Ivan Henry aka Moose

Had this image in my reference file. While not a sea chest, it's still a good period reference for chests.

I'm exploring the possibility of attending this event - it looks fun! Since I'm very poor at the moment, I'm trying to see if i could do this on a slim budget. So...Anyone going to the Fest from Baltimore and would be willing to give a ride to and fro to a pirate? I'm thinking of flying in for this and would like to avoid the cost of a rental car.

Aye!

Why do some people wear their pants around their knees? While there may have been an actual functional reason, I myself believe (no real proof) that we have seen so many minute men that we think the point in front is "the correct" way. Just as we may think a baseball cap brim is supposed to point forward. Based on the number of ways hats were cocked and further the sheer number of style of hats, I may surmise that it was just another way to wear a hat. Not right nor wrong. Possibly born out of a reason, but evidently sailors weren't the only ones doing it.

White was more "formal" than black cravats - so I've read.

Here's some "backass" reference I've found: Scottish pirate Alexander Selkirk from I believe, the GAOP, but not sure. The calvary even get into the game. 1704 look to the right At least three of Woodes Roger's men sporting the gang signs. A little outside the GAOP... just a wee bit. and just for the hell of it - THIS IS a HAT! Caspar Luyken 1703 Whew... I'm tired....

This maybe the wrong thread for this, being a Salvation Army find, but i found this solid brass mug this weekend. The damage? $2.50. No crap. It holds 24 oz. and keeps them very cold. Awesome!

A question for Sterling.... Instead of a PM, I thought this might be worthy of public discussion/viewing. Sterling, your Cravats are really nice! I've searched and searched and only found one supplier with one style and one color. Might I assume you made yours? My questions: 1. Do you use a supplier(s) for these or make them yourself? 2. If there is a supplier, could you please share? 3. If you make them yourself, is there a pattern for them? 4. I have seen there are over 300 ways of knotting these things up. In most period drawings I see them mainly in one or two knot styles. How the heck do you correctly tie one of these things? Thanks!

WOOHOO! Congrats!

What is Kanvac? Where can I get it?

There are no material make up listed on the Home Depot Tarps, but if it's not 100% cotton canvas, it would be a mighty keen eye that could tell. They look really good imo.

Okay - I was going to look for a used wall tent, but this thread has inspired me (Thanks Patrick and others) to make my own. I did some recon at the Home Depot and decided to make a wall tent that will be 9-3/4' wide, with 3' 9" walls, almost 7' high in the center and 14-3/4" long. It will take two 3'9"x14'9" tarps and two 11"9 x 14'9" tarps. I just picked up the tarps, 100' of sisal rope, eight 12" nails (stakes) and a grommet kit and enough grommets. My total so far is $135. Not as cheap as I thought, but after I get materials to make poles and some sealant for it and have it sewed once I cut it out, I should be under $200 for a nice wall tent that would cost???? I'll post my progress.

There is another Doglock pistol out there that's "a little" smaller than the 1615 "Horse Pistol"

Funny! I've been making boxes for gear as well lately. I recognize the top one from Michael's - took a good look at that one myself and ended up making something similar out of cheap rough lumber. I'll have to get some pics. Good stuff.

Anyone who is thinking of using Tampa as a stop over.... We just fixed our schedule. The wife and I will be driving down on November 28th. We'll be setting up camp December 1st, the first set up day. We live in Ybor City, the historic Tampa. We live in the middle of what might be described as a little Duval or Bourbon Street. Ybor and Tampa is also quite big on Pirates (more of the fantasy variety). We even have a pirate theme bar right down the street. So if any of you are swinging this way prior to us leaving on the 28th, you are welcome to hang here.

I'm finding everything fine. My kit will probably be done around august. Its the girlfriend that seems to be having more trouble with her kit cant find a decent stay that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. And I'm still debating on making my own tent or buying one...I know I want a wedge tent...so I'll need to figure that out. And then all the other little odds and ends like eating utensils and such should be taken care of soon. My wife has a stay from Jas-Townsend -it's under $100 and she likes it a lot. Not sure it's 100% period cause the front laces up, but it's pretty good IMO.

Tampa is 8-9 hours from Key West. The wife and I will be driving as well. Our house is open for anyone who doesn't mind an air mattress.

NICE job Michael and Black John! Hey Black John, I notice you've given a go at the ribbon around the neck, tied to a pistol application. Would you be so kind to describe/illustrate your take on it? I would like to try it. Thanks!