redhand

Ahoy Mates! This weekend at a local sale put on by our community Library and Historical society I was able to purchase a 1927 edition of our local newspaper, which displayed two beautifully yellowing illustrated black and white movie house ads featuring the coming arttractions; that being Douglas Fairbanks Jr. starring in THE BLACK PIRATE. They're great little ads and both feature a nice B/W illustration of a pirate ship w/ a jolly rodger on the sail, the larger ad shows an illustrated caricature of fairbanks' head. I was also able to pick up a 1st edition copy of a Rapheal Sabitini novel-unfortunately it was one about an Italian outlaw, and not Scaramouche or Capt. Blood. Total cost for both novel and newspaper, a whopping $1.50! Sometimes ya just get lucky! I'll try & post a pic of the BP ad. Redhand

Yeah, I do a war of 1812 Shawnee impression, but i don't think that'll help you any! Try the Pirates & Privateers book by Osprey, Angus McBride illustrated them (along with the entire pirate book line) and his plates are usually pretty acurate, as well as just nicley done art pieces! Also try getting your hands on some back issues of the Company of Military Historian journals, they also have a series of books out (no longer in print), but you should be able to locate or have them keep an eye out for one at your local used book store. -Redhand

Hey Capt. weaver- That was a cool article! Thanks Redhand

Flint- They made a big deal about it on the History Channel's Battle of New Orleans episode of one of the Gary Foreman produced shows, but I also read it it somewhere not to long ago, mmmmm (thinking hard-and it hurts ) I'll have to think on that for a bit.... I haven't even had any coffee yet....uuuuurg Redhand

Actually I believe there's some new evidence that's come to light lately suggesting that Lafitte was never AT the battle, other than supplying munitions to the American's in order that he and his compatriots could get amnesty from the American government for their past piratical acts. Interesting stuff, kinda dispells those old myths of the "patriotic pirate" Redhand

Dorian- I was actually back there doin' the Gettsburg 130th Anniversary! HOT, HOT, HOT!! Except when it poured down rain one day-LOL!! I like Gettysburg, nice little town, even with all the tourists. I'm still tryin' ta get inta one o' them blasted "Hysterical Galleries" in town but no luck yet. I've never met Buxton or Griffing, but I have spoken to Buxton on the phone, he seemed like a nice guy. where in Penn are ye from? I got a couple a frinds from there, one from Pittsburg, the other from Mt. Holly Springs, another nice little town. Mariah- Whenever ya giet tired of the belayin pin, let me know & i'll be happy ta take ity off yer hands! Movie props are great fun! Redhand

Dorian- They've listed it on their site (that they supplied to POTC) You'll probably have to get on ebay or some auction site like that to see if they're sellin' off cotumes, cutlass', and etc. Usually companies who supply products don't get them back, as the production company buys them, unless the company has cut some deal with production beforehand. I have a belly box that was used in LOTM, that I bought in a shop in Gettysburg, they also had some fusils that were "Indianed up" but were in really crappy shape-cracked stocks & etc. Movie props are cool tho! Redhand

Cat- Sounds great! I'm lookin forward to ordering the dutch cutlass from them, but've been holdin' off, as I was unfamilier with their products. None of my friends have any of their gear, but it sure looked good & ya can't beat their prices. I'm just wonderin' how their blades will holdf up to some stage combat, I doubt their made for real haevy use-but they did supply the POTC movie, sooooo, guess I'll find out! Cheers Redhand

ROTFLMAO!! Now THAT was some funny stuff! I particularly enjoyed the Pirate quiz and "Ask Cap'n Slappy" Thanks for the link. Redhand

Dorian- Like all men if they couldn't actually do it, they were sure as sin gonna sing about it! !! Redhand

Yeah, sort of an "Anti-Birthday", plunderin' presants instead of givin' 'em! Hall Mark'd have a field day. Today is brought to ya by the letter RRRRRRRRRRR!! Redhand

Dorian- I got a chuckle outta that, sounds alot like the joke somebody told about the 5 pirates and the 1 gal. I do believe tho that your song is based on an original shanty, I can't recall the title but some of the verses are the same... well except for the "dead" parts Redhand

By The Way- I don't know how many of you are familier with Robert E. Howard's pulp work-Conan-the Barbarian, Red Sonja are two of his more familier characters. He also wrote a few stories about a character named Soloman Kane, who was a puritain mercenary. Great character, I'd love to get my hands on some of the pulp stories Howard wrote about him. I have the lMarvel comic series they did on him, not to much justice unfortunately. He has a couple storylines that involve pirates, I even wrote a Soloman Kane short story involving the great Port Royal earthquake one time just for my own entertainment! Check him out sometime Redhand

