Gunpowder Gertie

I'd jus like ta point out that the middle of the 18th century is GAOP. we be in the 21st century now, but we say 2009, savvy? Ergo..the 18th century deals with items from 1700-1799. the 19th century is out of the GAOP- from 1800- 1899.

Aye- an thankee fer the advice..so far so good, but I may want to do that fer roamin' in the parade in New Orleans next month!

Aye- an I be telling ya about my experience with Mary's shoes! They were shipped out in a flash- and even though I be here north of the border, they arrived in about a week. Normally I take a Ladies 9- but no half sizes were available. Knowing that my period stockings are thick wool, I ordered a size ten. They look great! Once I actually went out an bought a shoe horn, and tried em on..as Mary will tell ya, the long tongue on the shoe requires a shoehorn to get yer hoof into it- Roomy- but fairly comfy. Me only complaint, an it's a minor one- is that the extra size means that the toe box is a bit too long for my stubby little toes, and so the bend in the shoe catches me just aft of aforementioned toes! So- a bit of a pressure point there. But- I used ta wear me nephews shoes back in the day, and so, I've worn some shoes with long toeboxes afore. It's not that big of a problem, an' eventually I'll get used to it. I may need a heel piece so the backs of the shoes don't rub, but I'm wearing them around fer a bit until I see if'n that's gonna be a problem. They were awful shiny- so I got out my trusty big linen bag o' fuller's earth, and gave em a light dusting. Now they look like I've had em fer years- takes the shine off, and disguises the fact they aren't of the leather persuasion. All told- I'm very happy, and thankee t' Mary for her fine quality footware, and incredibly reasonable prices! and I be castin' away me boots and elastic-y buckles...Ha harrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Bein' an artist m'self, I am more than familiar with crosshatching. In this particular case, the rendering seems to indicate texture as opposed to simple light/dark. Being able to look at the book a bit closer than you are able, I can see that the artist has clearly made an effort to differentiate between the leather of the baldric, and the material of the holsters. Also- engravings were not always strictly black and white, they were also hand coloured.It's entirely possible that the artist himself intended the print to be coloured, and it was not done after the fact.

Thanks for the pics of the holster blackjohn..turned out I also had the answer right under my nose as well. Here is a coloured engraving, and I believe it shows the hemp holster even better than the pic you posted. The crosshatching on this engraving makes it quite clear that the holsters are made of a woven material- likely hemp.

The Black Swan is on cable next week. I look forward to seeing it, and finally being able to respond to this thread!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays mates!

I almost missed it when I read the page, but I'm bored and have no new reading material at present, so I've reread the book a couple of times. Second read is when it fairly jumped out at me...I'd love to see this thing... The book is from National Geographic, and it's the companion book to the exhibition, but I don't know if the holster is on display.I was hoping maybe someone who had seen the Whydah exhibit might have more info to share...

No- that's what I was hoping, that someone else may have pics of the holster...

I dunno- it looks pretty original to me! And I'm finding the exploding grenade insignia quite fascinating...I mean, it is so 18th century, and having be doing research on the Whydah, and the many grenades they've recovered. Plus- there's those crossed cannon.. I'm thinking you got a real piece o' piratical history there, m'boyo!

Ahoy Matey's! I be readin' the Real Pirates- the Companion Book to the Whydah Exhibition. On page 70, they talk about the so - called "Sun King" pistol: "Found with a silk ribbon tied around it's handle,and a hemp holster, the Sun King pistol has remarkable features." I have been doing research, and I've never run across a pistol holster before. I've seen Baldrics that hold multiple pistols - as in Blackbeard engravins and woodcuts, and the Whydah wreckage itself corroborates pistols being strung on ribbons and hung around the neck..but I've never seen an illustration of a holster, or heard of one described before. Does anyone have pictures or descriptions of this? Help is much appreciated.

I found a couple more: Wolves Of The sea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7bsX7iCqmE and who can forget adam ant. While this is a highwaymanish vid- he was awfully pirate-y too. Live in Tokyo: the music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPgHbt0ODr4...re=channel_page

Blackbead! I'm still interested mate, but this'd be a bit off my usual sealane. I'd be havin' to do a bit o' research to make sure I keep foks such as the denizens of this forum happy, savvy? I'm busy headin' up into Xmas- but I can start to put some sketches together to show ya. How say ye?

Aye, Blackbead, I've done a bit o' drawing professionally. What be it ya want? Style? A lil somethin ta go on, as t'were...

How can one get back issues if one is outside of the US?

