Armory
The care, use, maintenance & safety of Black Powder & Edged Weapons.
489 topics in this forum
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- 10 replies
- 1.8k views
I read that some Captains made their crew break the tip off of their knives. Does anyone know if this was done durring the GAoP ? If a Captain made their crew do this, I don't think someone would throw away a knife just because it no longer has it's tip when they went Pyrate. I'm thinking that it might be a nice extra touch to my gear... (if it is period...)
Last reply by Tall Paul, -
- 47 replies
- 4.3k views
As some of you know we are working on a small pirate themed beach resort in the philippines (my retirement home). What would that be without Cannons! We did get some rather large cannons for this after some good guidance from "The Royaliste". These guns however are large and will be for our sea-walls and marina. We do feel the need however to also add cannons to our SCUBA vessel however to comply with Philippine law., we cannont have Carronades and large bores on our vessel with out problems with the Philippine coast guard therefore we must stick to 1' bore signal guns or smaller. After all we are NOT a tall ship we will be a small resort . It is better to stick to a …
Last reply by HarborMaster, -
- 13 replies
- 2.1k views
A question for all: When did the flint lock come into use for firing cannon? I have only found one reference to the adoption of the practice that dates to the latter third of the 18th century. I am designing a full scale gundeck on a mobile base (read: trailer) to take sea battles to the people. I'll go with a linstock if that is more appropriate for the GAoP, but I would prefer to use a flint (a' la Master and Commander) if it is at all accurate. Anyone?
Last reply by Fox, -
- 19 replies
- 1.8k views
Ahoy. Just wondering if someone out there has a source that lists weights of carriages. I've checked three, and thus far I've found weights for cannons from 3-pounders on up, but nothing for carriages. At this point, I'm almost ready to assume that carriages are negligble when compared to the guns themselves. Thanks.
Last reply by Captain Jim, -
- 17 replies
- 3.6k views
Hi, new member here with a question. I'm collecting a army for a table top battle game and some units will have a "piratey" theme to them. One unit I'm thinking of using is some Pirates with pikes. I've heard that Pirates used a type of pike called a "boarding pike". I've search the 'net and wikipedia, but to no avail. Does anyone here know what they look like, how they were used, etc? Thanks in advance for any help you can give, Gibbon "God-'elp-us" Appleby
Last reply by Fox, -
- 14 replies
- 1.5k views
What do you use to keep your bade from rustlng or tranishing? I have tried Ren Wax but it seems rather 'heavy'.
Last reply by The Doctor, -
- 10 replies
- 2.1k views
Question for all you researchers out there.. Has anyone seen an original 17th or 18th c cutlass scabbard? Were the just leather or did they have the wooden lining as so many of the other swords of the period had? Thanks, guys!! Hawkyns
Last reply by Deadeye, -
- 9 replies
- 1.6k views
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
Last reply by Scupper, -
- 5 replies
- 1k views
Ahoy ye all..... I have bin workin' on a 'new' set o' blades.....They be called the 'Shark tooth' collection.......So far there's a Dagger....Short sword......an' I'm about three quaters o' the way wi' the Long sword version......(Always gotta make a set o' three....looks better in the cabinet..hurr hurr). What I be askin' o' you good shipmates is......... What style o' handle be the best fer the dagger??....There be this one... Or.... Finally..... What say you???
Last reply by HarborMaster, -
- 1 reply
- 661 views
I have been hanging out in the Muzzleloading Forum for the last few weeks. I know Story checks in there too. If anyone is interested in Black Poweder guns, its worth checking out. Word of Warning: It is a forum and it has all the good and bad that all forums have (authentic VS fantasy debate etc) and most of the discussion is on 1750-1850 firearms for Treckking and Rendesvous crowd types but there is sections for pre-flint and cannons as well. http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/ubbthrea.../ubbthreads.php GoF
Last reply by capnwilliam, -
- 20 replies
- 1.9k views
My husband made an accidental discovery which made me wonder about the history of the cannon. He was pouring gasoline on a tree stump to try to burn it out. There was a hole next to the tree where some of the gasoline poured down. When he lit the stump the gasoline in the hole caught on fire. What he didn't know was that the hole was a tunnel connecting another hole about 6 feet away. That connecting hole "boomed" out a force of fire and air. So, it got me a-thinkin'. Was this kind of primitive cannon ever used? Did it contribute to the cannons we know today? Is my husband a very lucky dumb-ass? We have tried it several times since with the same results each time. We …
Last reply by Deadeye, -
- 3 replies
- 843 views
I just picked this up last night. It's a neat repro of a 1760s fighting manual. Maybe a little late for some of us, or not piratey enough, but it's looks pretty cool, with nice periods illustrations and hints on how to fight opponents armed with all manner of weapons - spanish swords, sabers, and even those armed with sword and lanterns! Here's the link. Time for me to buy a mask and a fencing sword...
