MarkG

it does have some issues like the others said, but remember some guns did take on character, and were rebuilt from other parts, in fact when outside the colonies on the frontier people were poor, they used a variety of parts from other guns. these tools broke from time to time. i would say by the picture the barrel looks pretty authentic, the proof marks and the barrel rings and the way the barrel tapers, looks real, the lock itself has a later period look, it is smaller in size for such a large calibur 58. you may want to remeasure the bore size it looks to me to be a bigger bore size . if you look at early style locks during the GAOP most were heavy looking (robust) . this lock looks like it is a later period from the later 18th century or early 19th century time frame, but it looks better than most guns i have seen out at pirate faires. beauty is in the eye of the beholder, in my opinion it has character, and you can always replace the parts and up grade the gun. with times being as they are you can bargain with the seller and offer him less. boader officials couldnt tell what is real anyway, they are like fish and game when it comes to antigues unless you are a dealer, gun builder or historian it is hard to tell what is real or fake, there are alot of guns out there and blackpowder weapons are a whole nother story. most people cant identify the difference between a percussion and a flint. i think if you try to get the gun a little lower and add the parts and if you want to drill for a ram rod, you can make the gun look whole.

Some guns were repaired. This does not look like one of those. There is a thriving industry in making entirely new guns using bits and pieces from old guns, mixed with new parts. They are meant as wall hangers although they would look good in someone belt, as well. I bought a pair of these years ago for the locks. They were snaphaunce locks. I managed to replace the missing parts on one ang get it firing. Then I threw away the rest of the guns and made an entirely new piece to put it on.

This pistol is probably one of these. I suspect that its pieces were ever part of the same gun until a few years ago. That means that it does not have much value. I would not try firing it, or even in the area if someone else fired it. If the barrel is original then it could be pitted. If someone is interested in it then base your price on comparable non-firing repros.

Okay, it's definitely going to be a hotly debated topic but here's my take:

The first Pirates of the Caribbean film was the only "good" one. As with many of these franchises. However, I still loved #2, mainly for Davy Jones. He was pretty epic, and I think (nearly) everyone can agree on that. One of the best movie villains since Darth Vader, in my opinion. And ultimately, though the plot was a little convoluted, I could still follow it, and found it fun.

#3 however lost me completely. I still enjoyed it on a completely superficial level, but I will not say it was a decent film, because it just wasn't. It was practically made of plot-holes, and the characters were, by that point, so far removed from their original incarnations, that I found myself not really giving a damn about any of them. Still, I've watched it several times, and I continue to enjoy it (mostly for Jack), even if I know it's not very good. Kinda' like why I keep going back to watch Cutthroat Island

That being said, I'm pretty excited for #4. Yes, it's probably too much of a good thing. But I'm holding out hope. Some of what I've seen so far looks fantastic... other stuff... well, not so much. But I will reserve judgement until I actually watch the movie.

When they started talking about 5 though, I can't say I was all that surprised. When they announced 4, it seemed to me that they were gearing up for a second trilogy of films. A good idea? Probably not. But it was pretty much inevitable. And hey, you never know, they could surprise us all and offer some really good yarns. Seems like they're bringing in some fresh blood and sloughing off some of the old, which could be a good thing or could be a bad thing, but there's no way of knowing for sure just yet. Naturally the movies will all be over-the-top fantasy films, and I'm sure they will continue to piss off serious historians and reenactors because of all the false ideas they put in peoples' heads, but ultimately, I couldn't care less about that. As long as there's a good story (which I haven't completely written off just yet), and some fun action and comedy, I'll be pleased enough. They DO create interest in the pirate community, as well as pirate history, and even if they perpetuate some untrue stereotypes, I can definitely get behind them for that reason alone.

Personally I thought that #3 was better than #2. Dead Man's Chest had too many set pieces that didn't really advance the plot. Three was actually heading somewhere. This was complicated by Disney insisting that they start filming both movies at once before either script was finished.

My biggest complaint with #2 and #3 is that the stopped being pirates. By World's End, they morphed into freedom fighters. I'm hoping that with Blackbeard they will add in some plundering.

My assumption is that the studio executives saw a rough cut of #4 and started signing people for two more.

