MadMike

Harb, I've never seen a source documenting a leather cocked hat (or tricorn as it's referred to today). However, I do like how they replicated the style of Teach's hat as depicted in Johnson's history. Haven't tried it, but for those with wool felt hats they can be stiffened as follows (courtesy of the Najecki Reproductions website)- "Hat Stiffening If your existing hat is becoming a bit droopy it can be renewed by: · Let the brims down and brush out the loose dirt from the felt. · Make a mixture of 1 part shellac (white or orange 3 lb cut) to 2 parts denatured alcohol. · Liberally brush the mixture to one side of the felt. It should quickly absorb into the felt · and not lay on the surface. Allow to dry thoroughly (about 8 hours). · Repeat to other side of felt. Apply additional coats if desired." Yours, &c. Mike

Could be an early cap badge for the 17th Light Dragoons, created in 1759... Other than Johnson's narrative with pictures of pirate flags, perhaps some British or American broadsides and tombstones can provide period style death's heads. Yours, &c. Mike

Naturally, we won't see any of the fantasy pirates and their garb in a History Channel documentary. However, there is hope, as I've heard that casting calls for "Swashbuckler II", "Muppet Treasure Island II", and "Dodgeball II" are in the works. Yours, &C. Mike

Diosa, Can you provide the forum with the provenance of the flag at the Pirate Soul Museum? There is a flag pictured on Cordingly's book "Pirates, Terror on the High Seas". E-mailed the museum in Finland where it's kept but no reply as of yet. Hope you have everything in order this year for hurricane season, supposed to be as bad as last year. Yours, &c. Mike Up in the panhandle...

Foxe, Great research as usual. Will buy you a few pints if I ever go across the pond again (twice during my lifetime, spent seven years in Europe while in the military). I'm curious about an image of the Bristol seafront which appears in the Time-Life series book "Pirates" (page 14 and 15) in the Seafarer's series. Any idea when it was painted? It's credited to "City Art Library, Bristol". Appears to be during the mid 1700's due to the cut of the clothing of the gentlemen in the foreground. Has some interesting images of dock workers (or seamen) in the work also. Yours, &c. Mike

Hurricane writes "I indeed have a fantastic kit that is as authentic as anyone's". Great, any suggestions as to sources for clothing, equipment, websites, and the like? Yours, &c. Mike

Depends on the activity. "Rendezvous Rules" usually state all gear must be pre-1840 and non-period items kept out of public view (modern items under a blanket or otherwise concealed). Kinda ruins the atmosphere seeing a wall tent with a wooden framework (yeah, was interesting to see the guy put it together with a portable drill). A majority of the participants were recreational buckskinners out for a good time (notice I didn't use the term "reenactor"). On the other hand, went to the Rocky Mountain national rendezvous one year and the level of authenticity was excellent. If you didn't have period correct footwear, you didn't get in (that meant no slipper moccasins, cowboy boots, etc). There are things we have no control over, such as diesel engines on tall ships, but it's not asking much to use natural fabrics or outlay the cash for period style clothing and gear. Research, using the internet or the local library, doesn't cost much. In my humble opinion it's absurd for an adult to strut around with a Denix replica, pirate logo clothing, capes, and whatnot and present oneself as a "pirate" (or the stereotypical "mountain man" passing himself off as a voyageur or Lewis and Clark). Try hitting a few local reenactments and see what standards they abide by, it varies from group to group. Yours, &c. Mike

From a safety standpoint, not a very wise thing to do. Legally speaking, these may be considered destructive devices according to federal and state laws, and can be punishable by imprisonment and heavy fines- U.S. Code : Title 26 : Section 5845 The term ''destructive device'' means (1) any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas A) bomb, B)grenade, C) rocket having a propellent charge of more than four ounces, (D) missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, (E) mine, or (F) similar device; (2) any type of weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, the barrel or barrels of which have a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter, except a shotgun or shotgun shell which the Secretary finds is generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes; and (3) any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into a destructive device as defined in subparagraphs (1) and (2) and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled. The term ''destructive device'' shall not include any device which is neither designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon; any device, although originally designed for use as a weapon, which is redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line throwing, safety, or similar device; surplus ordnance sold, loaned, or given by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to the provisions of section 4684(2), 4685, or 4686 of title 10 of the United States Code; or any other device which the Secretary finds is not likely to be used as a weapon, or is an antique or is a rifle which the owner intends to use solely for sporting purposes. Yours, &c. Mike

