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http://www.thedearsurprise.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/2007-10_Reviving_Surprise.pdf The above link provides an outline of the original histories of HMS Rose and HMS Surprise, as well as the building, purpose, and changes of the replica Rose/Surprise throughout her lifetime. It's an extremely revealing insight to many of the replica sailing vessels and their organizations. I can think of very few tall ships that have not had a change of mission/purpose at some point in their careers. In short, the HMS Rose was built in 1970 to participate in the bicentennial celebrations in 1976, but was unable to participate the OpSail'76. She was a dockside attraction for many years. In the mid-late 80's she was upgraded to become a sail training ship, finally receiving her certification in 1991. In 2001, she was sold for the movie Master and Commander and converted to HMS Surprise. Many of the specific conversions are outlined in the above .pdf file, and I personally noted that there was increased weight aloft, increased windage (bulking up the wire rigging to look like natural rope) and added sails. I'm not sure if any ballast was added to counteract this weight/windage aloft. After the movie was made, she was permanently loaned to the San Diego Maritime Museum for display and use, in exchange for upkeep. In 2007, after a few more upgrades, she was again given a USCG certification as a sail training vessel and dockside attraction. One thing that I really liked them pointing out was the change of the boat's missions and certifications throughout the years. This is very similar to the HMS Bounty that we've discussed so much here since her sinking. For a more in depth analysis of the hazards to these changing missions, I'd recommend reading Tall Ships Down (Parrott) for anyone even contemplating building or adapting a boat for replica/reenacting purposes. Personally, I think it would be wonderful if Surprise were to increase their sailing range and perform a sail training circumnavigation over the course of a few years, but that might be asking quite a bit for an older wooden boat that seems to be paying her bills while primarily sitting dockside with Star of India. One can dream, though!

I have been casting replica coins in various sizes and colors with polymer clay. They are only one sided but still have a lot of detail. Offering special pricing to the pub members. Can do orders of 10, 25, 50 or 100. Email me at csuttle3@gmail.com so I can send you pictures and discuss prices.

Got this a few moments ago. Thought I'd share. I love the one blunderbuss. Sigh. Weapons Auction -- Hurricane

Not sure if this is where I ask...but here goes... okie dokie - I have a replica (ACK!! ) flintlock pistol (would have a real one if they weren't so danged 'spensive). So, in an attempt to make my fantasy toy seem as authentic as possible, I have a few accessories to go along with it, and a few ideas of what I might need to add. However, I'm not sure when the items came into popular use, nor am I certain of the style of these items for the time period in question (either during the Elizabethan times for the PA Ren Faire, or the later Golden Age of piracy for other events). First, I understand that the true flintlock came into origin between these two time periods, correct (early to mid-1600's)?? Before the flintlock were the matchlock and wheel lock...so, which would have been used during Elizabethan times??? And what sort of gadgets would have been necessary for such a weapon? Are there replicas of these available? Second, if the flintlock was in common use during the GAoP, then what sort of gadgets would have been necessary for it?? I'll make a list, and please delete/add/correct what I have here through your posts, and give descriptions of what would be an authentic style for such items. Thanks very much!! extra flints shot shot mold paper cartridge (papers, wooden mandrel for forming - or did this come later and would such be used for musket only, or for pistols, too?) black powder (or good imitation for safety regulations at faires) wadding (yes - no - something like oakum - something else?) oil or grease? (what sort of oil/grease? what sort of flask/bottle/container?) powder horn powder flask (I have both horn and flask, but my flask is small so I use it for something else - would these items be within either time period, or later) patch box & patches (was this just for muskets [to keep the ball from rolling out], or pistols, too, and would it have been used during the time period in question) pick and whisk (again - when did such come into use, were they used to maintain pistols as well muskets, and what style would they have been if they were in use during the period in question.) Okay - that's all I can think of off the top of my head, if there is anything I missed, please lemme know! And yes, I am aware that a pistol was not always the most practical weapon - fire and toss and grab yer sword was probably the way to go in the heat of battle. But I would like to know what an OCD pirate with a fixation on his pistol would have had on hand to use and maintain it. das