More details to come, but you can find the "Spectators" Facebook page at this Link, the Spectator's Web Page at this link, and most importantly for those of you who wish to join us as re-enactors or pirate entertainers, the participants web page at this link. We are toying with the idea of a "Partipants" Facebook (group?) page, as just about everyone who comes uses Facebook, whereas not all particpants are Pyracy "pubbers" (shame on them!). I'll share the link when it is created (or whoever sets it up will). This Facebook group page will be for those seriously considering coming only, and an all business page, or at least mostly business anyways (if we do it). If we do this, it is not to be exclusionary or secretive, but to keep available information accessible to the majority of the participants, and not buried due to idle chat and banter (as is what happens on forums sometimes).

As of this posting I have not updated the 2011 dates on the web pages yet (although I hope to get that done soon).

Also, I am now officially fishing for donations for the May 2011 Santa Maria edition of the Dead Man's Chest auction. I have a couple of great ideas for items I will be donating, here's hoping others are feeling as generous as well!

We are thinking of making a few changes in the way visitors are handled. Last time the weekend was so popular that the tours were too large. With PoTC coming out a few days after our event, I expect this to be a big weekend. We will probably let visitors wonder around the ship at their own pace instead of being part of a big groups. This gives the reenactors more chances to interact with the public a few at a time (too bad pirates are notoriously shy). I assume that we can coax Mission to set up his surgeon display. If anyone else would like to set up a display, let me know and we can reserve some space for you.

Mark

Also, if anyone wants to help present my displays of weapons and navigational equipment instead of bringing their own, that would also be appreciated.

Just the thing for luring prey close. It looks like it is sinking but it is not.

http://www.gizmag.com/love-love-part-boat-artwork/16928/picture/124339/

I don't know about tattoos being common on pirates. These came in and out of style. In the 18th century sailors got their tattoos in Polynesia which is also where the word comes from. It was a way of showing that you had been to such an exotic port.

A lot of "ancient" sailor lore came from the 19th century, especially whalers and I suspect that the association between tattoos and sailors comes from this period.

Does anyone have any research to show that tattooing was common around 1700?

More details to come, but you can find the "Spectators" Facebook page at this Link, the Spectator's Web Page at this link, and most importantly for those of you who wish to join us as re-enactors or pirate entertainers, the participants web page at this link. We are toying with the idea of a "Partipants" Facebook (group?) page, as just about everyone who comes uses Facebook, whereas not all particpants are Pyracy "pubbers" (shame on them!). I'll share the link when it is created (or whoever sets it up will). This Facebook group page will be for those seriously considering coming only, and an all business page, or at least mostly business anyways (if we do it). If we do this, it is not to be exclusionary or secretive, but to keep available information accessible to the majority of the participants, and not buried due to idle chat and banter (as is what happens on forums sometimes).

As of this posting I have not updated the 2011 dates on the web pages yet (although I hope to get that done soon).

Also, I am now officially fishing for donations for the May 2011 Santa Maria edition of the Dead Man's Chest auction. I have a couple of great ideas for items I will be donating, here's hoping others are feeling as generous as well!

We are thinking of making a few changes in the way visitors are handled. Last time the weekend was so popular that the tours were too large. With PoTC coming out a few days after our event, I expect this to be a big weekend. We will probably let visitors wonder around the ship at their own pace instead of being part of a big groups. This gives the reenactors more chances to interact with the public a few at a time (too bad pirates are notoriously shy). I assume that we can coax Mission to set up his surgeon display. If anyone else would like to set up a display, let me know and we can reserve some space for you.

Mark

I got some sand glasses - just the glass part - that I need to put a wooden frame around. I plan on doing one for the Santa Maria and one for my personal navigation collection. I need some warmer weather first since my workshop isn't heated.

Mark

The current (January 2011) issue of Wooden Boats has plans for a viking-inspired chest.

Mark

Happy birthday Rod

A VERTICAL LINE, DAMN YOU ALL!!!

So! New York, Mass, CT, RI, Ontario, Maine, part of MD..

I'll talk to Crudbeard .. he tends to manage the NorthEast

What is it about people in the coastal states that they can't go west? Sometimes I think that there is some sort of space warp - the east coast is closer to Ohio than Ohio is to the east coast.

Now, now, Gents. Simmer down there.

Tis a bit premature to be dissing Ian McShane's Blackbeard, especially the height. This is Hollywood, they hold tricks. Let's see how McShane places Blackbeard before we take notice of anything else. I think they wanted this look so McShane doesn't look like all the mass amounts of paintings and characters of Blackbeard already. There have been several Blackbeard characters on screen that have looked like the paintings and engravings. I think Disney wanted to go a different route with Blackbeard's look.