JoshuaRed, Thanks for the pic's. How are the heels doing as far as wear and tear? Although I've located a picture of Inca rope sandals dating from 1400 AD, haven't found any justification for wearing such items (guess I'll go barefoot until we locate some "maderas"- or could that be "madras"?). Yours, &c. Mike

I just received my straight last shoes a week ago from Townsend. Not a bad pair, they are more comfortable than the low quarters I was issued in basic training. Wasn't even a problem putting on the buckles. Obviously, these shoes need some heel plates to preserve the leather heels. As for sandals, will probably make a period style pair from some scrap saddle leather I have laying around. Yours, &c. Mike

Personally, I don't think the outlay for the beginning reenactor strains the pocketbook or wallet that much. Try Townsend, Smoke & Fire Company, or Godwin for these ready to wear items for the GAoP enthusiast- 1. Wide brim, low crown felt hat- can be steamed to shape to make a cocked hat, starting at $15.00, or cut down for the smaller naval variant. Other headgear as per personal preference (headkerchief, straw hat, thrum hat, etc). 2. Shirt, plain or ruffled, or a smock (haven't seen a checked shirt offered)- $35.00 Neckerchief or headkerchief- buy fabric locally (WalMart or fabric store). 3. French fly trousers or breeches- $55.00. Trousers need to be hemmed above the ankle. 4. Colonial straight last shoes, $90.00 and up Buckles- $35 5. Stockings (not entirely period, but worn by just about everyone)- $8.00 6. Sleeved waistcoat, sleeveless waistcoat, Coat- optional, starting at $85 for the waistcoat, $125 for sleeved waistcoat, and considerably more for the coat (buy the wool and make your own from a pattern). 7. Spectacles- round frame only (sorry, no modern sunglasses). $35 8. Cutlass, sword, etc- minimal cost, starting around $90.00. 9. Pistol, musket, blunderbuss- see the Discriminating General or Loyalist Arms website. Probably your most expensive outlay; not required but hell, who doesn't love the smell of black powder in the morning? 10. Tent- optional, I've seen some great canvas tarps (sail lean-to) without the bothersome grommet holes for under $40 (Home Depot). 11. Flint and steel kit, castile soap (seen it at K-Mart, women's beauty section), pewter plate, eating utensils, etc. Nothing prevents anyone from machine sewing or hand making their own clothing, I've hand sewn my own garments just for the experience. Yours, &c. Mike

Darkthing wrote- "As a cautionary note, if you are fixing these up to be firing weapons, please examine the barrels carefully. There were a lot of cheap "Tower" pistols produced in Japan that had inferior barrels. Make sure the breech plug (the "closed" end of the barrel) is securely welded in place, and the barrel is of good thickness to hold a charge. " No need to weld the breech plug in place. It can be securely tightened in a vise using a wrench (just like it was done in the old days). Barrel thickness is not indicative of production flaws, therefore proofing is necessary on a suspect arm. At a gun range or safe location, remove the barrel from the weapon and load it with twice the recommended charge of black powder (patched, no ball). If it can withstand this test, try it with the same powder charge and a patched ball. If the barrel survives with no bursting or swelling, it's capable of withstanding the recommended charge. By the way, use a length of fuse to fire the charge (some individuals place the barrel or weapon on a bench or tire and use sandbags to keep it in place). Wallace Gusler, in "The Gunsmith of Williamsburg" had the barrel wedged to a board and ran a train of powder (wasteful). I've never had to proof a modern replica, the steel is far superior to what was available in the 17th and 18th centuries. Even modern day "gunsmiths" who offer expensive reproductions use machine turned and bored barrels (Gusler, of course, make EVERYTHING scratch- the film is highly recommended). Yours, &c. Mike

Here's a quote from Cordingly's book "Under the Black Flag"- "Robert Drury visited one of the pirate settlements at Madagascar in 1716 and found the men living in some style on their plantations. One of these men was a Dutchman named John Pro, who spoke good English. 'He was dressed in a short coat with broad, plate buttons, and other things agreeable, but without shoes or stockings. In his sash stuck a brace of pistols, and he had one in his right hand. The other man was dressed in an English manner, with two pistols in his sash and one in his hand, like his companion' (Cordingly, 14). Yours, &c. Mike

