Armory
The care, use, maintenance & safety of Black Powder & Edged Weapons.
490 topics in this forum
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- 29 replies
- 4.6k 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, -
- 6 replies
- 1.8k views
Does anyone know of a good source that will give info regarding swivel guns in the late 1600's? Caliber, range, etc. etc.? Thankee!
Last reply by HarborMaster, -
- 6 replies
- 1.2k views
I'm reading the biography of Commodore John Paul Jones. During his tour of duty in the Delaware Bay onboard the Alfred while waiting for the ice to melt he would keep his crew in line by "Exercising the guns". The Alfred's guns were 9-pounders and were mounted on wooden wheels carriages. In the exercise, the gun crews were assembled by drumbeat to man their posts (a predecessor to today's General Quarters). The Chief Gunner would check his equipment and ensure that the cartridge boxes were full. It was the responsibility of the younger crewmembers, actually most were boys, called "powder monkeys" to ensure that the powder cartridges were never empty. It took 11 orders t…
Last reply by the Royaliste, -
- 7 replies
- 1.2k views
I have read in Under the Black Flag, and I think Capt. Johnson's book on pirates mentions it as well, but I have not seen an actual description of it. My curiosity has got the better of me now and it's driving me up the wall. Can you guys let me know what the heck it is? I would be really grateful! Drake
Last reply by the Royaliste, -
- 6 replies
- 233 views
Has any crewmember had any experience taking period weapons on airflights? Swords and especially flintlocks. I be sure airlines don't allow no blackpowder onboard. Is there usually a weapons vendor with powder, or do ya have to borrow some from a local pyrate? I'd appreciate being edumacated on this.
Last reply by The WildHair'd Wench, -
I be wantin' ta teach meself the Spanish School o' Fencin' known as La Destreza. I was wonderin' if'n any o' ye scallywags be familiar with the art an' have any useful advice fer me. I gots no trainin' in the sword an' only know the basics o' European broadsword work as well as Asian technique. Remember, I said THE BASICS; I do na' claim ta be any kind o' expert in either. I've read a bit about the different fencin' styles an' I find that makin' meself inta a Diestro be the most appealin' ta me. So, anybody with any expertise is please requested ta give me a heads up an' any pointers ye might want ta pass along.
Last reply by Wartooth, -
- 5 replies
- 1k views
I am posting this to get some information for a reproduction I am making. I am trying to make a reproduction of a standard English Long 9 Pound cannon. If anyone can give me any and all measurements (bore diameter, overall length, circumfrence, etc...) it would greatly help. Or if you know of some source material that has this information, it would greatly help. Thank you to all, Cpt. Nathaniel Roberts
Last reply by Redvipers, -
- 46 replies
- 4.3k views
With much talk about cannon, sword and such. I want to be startin this thread on safety. There be a few that be wet behind the ears on such things. Here is an article with some great info and examples. Muzzle Blast Feel free to chime in with questions or answers. We be wantin' no loss of life or limb out there.
Last reply by Cascabel, -
- 2 replies
- 1k views
I am having a problem here ..,if anyone can help please advise. And if Captain Twill and Hawkyns or the Royaliste are reading this..., please advise. I have a problem For starters let me describe what I have to begin with., my cannon is 30" from end to end. 80% stainless-20% nickel alloy. A custom made critter done for me by a local foundry from a mold they had gotten.....,somewhere? 7 years ago I had it machines to a 1.750 bore at 23" long..., followed by 1" diameter by 3" more depth. totalling 26" of bore. the 1/8 " fuse hole being at about 25 3/4" . You have to literally stand the cannon on end to dump BP ., then paper pack., then lower it., and stuff fuse…
Last reply by HarborMaster, -
- 23 replies
- 2.7k views
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.
Last reply by Hawkyns, -
- 3 replies
- 1k views
Can any of ye tell me whether a sword knot was used on cutlasses ? It seems logical so that they wouldn't lose them in a fight, but is it period ? Thanks
Last reply by Hawkyns, -
- 43 replies
- 8k views
I've recently looked in ta the finer points o' deliverin' the finer points to those who need it, and ran across the NAVAL CUTLASS EXERCISE from a naval manual datin' ta the late 1800s. What I be wantin ta know is; do any o' ya pirates out there know o' more cutlass learnin' documents out there, or have ideas, or thougts on usin' a cutlass. I would like ta add that I don't be searchin' fer rapier fencing, or things relatin' ta armored combat, or "hit them with the sharp end". Anything ya got would help me plenty. Thankee kindly.
Last reply by Capt. Flint, -
- 1 reply
- 2.4k views
In James Clavell's 1960s novel of the Opium Wars, "Tai Pan," he mentions sailors using "fighting irons" in deck combat. They are described as jointed iron flails and seem to resemble the kau sin ke, the Chinese steel whip that is still preserved as a rather obscure martial arts weapon. The only similar weapon I have seen pictured is from an old French fencing manual where it is called a "fleaux brisee" (picture an accent over the first e in the second word), where it looks like an agricultural implement and may well be made of wood. Has anyone heard of such a weapon used in Asian waters duing the early 19th century, or is this pure imagination on Clavell's part? He could…
Last reply by Hawkyns, -
- 12 replies
- 2.1k views
Yes, I know: whatever they could get get their hands on. But what I'm really interested in what sort of knives pirates, and seamen in general, might have carried in the 1700 - 1820 era(s). Fixed blade or folders? If they had folders, single or multiple blades? Is it true that merchant/naval seamen (not pirates, of course) were issued and required to carry only blades that lacked a point, like a sheepsfoot? (I've heard this was done for safety reasons aboard a rolling vessel; also to give the mate before the mast a less-efficient weapon, lest he try to use it in a fight, or a mutiny). What blade lengths were popular? What handle materials? Does anyone have pics? Referen…
Last reply by capnwilliam, -
- 36 replies
- 3.8k views
...and shipboard gunnery in general, in the age of sail. What size cannon were used? With what type of shot? Size of shot? What were the practical ranges? Maximum ranges? Sighting devices? Ignition systems? What tactics were utilized? Where can we see good collections of period naval cannon? Where to buy replicas? Etc. Let's get a shootin' good discussion goin', brethren! Capt. William
Last reply by capnwilliam,
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