Capt Flint- I'll agree with ya that it's definately in the Fantasy realm, but I enjoyed some of her stuff. It was a bit light for me overall, I more drawn (forgive the pun) to more illustrative/impresionistic artwork. I like the old illustrators like Pyle, Wyeth & Schoonover -the whole Brandywine school. I draw a lot of my own inspiration from all those guys, I also enjoy Don Maitz's work, especially his comic flair. At some point I'm hoping to get some realistic pirate work up on my website, mostly all I have are comic/humorous drawings & ink renderings- and I haven't even got my pirate folder loaded up yet. Redhand

Capt Westin- Boy, Lady Rawhide...... Seems ta me that's goin' back to "ye olde comic vault" if I'm rememberin correctly. Wasn't she a female whip carryin' version of the Rawhide Kid?, or is my bilge pump backed up???? Redhand

Charity- Wow, she's got some cool artwork. Really liked the black & white work, it reminded me of Patrick Nagel's work. Nice clean lines. I enjoyed the design aspect of it, and the Mermaid piece was cool too! Mermaids Maybe I'll have ta give drawing one of them a shot!-LOL (raises eyebrow in thought, grins-uuumm, thinkin hurts!) Thanks for the link Cheers Redhand

Here's an article I found talking about the Blackbeards ghost thing on that History Channel show. Also here's a paperback available from Amazon..... titled "Pirate Ghosts of the American Coast-Stories of Hauntings at Sea" by Charles G. Waugh & Martin H. Greenberg Enjoy! Redhand Buried Treasure, Ghosts and Legendary Castles Exciting Caribbean Vacations The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), a tourism development agency promoting the world's most popular sun destinations, invites you to discover the legacy of pirates in the Caribbean region. Turn back the clock and explore an exciting era of adventure, when legendary pirates and ruthless privateers dominated over the high seas. Their legends live on through tourist attractions in the form of festivals, museums, forts, sunken shipwrecks, treasures and castles. Piracy was once a real way of life in the Caribbean, where Dutch, English, French and Spanish ships frequently fell prey to the menacing antics of cunning captains, forfeiting their cargo of gold, tobacco, silk and spices. In a rich treasure chest of Caribbean folklore, pirate ghosts and tales of buried treasures are a part of the region's unique character. "Pirate folklore is just another exciting aspect of a Caribbean vacation that offers endless adventure," says Andrew Parris, Manager for CTO Canada. "Canadians are invited to visit the coves, caves and fortresses that once harboured legendary figures of the popular Blackbeard 'the pirate'." One of the most ruthless and cunning men of the era was Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. After a reign of several bloody years, Blackbeard was eventually conquered. Today travellers visiting the Caribbean are invited to explore the many sites believed to be haunted by Blackbeard's ghost. Some of these locations include the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau, a Bahamian hotel that sits directly on the site of Old Fort Nassau, Blackbeard's Cove, a hotel bar that pays tribute to its popular former tenant. Far beneath the ocean's surface, pirate folklore thrives in the myths of buried and sunken treasure that has stimulated snorkeling and scuba diving adventures throughout the Caribbean. In the Cayman Islands, it is rumoured that Blackbeard hid his treasure in the caves of Cayman Brac. A popular dive site today, divers and snorkelers are intrigued not only by the possibility of discovering sunken treasure but also be the breathtaking coral reefs and wildlife surrounding the area. "Buried treasure is just one component to the pirate history and heritage of the Caribbean," says Hugh Riley, Director of Marketing, The Americas for the CTO. "Visitors are invited to experience colourful history and heritage of the Caribbean through music, food and festivals." The shallow waters off the coast of the British Virgin Islands (B.V.I) are home to more than 300 documented shipwrecks, in fact some of the smaller islands surrounding B.V.I are better known as "Treasure Islands," where legend has it that local fishermen discovered some of Blackbeard "loot" in three large caves. The United States Virgin Islands are home to Blackbeard's Castle, one of four National Historic sites located on the islands. Tourists are drawn to the mystical charm of the 17th century structure featuring the Skytsborg Tower, a Blackbeard lookout point that is a popular setting for wedding photos. Guests of the Inn at Blackbeard's Castle can live out their own pirate adventures as they explore the grounds where he once lived, and perhaps still roams - as believed by many. Another notable pirate castle to be explored is Sam Lord's Castle, a spectacular lime coral mansion situated on the southern coast of Barbados. Legend has it that Sam Lord used lanterns to lure cargo ships onto the treacherous rocks below to steal treasure. Today, the castle is a 12-acre resort that revives the spirit of Sam Lord with scavenger hunts, pirate theme nights and an assortment of adventurous activities. All things, good and bad, must come to an end, and that is exactly the fate that befell the pirates of the 17th and 18th centuries. One such unlucky man was John Rackham, better known by the nickname "Calico Jack," one of the most ruthless pirates of his time. Calico Jack was eventually hanged at Gallows Point, Port Royal, in Jamaica, a well-known sanctuary for pirates of the 17th century. In 1692, the old city of Port Royal is said to have been destroyed by an earthquake, sliding into the sea below. Today, the new city of Port Royal greets visitors in search of adventure, some who claim to hear the church bells of the sunken city ringing out. Visitors can also explore the pirate past of 16th century Fort Charles, as well as the Maritime Museum and the Port Royal Archeological and Historical Museum. The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with headquarters in Barbados and marketing operations in Toronto, New York and London, is the Caribbean's tourism development agency and comprises membership of 32 governments and a myriad of private sector companies. The CTO's mission is to provide to and through its members, the services and information needed for the development of sustainable tourism for the economic and social benefit of the Caribbean people. The organization provides specialized support and technical assistance to member countries in the areas of marketing, human resource development, research and statistics and sustainable development. Edited by Dave Shultz