... and this description in Johnson's "Pyrates" describing Bartholomew Roberts- "They came to Whydah with a St. George's ensign, a black silk flag flying at their mizzen-peak, and a jack and pendant of the same. The flag had a death in it, with an hour-glass in one hand, and cross bones in the other, a dart by it, and underneath a heart dropping three drops of blood. The jack had a man portrayed in it, with a flaming sword in his hand, and standing on two skulls..." Yours, &c. Mike

The correct term is "cocked hat". There are numerous pictures on the Costumer's Manifesto web site (and of course illustrated in Johnson's "Pyrates"- check out the pic's of Teach, Rackham, etc). Also the appropriate "Cries of Paris" "London" etc. should also help. One difference I've seen is that most early cocked hats had a flat crown. This is easily steamed to shaped over a kettle of boiling water and a coffee can (or other cylindrical object). Yours, &c. Mike

Can't make it this year, am still recovering from Ivan and acquiring my clothing and gear. Will mark my calender for next year, however! Yours, Mike

OK my turn to stump the crew... Any references to seamen wearing rope sandals? I haven't had much luck locating sources, other than mention that rope sandals were recovered from a Spanish wreck off Florida. A period pic or archaeological specimen would be great (historical justification). Yours, Mike

G.O.F, Check out this link- http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/despo...e-francois.html then scroll down until you see the link for "Joconde Database of French Museum Collections" There is an interesting picture dating from 1699 by Francois Desportes entitled "Portrait de l'artiste en chasseur". I right clicked and saved, showing a good closeup of the coat buttons (clothed covered on the justacorps, the small brass or gold colored buttons may have a design- hard to tell). There are several interesting pictures in "The Costumer's Manifesto" website here- http://www.costumes.org/history/100pages/leloirX3.htm go to "Color and Tinted plates 1 &2" at the bottom of the page for some pictures (click the high res versions). Yours, &c. Mike

On the other side of the coin, I did order "Cutthroat Island". Having participated in several documentaries, I can appreciate having to put up with a filmaker's nuances... of course, I don't think they appreciated being blown over by the flash and vent debris from a Charleville musket (I warned 'em!). Too bad that scene didn't make the final cut. Anyway Bess, your posts about POTC are much appreciated. Am trying to find a decent copy of "Treasure Island"- any suggestions? Yours, &c. Mike

Bess, I didn't know you were related to Geoffrey Holder (Cudjo)! Yours, &c. Mike

Just caught a portion of "Swashbuckler" on a cable channel. Had to be "one of the worst pirate movies I've ever seen"! The 1976 film stars James Earl Jones, Robert Shaw ("Jaws"), Peter Boyle as the evile gov'nuh, Beau Bridges (wearing what type uniform I have no clue), Genevieve Bujold, and Avery Schreiber. No doubt destined to be a classic, this film should be continuously shown (along with European Command AFN-TV commercials) to break the will of captured terrorists. Yours, &c. Mike

When doing research I refer to the Oxford English Dictionary to help clarify terms. I'm curious if anyone has any references to these terms and dates earlier than listed (with appropriate documentation)- grog- listed in 1770, although probably in use when rum ration watered down around 1740. scalawag- 1848 (may have Scottish origins, therefore was probably in use long before). langrage- 1769 (also langrel and langridge) buccaneer- 1661 (from the french boucan). More origins and definitions of words most welcome. Was also researching the use of waistcoasts from historical drawings, will post that info on a seperate entry. Yours, &c. Mike

For the likes of me I can't understand why people pay $3 for a gallon of bottled water (insert exquisite brand name) when they can go outside a Publix, Food World (etc), and fill up a gallon jug for thirty cents at a vending machine (reverse osmosis and the works). Heck, a little shopping and I located two 2 gallon jugs fer just $1.90 each (already filled with nice clean treated water). The tap water here is too heavily chlorinated for my liking. Since I don't partake of rum anymore (or any other alcohol), I stocked up the larger with ye Mountain Dew spinoff ("Citris Hit") and various other goodies for the relatives. If I'm lucky my copy of Osprey's "Pirates" will be in, along with the DVD "Cutthroat Island" (hey gimme a break, it's two hours of piracy) before the Bonnie lass makes landfall. I may even break down and get my very own copy of POTC (returned copy to brother across town) early tomorrow before the winds pickup. Here's hoping that our pirate brethren in other parts of the state of FL (and elsewhere) don't endure much damage. Yours, &c. Mike

I'm looking forward to the War of 1812 series, the reenactors look great and hopefully there will be some discussion on privateers. Yours, &c. Mike