Ah yeas- I had forgotten about memento Mori-I was looking up some unrelated subjects, and happened upon old gravestones..which I thought were Pirate Gravestones, until i realized that the skull and crossed bones were another symbol for death. The Victorians were fascinated by death, giving rise to the Spiritualists movement. But prior to that, there was the whole, "live for the day, for tomorrow we die" philosophy. It was common for people to have a lock of hair from a dead person in a necklace, and many portraits in the 18th century were painted with a skull being an essential part of the composition. So, it is entirely possible that people wore a death's head, not as a symbol of piracy but of a symbol of mortality. Ergo: I shall certainly be buying that skull ring...now

Ahoy, Mates! Havin' taken what ye be sayin' ta heart -about fittin' in if I twere transported back in tyme... I been messin' with th engravin' stores...I mean Photoshop.. and I made myself a vintage engravin' style pic. So- what say ye? This twas me old garb, and a bit o' polyester there..but the idea is there, and I'm trying to historicalize it up... what say ye?

Here's one I just found today: FUNKY PIRATES! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GP_mPAdQyQ

Well- here be a "complimentary" thread to my other thread. What's the thinking on wearing pirate symbols with your garb? From a Hollywood type standpoint, a fan standpoint? Or a reenactor/historical standpoint. So- was there historical precedence for a pirate to wear a skull and crossbones ring or other jewelry. Was it choice for a flag only? Were symbols worn to indicate a piratical bent? Part of me wonders, when looking for an accoutrement for my garb..if I should be wearing that skull and crossbones necklace..or ring.. so- what say ye?

Thankee so much fer the opinions lads an lasses! I want my look to be authentic..but I am not at the stage yet that I belong to a reenacting group..although, part of the authenticity I'm lookin' for- would entail a historical bent. Now- I have some cotton items, some rayon items. real leather, wool stockings..for after all, I am a Stubbs from BC, d'y see? So- piratin' gets a mite cold up here! Now that be where I take m'name from... a Stubbs from Bc.. what else would I be but a gunpowder gertie? Little piratical rap there...har! (well- I started out as a Dirty Gertie...) my boots are right shape give or take, but the buckles are fake..and I would like real authentic shoes.Don't think seaboots are quite right fer me... I love to perform and to entertain..so I can see myself being more of a Hollywood pirate, and yet- I want the look to be authentic as well. I have a great coat I can wear at colder events..I'm thinkin' I'd like to do parades and meet the folks. I'm not ready to be a historical figure, because I am not an expert on piratical history. I have been doing a LOT of research however- reading the mags, the books, watching the movies and the documentaries..see how they are similar and different. I think ultimately the garb and character I choose, will depend on the folk I meet and the crews I associate with. But as for now, I am going for a more of the Golden Age look..and I want to look good. and piratey! yaar!

Thanks all, fer the welcome! Pour me a rum, and let me take off me seaboots, and put up me old sealegs. I'm lookin' forward to listenin' to yer yarns. and sharin' the adventure.

I have to say- I've read this whole thread, and just am amazed at the transformation your pirate cove has taken! You've done an amazing job, mate! Makes me wish I hadroom to make a little pirate lair..though I guess my bedroom could suffice, since it is presently taken up with garb, and wigs and hats and swords and mugs and makeup- scar and otherwise and well... Arrrr! You've done yerself proud! And I know this project will just never end, but keep getting better and better! BTW- at one point you were looking for speakers for a bit of music? You know you can get speakers that look like rocks? Would be especially good in or around the waterfall, I be thinkin'. If ya haven't already.. The shanties would sound like they're coming in o'er the waves... :angry:

Hi- I'm new to the forum, and I'm wondering about garb. I see there is a schism developing between authentic historical re-enactors, and Hollywood pirates. I've been lurking in the pub for a while, trying to do some research and am in the process of putting together my new outfit. I've got some ideas, some new skirts and bodice, and weathering them and my weapons appropriately. My garb is a combination of both, I try to have a foot in both camps shall we say. I know that footwear is usually the last thing to be authentic..I have a pair of blundstone boots under my skirts, with buckles attached. You can't tell from a distance, but I'll hopefully have something a bit more authentic come Spring. Although my hat is one supposedly from a pirate costume in the latest Peter Pan movie, I have some accoutrements that have history- real pirate cob coins and such, original whalebone fid etc..in addition to my Baldric and sword, my clay pipe, the spanish replica flintlocks and Jack Sparrowish hair bangles, and beads. So- what is the consensus? Is it appropriate to be either? Should I look to have a "hollywood" costume and authentic garb, depending on the event? I am in the Pacific Northwest, and there is a lot of pirate festivals available to me to attend here. I'm just getting started, so any advice would be appreciated..I've been to a local Renfair a couple of times, but the pirate contingent was rather small... I mean.. Yarr! Any fair wind what blows me toward my destination be appreciated! Yar!