~Lady B

I think that the primary casting choice had to be someone who could hold his own against Depp and Rush. Most actors would disappear into the background when in a scene with these two scenery-chewers. Beard, height, and age (the real Blackbeard died around the age of 38) are secondary considerations. Getting an actor with enough stage presence was a make-or-break decision.

Mark

I know that Long John Silver was missing a leg ....

but did'nt he use a crutch instead of a peg?

.......Just wondering

Correct. He used a crutch most of the time. When on the ship he used hand-holds and carried is crutch hung from a loop around his neck.

BTW, it was common for a sailor who had lost a limb to take a job as a ship's cook which is what Silver signed up as.

Mark

Oooh I forgot about this one.

The left is a wine serving cup and the right is a kind of decanter.

The one on the right looks like a measure to me. Probably a full pint.

Mark

its spelled weskit

Actually it is "waistcoat" but spell it anyway you want. Spelling was not standardized in the early 18th century. Regional accents have be reconstructed using the phonetic spellings of the time.

Mark

Haha... poor Dushin Hoffman... He made a good Hook though!

As for McShane, I'm pretty thrilled about that casting decision, but I am admitedly a little bummed at his height (or lack thereof). Also, his costume looks way too "biker pirate" for my taste. But that's just me.

He only says a few words in the newest trailer but I think he is playing it with a Spanish accent (to go with his daughter?).

Mark

ok, ill start.....

tis my opinion and not based on actual facts, i'm too lazy to look stuff up tonight.

ITS A TV SHOW, NOT REAL LIFE- ITS RIGGED

now i dont mean rigged in that the pirate has been stacked to win, but they are looking at the effectiveness of weapons-not reaction of man. If we want to look at that, one could argue that the knight would have been worn out just getting to the beach, running after the pirate, hefting all that armor around and therefor would have lost by default. So with that in mind, i would rule out any time line constraints.

To light a grenadoe, slow match could have been used in this scenario. Other than the legend of Black Beard, i have not heard of anyone else carrying it under their hat. Carried in a can designed to contain lit slowmatch, its a matter of transferring the "cherry" of one match to the next, igniting the grenadoe. It happens all the time on a cannon line. PSSST- hey mate, me linstock is out can i have yer cherry? Sure, here ya go. Voila- second linstock is lit. Timely? No, but imagine a dozen of these things being flung at you from a group over the course of fifteen or thirty seconds. I'm sure the slow match can has a name, but i have no idea.

The firelock on the beach firing? Maybe. Its a 1/3% crap shoot to start with.

End result, its a show.

The pirate was inspired by Blackbeard. He had the burning slow match on the hat (and the black beard). The best part was when the knight kept coming and the pirate rolled his eyes. You knew he was thinking, "Him again?" That was about as much personality as any of the warriors showed in either season.

A lit match could be carried in a match case which was a metal tube with holes in it to let air in.

Mark

This isn't for research, but it's been bothering me for months.

My eldest sister is helping one of our sisters out with her kids. Sometimes she'll watch Deadliest Warrior when the kids are asleep. One day she told me about a fight they simulated between a pirate and a knight.

Wikipedia's explanation for what's going on.

I know these may be fighting words on a pirate forum, but we both believe the knight should've won. But while sis is hung up on the pistol that still fires after being in wet sand (you'll see it near the end of the video), I'm all het up about what I call the Quik-Lite Grenado^TM.

I mean, just how long does it take to light a grenado? Yeah, the pirate in the video has wicks in his hair like Blackbeard, but they're not smouldering wicks. Unless fire-lighting technologies were more advanced than I thought, it must've taken some time to light it, then the grenado. He should've had his head smashed to paste before then.

Seriously, that grenado bugs me, and if you can give me a good estimate about how long it takes to light one in the real world using the technology they had back then I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

What this show does is evaluate an equal number of weapons for each side. They then run simulations of how well each combination of weapon works. The side that gets the most kills is the winner. After that their fight choreographer comes up with a battle in which each combatant uses every weapon. There are always problems with this final fight. Warriors shake off major injuries and weapons don't always work the way they would in real life.

If these two ever actually met I would expect the pirate to take cover until the knight was in range and then blast him with a blunderbuss and that would be that.