Hey Black Cat- Did you ever get your cutlass from Loyalist Armes? If ya did, how do ya like it? I'm interested in getting one from them, but would like to know how someone who already owns one likes theirs. Cheers Redhand

Charity- well, lets see if I can keep from double postin this time-LOL!! Thanks fer the early birthday wishes & salutations! I'll be sure ta hoist a glass to ya on my birthday... As fer those cabin boys.....I think they're best left ta you & Mrs. Capt Weaver Fire Lizards? That sounds like somethin ta seek a surgeon over I'd like ta see the print tho, do ya have a link? I want ta get down ta Disneyland to see the exhibit at the gallery on the POTC, but doesn't look like it'll happen this year. I'm hopin' they have a catalogue or book for sale on the pirate exhibit. If not , I guess I'll have ta satisfy myself by drawing my own pirates, might even do one ta give away at my party! Gee, t-shirts & art for my guests....I thought I was spose ta get the presents-LOL Oh well, another dram fer me & the good captain! Redhand

Charity- Thanks I'm looking into having t-shirts made up for my birthday party in july-pirate themes of course! and I might have some extras printed up with your quote on it. Redhand

Hey Charity Would you mind if I put your "Slit Throat" quote on a t-shirt? Redhand

There's also a couple related to Massachusetts, I believe. One has to do with the wife/intended bride of "Black" Sam Belamy who walks a certain part of the beach during bad storms, where the bodies/flotsom from Belamy's ship tuned up on, in hopes of reuniting with her lost love. Another has to do with "wreckers", the "Land Pirates" who set bon fires near the rocks in hopes of luring ships in to their doom, then killing the crew & looting the ship. The story goes the "wreckers" or whatever they were called (??) were drug into the ocean by the murdered crew of the last ship they wrecked, they were never heard of again!......... I think the History channel had one on about Jamaica, that a certain resort, I think the one that Ian Flemming wrote some of the Bond books at is haunted by Flemming as well as some Pirate (which they eluded was blackbeard). Some guy was taking a nap in his room when he was awakened by the smell of strong rum, he opens his eyes to see some guy with a tricorn hat, beard and dresses as an 18th century seaman standing right overhin breathing in his face! Then the "pirate" starts choking him and laughing, then disapears right in front of the guy! We also have a couple out here in Oregon, Two haunted light houses, one haunted by an old lady, who locals call the "grey" lady-that one was even in Life magazine, because of it's consistant activity! Another at the Newport light house, where in the 1880's the light house keeper's daughter was supposedly murdered by blackmarketeers. she's seen on the grounds late at night on occasion, and even converses with the people who see her. There's also the Legend of the Neakani treasure, where some spanish pirates buried gold stolen from south america, way up on Neakani montain, which overlooks the pacific, but after they buried it they were killed by the local indians who took offence to the spaniards abuse of their woman. Over the years many people have been killed trying to locate the elusive "treasure", much like that of Oak Island. Scholars now believe that the Neakani "treasure" may have been a huge cache of bee's wax, which during the early 1600s would have been worth quite a lot on $$$$. ell that's all I can remember off the top of my head Redhand

It seems to me that Robin would've made a better "cabin boy" to Bruce Wayne's pirate captain, but hey that's just my twisted & sick observation on the whole storyline of the "unmarried millionare, who can't keep a steady adult relationship while continuing to live with an 18 year old boy" thing! Just call me Capt. Freud Redhand

Gentelmen- In response to your query about the use & date of "percussion" ignition firearmes, I don't believe they made a commercial debut until sometime in the early 1830s. They may have been around before that, but not in commercial use, in fact the US military didn't start using them in any degree until after the Mexican war of 1846-48. As far as the Ferguson rifle goes, you got his name right, however the rifle (it was a rifle, as opposed to a smoothbore) was a breechloader, which in itself made it a novelty of it's time. The trigger guard was a coffee grinder like lever, which when wound down, allowed the shooter access to the open breech, a flint was still required as the ignition for this firearm. After Ferguson's death at King's Mountain the rifle was largely forgotten, and the breechloading system would take another 50 years before it showed up again in a military firearm-the Hall breechloading rifle carried by US Dragoons during the Mexican war, then showing up in the sharps rifle & carbine during the American Civil war. I hope that helped. Redhand

"Get your slit throat off my dagger!" Now THAT'S too damn funny!! I must remember that. Redhand