiny brass but not "stupid cleaned" just taken care of, barrel screws on and off perfectly, wood grip in excellent condition, feels great in the hand. Best part is it's a 'real' weapon - approx. 9" overall, with a 4.25" turn-off barrel. You don't see these in all-brass very often, and I've never seen another one with a long barrel like this one. Lock functions perfectly. Asking $700. Reproduction Charleville pistol, excellent condition, appears never fired, model 77. Has belt hook, case hardened colours on hammer, frizzen, trigger excellent. Wood to brass to steel fit excellent. Queen Anne type internal lock. Excellent balance and handling. Best reproduction of these I've seen. Asking $425. Will entertain offers. I haven't mastered posting photos here yet, but you can see them on GB or message me and I'll forward some. I know these aren't cheap, but they are top quality and the two reproduction ones haven't even been fired - one I know hasn't, the other sure has no sign of it. They are for sale online and locally. I'll be listing more stuff from clothes to other weapons from time to time - need to clear the decks around here! Och, if anyone is interested in a nice steel-barrel blunderbuss, with dark stock, I might part with it too. Never fired it - time to let it go. Thanks all! yours, aye- John

Horn and Copper Black Powder Priming Flask This priming flask is based on a French Military issued flask from the early 1700s. The cap is a period iron nail that has been filed into a vent pick. The leather thong allows it to loop onto your belt or bag $56 http://www.etsy.com/listing/70690939/horn-and-copper-black-powder-priming

My husband and a few other erstwhile pirates are entertaining at the Buccaneer Days in Corpus Christi, TX. They are running out of blackpowder, and have tried to buy blackpowder locally, and cannot find it. Does anyone have any suggestions for a place to buy blackpowder that is somewhat close to Corpus Christi? Apparently Texas recently passed some law that blackpowder has to be kept in a certain kind of container, and a lot of the stores that previously carried it, decided not to get the container and just stopped carrying blackpowder. Thank you, --Jamaica Rose

I've been reading a lot about the history of blackpowder and came across a tidbit.. Vodka production in Sweden, which dates from the 15th century, has its origins in the local blackpowder industry where high-proof spirit (originally called brännvin) was used as a component of black powder for muskets. When distilleries were licensed to produce beverage alcohol (primarily spice-flavored Aquavit, but also Vodka), it was with the understanding that gunpowder makers had first priority over beverage consumers 1646 - Bofors Industries, established in Sweden in 1646, was a pioneer in the manufacture of commercial black powder. The reason that black powder was not in commercial use for so long was because it had generally been an expensive material, mostly due to the cost of ...The earliest mentions of its use in engineering projects go back to the middle of the 16th century and it didn't really become widespread in commercial uses until the middle of the 17th century. Bofors Industries, established in Sweden in 1646, was a pioneer in the manufacture of commercial black powder. The reason that black powder was not in commercial use for so long was because it had generally been an expensive material, mostly due to the cost of refining saltpeter, and other ingredients.

Oh good Lord... http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local-beat/Gunpowder-Lesson--67204347.html

I have a 2/3 scale 6 pounder made by hern iron works. I am in the process of making the carriage. will post pictures next week when complete. what type of powder should I be using and how muck? I have installed a cannon lock as well. someone mentioned to me that you can get a bigger boom with tripple 7. I have read alot that goex is the better way to go. Which is more apropriate for a cannon and how much powder should I use and how should I pack it?

I have some basic questions regarding cartridges. I've seen many references to them (such as the cartridge box from the whydah, etc.) but am not really sure what they are. Are these paper cartridges like the two links below? Are the cartridges just pre-measured powder that are torn open and poured down the barrel or is the whole thing rammed down the barrel? Does this make for a good blank load without wadding, etc? Any thoughts, reccomendations, etc on the subject? http://www.lazyjacks.org.uk/cartrdge.htm http://3rdalabama.org/roll_cart.htm

I'm asking for my other half, Boats. He wants to know where he can get real black powder? He's bought some that were "suppose" to be, but they fouled his gun up pretty bad and would not ignite. The last time he went out to the desert a couple of months ago, he literally had to light the flash hole with a barbeque lighter in order to get rid of all the gunky supposed gun powder stuck in in his gun. The lighter worked, but he certainly doesn't want to go through that again. He also has concerns about companies shipping black powder. Any help from you very knowledgeable people would be great! Thanks, Rumba

Hello mates i was interested in how does everyone stores their black powder. like what type of container at home and or taking it with you on the road and at festivals thankie Ol jack

This Link will take you to the slow motion, high definition sequence of a Siler lock firing ffg powder. It starts off slow, so don't think that you are watching a dry-fire. Its live. Required viewing for Black Powder folks.

Does anyone know when dispensing valves were developed? I am looking at a very nice powder horn. It is beautifully scrimshawed; however, it has a dispensing valve on it. I might be incorrect, but that does not strike me as being GAoP. Any ideas?

Yes, I know they were on their way out by the 1680's, but that's not to say they couldn't have "hung" around for a few extra years, carried by some pirate who was mighty proud to have them. My question is, does anyone know of any period depictions of pirates or seamen wearing a bandolier of charges (or "Apostles", as they have become known in more modern terms)? This is the set up I have chosen to carry and store my pistol charges, and since my "persona" is around 1690-1700, it is perfectly feasible to have carried these. I imagine they were just like any other military surplus---once they became obsolete for the military which they were designed for, they were sold out to the general masses to be used as they will by private citizens. Anyway, if anyone has any depictions of them being used, could you share them here? Thanks so much!

I am sure this has hit these pages in the past so my apologies for the rehash. I am looking for pictures or discriptions of reasonbly accurate catridge box's for black pouder munitions. All help is greatly appreciated.

Here in the Northwest, we have few faires. Some require certs for live steel, and up 'till now, the ones that do allow black powder don't ask for any proof of insurance. There is a new faire being planned and they have stated that they would love to have cannon but to allow black powder we must be covered. Does anyone on this board buy annual insurance for their black powder group or purchase certs for one day or weekend events? Are there any faires/events that require insurance? I'm trying to find out if there are any carriers familiar with responcible re-enactment groups out there

Here be a topic I don't think anyone's mentioned...does anyone have any depictions or references to pirates carrying powder horns? I DON'T mean instances of soldiers or marines functioning as landing parties, Capt. Morgan-style inland invasions, or gun crew captains using powder horns for priming. I'm referring to pirates carrying horns as part of their everyday weaponry, or when engaged in or contemplating a boarding action of another vessel.