Mark

The Dremel tool or a drill with a coarse grinding wheel will be helpful, not P.C. but hey, if they see the inside of your scabbard somthing has already gone terribly wrong. snicker

I've done this with thin plywood - about the same thickness as the sword. I sandwich three pieces and cut a band saw or jigsaw to cut away where the sword will be from the middle piece. Then I glue the pieces together, shape it., and cover it with leather.

Mark

I want to know if there any pirate reinactments or pirate conventions,in the state of Illinois. Does anyone know of such pirate related events?

The Pirates of Paynetown is in Indiana, just one state over. It is held on the second weekend of August at a state park overlooking a good-sized lake. It attracts around 150 pirates and 18th century reenactors and features an attack on the camp from boats.

Someone already mentioned the Santa Maria which is in downtown Columbus, OH. We have two events there on the second weekend of May and the weekend closest to Talk Like A Pirate Day. You get to live on board a real ship. This also has an attack from boats.

There is a pirate festival at Put-in-Bay in June which is attended by several members of the Mercury.

Mark

For anyone building a surgeon's kit, this looks like a nice balance scale over on eBay. It's also pretty reasonably-priced (as of this posting):

http://cgi.ebay.com/...=item20b60496d4

Watch out for the overseas postage. It is being offered from the UK.

Thank you, all.

Then there is Tom Smith's Pirate Christmas. Here is the free MP3.

Mark

I have been in touch with the organizer for the Put-In-Bay pirate festival a fair amount over the last few months. It is the last week of June. I have been asked to try and double our numbers from last year, and this should be possible, as I have also been approached by another mid-western area pirate re-enactment group about them joining in... But getting more of the Mercury out for this one would be great!

I was going to suggest this one, so let me just second Michael. It's got the best of both worlds: people who are genuinely interested in the educational/living history stuff and a fun party scene after hours. The folks on the island went out of their way to make sure we had what we needed. I had a seriously good time last year - it was one of my favorite events of 2010. (If you're curious about my perspective of it, check out the Surgeon's Journal for it.)

Lots of reasons to come.

Put-In-Bay bills itself as the Key West of the Great Lakes. Lots of bars with good bands at night. The organizers went out of their way to make us feel welcome.

Mark

I am in the middle of a really interesting book called A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage and I came across a rather interesting description of the medicine Aqua Vitae. I always sort of knew that it was alcohol, but this explained the whole scenario quite well and I thought I'd share it with one and all.

"Wine was widely used as a medicine, so it seemed only logical that concentrated and purified wine should have even greater healing powers. By the late thirteenth century, as universities and medical schools were flowering throughout Europe, distilled wine was being acclaimed in Latin medical treatises [note - almost all medical texts at that time were in Latin] as a miraculous new medicine, aqua vitae, or "water of life."

One frim believer in the therapeutic power of distilled wine was Arnald of Villanova, a professor at the French medical school of Montpellier, who produced instructions for distilling wine around 1300. 'The true water of life will come over in precious drops, which, being rectified by three or four successive distillations, will afford the wonderful quintessence of wine,' he wrote. 'We call it aqua vitae, and this name is remarkably

__

suitable since it is really a water of immortality. It prolongs life, clears away ill-humors, revives the heart, and maintains youth.'

Aqua vitae seemed supernatural, and in a sense it was, for distilled wine has a far higher alcohol content than any drink that can be produced by natural fermentation. Even the hardiest yeasts cannot tolerate an alcohol content greater than about 15 percent, which places a natural limit on the strength of fermented alcoholic drinks. Distillation allowed alchemists to circumvent this limit, which had prevailed since the discovery of fermentation years earlier. Arnald's pupil, Raymond Lully, declared aqua vitae 'an element newly revealed to men but hid from antiquity, because the human race was then too young to need this beverage destined to revive the energies of modern decrepitude.'

...

Aqua vitae's proponents believed it could preserve youth; improve memory; treat diseases of the brain, nerves, and joints; revive the heart; calm toothache; cure blindness, speech defects, and paralysis; and even protect against the plague." (Standage, p. 98-9)

In the spring of 1621, an Indian walked into the Pilgrims' settlement. To their amazement he said, "Welcome Englishmen," and asked for beer. They had drunk all of their beer over the winter so they gave him some aqua vitae which seemed to satisfy him.

Mark

I came across this list for 15 Movies from Your Childhood to Re-watch with Your Kids and thought it was interesting that three of them are (more or less) pirate movies. Maybe four. Han is something of a pirate after all...

I remember watching Hook and thinking "If I was in this movie I'd be one of the pirates."