Captain Midnight

Can anyone help me out? I am looking for an old issue of No Quarter Given, the November 1994 issue (I think that's the one). I like the cover art on this issue, it depicts a pirate in a flat brimmed hat holding a spyglass. I collect the various covers for the magazine. This issue has been long out of print and I can't get it anymore without buying a whole collection of back issues, of which this one is a part, and I don't need the whole collection. Could anyone who has this old issue scan the cover for me? I don't need the whole magazine, just the front cover. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Blackjohn, Mad Mike, Cap'n Enigma, all of this is great information! Thanks so much to all of you! I'm glad to know that they at least found some use even into the early 1700's. I'm trying to make a set of my own, I don't have a lathe, so I'm turning them by hand from poplar using a belt sander, a wood rasp, and a file. A little bit slower than a lathe, but it works. Takes about an hour and a half to make each apostle. So far, I've made one apostle and a matching priming flask. I thought a set of these would go nicely with my .64 cal. doglock pistol from Loyalist Arms. I'm painting them a grayish-blue, as described in documents from the English Civil War, which means my set will be representative of military surplus from that era, since the English Civil War was just prior to the GAoP. I'd be very interested to see that painting of the men coming ashore armed with bandoliers.

But what I was trying to say, (and didn't do so above), is that although I play the game one way (mostly historical), I don't look down my nose at others who don't follow my way. All the Jack Sparrows and faire pirates out there, I admire. They portray what makes them happy, and I would never try to take that away from anyone else. To do so would diminish our hobby.

Yes, John, I would. If I were at a strictly historical event, I would do away with any fantasy type pirate items. I do prefer the historical over the fantasy, and 98% of my stuff is historical, but it is fun to play fantasy every now and again. The other 2% of my gear that would be considered by historical reenactors as farby, would consist of stuff like a strand of beads or shells or some such hung from my hat. Small items like that, not black leather pants and bucket boots, etc. And something like that, I could easily remove and put in a pocket somewhere, to adhere to historical standards.

Well, for myself, I lean a bit to the historically accurate side of piracy, but I also incorporate a bit of the fantasy/Hollywood stuff here and there. I used to be a historical reenactor for many years, and although my gear was authentic, it was not by any means completely hand stiched, or anything like that. Nor will my pirate gear be completely hand stitched, except maybe visible seams and such. I despise "authenticity Nazis" and "Stitch Counters" who try to impose their ideas of authenticity on me. If having 100% hand made clothing down to your underwear, and 100% wool or linen stuff makes you happy, more power to you! But don't nit-pick my stuff to pieces, because if you ain't happy that my clothing or gear aren't exactly the way YOU think they should be, that's YOUR problem, not mine. My stuff works for ME. I will try to be as authentic as I possibly can, but I play this game for fun. If it becomes un-fun, why play at all? It is fun to decorate just a tad like Jack Sparrow. Is Jack Sparrow authentic? No. But he is an amalgamation of our modern society's ideas, whether real or not, about what a pirate should look like. Do people recognize him as a pirate? Yep, they sure do. I believe in what someone stated earlier: that it is not so much in what you look like in terms of historical accuracy, but rather the spirit of piracy that you convey.

Yes, I know they were on their way out by the 1680's, but that's not to say they couldn't have "hung" around for a few extra years, carried by some pirate who was mighty proud to have them. My question is, does anyone know of any period depictions of pirates or seamen wearing a bandolier of charges (or "Apostles", as they have become known in more modern terms)? This is the set up I have chosen to carry and store my pistol charges, and since my "persona" is around 1690-1700, it is perfectly feasible to have carried these. I imagine they were just like any other military surplus---once they became obsolete for the military which they were designed for, they were sold out to the general masses to be used as they will by private citizens. Anyway, if anyone has any depictions of them being used, could you share them here? Thanks so much!

Aye, I believe you are right, Patrick. The only parts that I can tell were stitched to the inside were the horizontal "slats" or strips on the inside of the flap. I believe the little box was made of the same thin wood as the flap strips, but the box would lift out of the leather, just like the tin box inserts of a Civil War cartridge box, just like you said. Mind, I am referring to the Phips box, but after looking at photos of the surviving remnants of both the Phips box and the Whydah box, I am convinced that they are almost identical in shape and construction. The Whydah cartridge box also has some of its wooden lining strips and insert remaining as well. I believe you are also probably correct in your assumption that the little box was glued together, as the wood was pretty thin, and would be hard to find nails that small.

Very cool, Sir Henry! Thanks!

