Gentleman Jeff

Aye, Hobby Lobby does indeed have some nice selections to choose from. I like the looks of the sea chest in the previous link, but think I could build me own with the plans.

Well, although Old Dominion Forge's work is absolutely outstanding, I must go with something a bit more within my budget. I have decided on the cutlass from DeadMenTellNoTales.com. It's style definitely fits the period, and would not look out of place, and it's reasonably priced, and looks as if it could easily lop the head off of any scurvy dog who provoked me... aye, 'tis the blade for me. :)

I may try to attend that one as well, I live fairly close, in southwest Georgia. If I can attend, 'twill be me very first pirate event... :)

Does anyone know whether there is a flag attributed to "Black" Sam Bellamy of the Whydah?

Ahoy Foxe, To whom did the first batch of flags that you posted belong? I have not seen these on the internet anywhere, and I have always been fascinated by knowing whose flag was whose.

Friends and Bretheren, Be that a seam running up the back of the heels of the 18th century shoes, or are they one solid piece which wraps around the heel? Unless me eyes be playin' tricks on me, it appears to be a stitched seam up the back of the heel. I am preparing to make a pair of these shoes for myself, which is why I am most curious as to the construction details of the shoes. I have also read that period shoes didn't have their soles pegged, but were stitched instead. What about metal heel plates?

Hurricane, Is it the cup which dents easily on the sword from DeadMenTellNoTales.com? If so, that should be a very straightforward item to fix. Just remove the old one, flatten it out with a hammer and trace the pattern onto a piece of heavier steel. Cut it out, dish it properly with a ball peen hammer and reinstall it on the sword. As long as the blade is sturdy, I can fix the rest. I like several of the cutlass hilts from Old Dominion Forge, the ones which look like double clam shells.

Thanks so much for that information, Black John. I will take your advice and keep the attitude that the pirates of old had; stay on the cutting edge of weapons technology. You wouldn't happen to know if there are any drawings or photos of the cartridge box found on board the Whydah do you? If I could get detailed particulars, such as measurements, etc., I could craft a replica of it. Also, a pattern for any cartridge box of the period would be helpful.

Thanks, Mates, for all of your helpful advice. The sword I am particularly interested in is the one in the link posted by Mad Mike. I like it for its simple ruggedness; no fancy frills. The only thing is, I don't think it comes with a scabbard, I'd have to make one myself for it, but that is no trouble as I make all manner of leather stuff anyway.

Damn! I posted this in the wrong forum...my sincerest apologies! Can anyone move this to plunder for me? Many thanks!

Ahoy! Can anyone tell me whether the small wooden cylindrical gunpowder containers usually slung on a baldric and used by musketeers in the 17th century could also have been used by a pirate in the very early 18th century? I fancy that method of storage for my pistol charges, but is it accurate for the early 1700's?

Ahoy Mates! I am thinking of buying a new cutlass and wondered if you historical types could point me in the direction of the best and most authentic commercially available replica of a cutlass on the market today? I would prefer it to be a functional replica, not a wall hanger made with cast metal parts. I have found one on the internet, referred to on several sites as a "rustic pirate's cutlass", and so far it is closest to fitting my bill, but I thought you all might know of somewhere else that had one a bit better. I like the plain, no-nonsense, aged and worn look of this cutlass. To my mind it comes closer to the type of sword a common pirate would have had. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

Aye, indeed. The USPS has also lost several of my packages as well, so it is definitely not an isolated occurence. Whenever I use them now, I always send packages by Priority Mail, with a delivery confirmation/tracking number, so that there is actual proof that it was mailed. It sounds to me like Captain MacNamara has made an effort above and beyond to try and make it right, at his own expense. I would be loathe to speak ill of such generosity.

Patrick, Those slops with the patches and ragged edges are awesome! Great job!

Captain MacNamara, Sir, it is a beautiful weapon indeed, and one you should be very proud of. You did an outstanding job with it!