Last reply by Story, -
- 16 replies
- 1.9k views
As some of you know, I'm the armorer on POTC II & III, and I'm asking for your help. I've reenacted for 35 years, worked in a flintlock gunshop for 13, etc. etc. , but I've kind of gotten myself in a quandry. I need to wad the pistols so that they can be pulled from a belt or baldric, but they can't have any thing coming out of the barrel. I've always used styrofoam, and it generally disintegrates, but lately, I've tested it, and it's not performing as it should. I know about coco puffs, etc. but I'm dealing with every concievable calibre of pistol. I don't have time to fidget with the loads either. Something I can load into a barrel no matter what calibre. I've even …
Last reply by Black Hearted Pearl, -
- 7 replies
- 1.1k views
Hawkyns; You're preaching to the choir my friend. I am also Director of the Historical Maritime Combat Assoc, and spend much of my time training with live steel work, full contact in a variety of weapons; cutlass, knife, tomahawk, sabre and boarding pike. I started on the choreography end of things 17 years ago and find it comes in handy when approached to do demos for schools,as "pirates" without the protection used in one-on-one bouting. In much of it we don't bother to pull the blows, we just fight a hair less forceful than if we were fighting for our lives. I was addressing the mock-fight scenarios and in no way intended it to apply to historical study. However, I …
Last reply by Monterey Jack, -
- 18 replies
- 2.8k views
I am seeking a boarding pike but can't find any easily online using google. Does anyone know where one can purchase a boarding pike, or at least the pike piece to put on a pole if I can't get the whole thing? Thanks in advance for any help... Hurricane
Last reply by Fox, -
- 13 replies
- 1.9k views
A question for the learned denizens of these parts. I've seen the archeology reports from the Mary Rose. Most sailor's belt or working knives were ballock knives and relatively pointed. I've also seen a lot of anecdotal evidence that sailor's knives in the GAoP and later had their points broken off, supposedly to reduce fighting. That leaves about 150 years of gap. Can anyone tell me when the point breaking started or when sheeps foot blades became common among sailors? I'm looking to refine my 1595 kit and I'm not just sure what a working belt knife might be. Thanks, All! Hawkyns
Last reply by Fox, -
- 10 replies
- 2.2k views
I need someone to build a Rifle Shop flintlock Hand Mortar I looked for a few online but some of the big names charges 1000s of dollars to put guns together. Any suggestions? GoF
Last reply by Gentleman of Fortune, -
- 4 replies
- 1.3k views
I was showing my black powder gun to my brother (it is a CVA kit) that I had just recently completed, all I did on the wood was sand it and stain it, no other finish. Here is my question. What type of finish did a pyrate's gun have? Did they just stain it, give a give an oil finish? Different types of finish for different time periods? What is best for modern conditions, meaning I rather be safe (not destroy the wood) then accurate. Thank you for your time. Jerry
Last reply by Jerry, -
- 4 replies
- 907 views
Here's one from 1800: http://www.navyandmarine.org/ondeck/1800gundrill.htm Capt. William
Last reply by capnwilliam, -
- 4 replies
- 795 views
Last reply by MadMike, -
Gun crews??? 1 2
by dasNdanger- 25 replies
- 2.6k views
I have a question regarding the arrangement aboard pirate ships when it came to handling the guns. I am more familiar with the naval system in which X amount of men were assigned to a gun depending on its size, each given a designation and duty to perform. When manning the guns on only one side of the ship, the larboard and starboard crews would combine to form a larger crew to handle a single gun, with first and second gun captains, loaders (rammers?), spongers, and then other positions - depending on the system & country & era - such as side tackleman, shellman, train tackleman, handspikeman and probably a few designations I've missed. Anyway, my question is …
Last reply by Hawkyns, -
- 2 replies
- 709 views
Am currently reading William Owen's autobiographical IN CAMP AND BATTLE WITH THE WASHINGTON ARTILLERY OF NEW ORLEANS. Also, Harold Peterson's ROUND SHOT AND RAMMERS: hard to imagine any better a general work on cannon history, from the early 1500's through the American Civil War. Also, if you write to THE ARTILLERYMAN at mail@civilwarnews.com , they will send you a free issue of their magazine! :) :) Capt. William
Last reply by capnwilliam, -
- 19 replies
- 2.1k views
Does anyone here carry a Main Gauche or use one with thier kit?., I am trying to locate a good one with a knuckle bow....., however the knuckle bow (hand-Guard) Swords and Main Gauches seem to be harder to find. HarborMaster
Last reply by Nomadicalpirate, -
- 34 replies
- 3.8k views
Will it is time to bight the bullet and get a swival gun. I am looking for one that would fit in the fist half of the 18th century. I also need a deck gun. The Hawaian Chiftian will be moving to my dock in July. I am hoping to mount a small shore battery. Is there a web site for gun makers. Bully
Last reply by the Royaliste, -
- 29 replies
- 4.5k views
With my eyes on the horizon for a flint pistol worth a hoot and actually shoots, I came across a long list of pistols at Dixie Gun Works made by Perdersoli of Italy. Has any one used this make of pistol and does the lock throw a good spark? I am building my second flint rifle and am crossing over to flint pistols. I am not satisfied with the pistols I'm finding on the market. They either dont fit the time period or dont appear to be made very well. I cant bear to carry a pistol that is not a real shooter. None of this ornate belt sticking things. Other than Dixie, Track of the Wolf carries a nice Kentucky pistol kit though it does not quite fit the naval scene. So…
Last reply by Grinning Gunner,
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