Thanks Eye, I will indeed keep me eyes open for ideas in the movie. I havn't seen it yet, but will soon!

I don't smoke it, I've never been much into substances that can cloud my judgement, reflexes, or reaction times (except for a beer or swig of liquor every now and then)...

I remember watching the short clip of that giant squid several months ago; was it ever determined how large the thing actually was? I would have to say the Kraken is probably my favorite of all the fabulous sea monsters.

Aye, many thanks King's Pirate, I will check those out immediately!

Ahoy Julius! For some reason the pics are not showing up, mate...

That looks very nice, indeed, Kendra! And King's Pirate did an awesome job with the design! Me hat's off to ye both!

Yep, there are the "Dumber than dirt", and "Dumb as a box of rocks" categories...I fit into the "box" category myself...

Yes, I own the Loyalist Arms' version, in .64 caliber. It is truly well made, and it's a bit shorter than the other pistol (mine has a 12" barrel, as opposed to the 16" barrel of the Middlesex pistol). I have had great service from the pistol, in short, it is me best friend...Also, Loyalist Arms can't be beat for their friendly service. They will communicate with you every step of the way until your pistol arrives, and they back up their stuff. They also sell spare parts for their weapons, should something happen to wear out on yours. I'm not trying to sway you one way or the other, but in my own humble opinion, the Loyalist Arms doglock is a better one, but I base my opinion on general looks and my personal knowledge of the Loyalist Arms weapon, as I have not had the opportunity to hold the Middlesex Trading weapon. I hope this review helps you in some way.

Well, it has been a while, but I have been studying drawings and photos of the cartridge box found in the Phips wreckage, and I have come to the conclusion that that cartridge box is almost identical to the one found on the Whydah, including the way it is shaped, and its wooden stiffeners. After some in depth reading about the Phips box, I found out that the wooden stiffeners were actually stitched into the leather box. I'm almost positive that the lid was made up of narrow wooden strips stitched horizontally across the inside of the flap so that the flap could flex enough to open. Still not to clear on the actual wooden "box" part, quite possibly, it was just a thin wooden box that slid in and out of the leather, much like the tin inserts in later cartridge boxes. That's my theory. It makes good sense, though, and the box would actually hold more rounds than one with a block drilled with holes to receive the cartridges. Anyone else know anything new about the Whydah cartridge Box?

That is an awesome flag, mate! Captain William, you should be proud, and William Redwake, you are a master at making those flags. I tips me hat to ye!

I would be interested in any replicas from the Whydah, but most especially the cartridge box and the shoes. I have made a replica of the cartridge box, except for the wooden insert, which I have not seen yet. Does anyone know whether the insert was a thin wooden box (the diagram of the cartridge box pieces seems to support this idea), or was it a simple block drilled with holes to hold the cartridges? I made mine with a block drilled with eight holes, but unless I am badly mistaken, I think the original had a thin wooden tray-like box made up of several pieces which slid into the leather box. I just made the block type for lack of being able to see proper details of the original. Can anyone else elaborate a bit on this topic?

It will indeed have a name, but so far, I havn't decided on one yet. Give me some time...you can be sure it will have a nice piratey name...

For beer, my absolute favorite is Newcastle Brown Ale, imported from England. For the wee bit harder, I likes Captain Morgan's Tatoo. :angry:

Thanks Bilgemunky! That is the figure, alright! However, I wonder if they offer just him alone? I really don't want the whole set, just that one. I have also seen these same figures cast in resin in other places, but that takes some of their charm away, in my opinion, as the hand carved wooden ones are extra special.

I'll have to second that nomination, Wallace Beery was indeed an awesome Long John, and Jackie Cooper made a great Jim Hawkins as well. Can't say as I think its better than all the others, as I havn't seen the others, but anytime a Hollywood Long John Silver is mentioned, Wallace Beery is the face who immediately appears in my mind. Plus I love the old phrases that they used in that movie, like "Bless my Soul!"( a favorite of Jackie Cooper's), etc. Reminds me of a more inncocent, clean era, unfortunately long gone.

Ahoy mates, I am wondering if any of you might know where I can find a small wooden figurine like this: They are usually about 6" or so tall, and are sold as "el cheapo" souvenirs at beach stores, nautical stores, etc. I had one of these when I was a kid, (it is now long lost), and I would like to find one again for sentimental reasons. If any of you might know where to buy them, or perhaps someone might have one they no longer wanted and it needed a good home, would you please kindly let me know? Thanks so much for any help!

Very nice vessel indeed, Will! I hope you and your family have the best of times aboard her. Be safe!