Cascabel

Aye, it's the same gun. Made by Pedersoli in Italy. You can't go wrong with these guns. Far better quality than what comes out of India. I just wish that Pedersoli made more choices in early style flintlocks. The Queen Anne is the only early style pistol that they make. The price can vary quite a bit depending on where you buy them. >>>> Cascabel

Aaaaarrrrr, Petey..... Glad yer back, and still throwin' a dead rat in the stew !!! True to form, sez I. >>>> Cascabel

The gallery disappeared (again).... >>>> Cascabel

Don't ferget, all of them tall blokes have a lot farther to fall when they pass out drunk. ( Cascabel punches Patrick in the kneecap, and runs away....) >>>>> Cascabel

I am in agreement with Patrick on this. This is where I have issues with a lot of reenactors. Someone turns up an actual period example of an item, such as this, or buckles, shoes, clothing items, etc., or finds one in a period painting, and there suddenly is far too many duplicates seen. It can be even worse with using poorly done woodcuts for documentation. Military issue is one thing, but when pirates, civilians, or other non-government type folks have duplicate items, it looks a bit odd. I think genuine period examples are great when used as guidelines as to style, but I'm sure there were a whole lot of variations in existance, many of which were one of a kind. Of course, there is no proof or "documentation" of this, just simply common sense. The fact that so many non durable items made of leather and cloth are incomplete or no longer exist for documentation leaves it neccessary to make use of conjecture and a good sense of "what would work" when we make our items. >>>> Cascabel

Aye.... One of the exposed guns is an extremely rare 300 pounder Parrott rifle !!!! >>>> Cascabel

That area had been modified for a couple of emplacements 20th century heavy coastal artillery guns. The Civil War era cannons were simply pushed over the side, and had concrete poured over them, and became re-inforcement for the walls against more modern weapons. Many of the guns are still visible only half buried in the concrete if you climb the stairs and have a look. At the time this was done, they were only obsolete scrap iron, and too heavy to bother with, but made good wall strengtheners. >>>>> Cascabel

It might be a good idea to poll the people that will be there to see what experience they have, and where their interest lies in this area. As for myself, I carry a sword (various ones), mostly for appearances, and very seldom do anything fight related with it. I am for the most part a "gun guy". I'm real good at brandishing, threatening, and generally mouthing off with sword in hand, but I leave the athletics to the more experienced stage combat folks. I my experience, I find that things like this work best with a pre-determined outcome, so that everyone knows where they need to be, and what they are going to do, and with whom. Engagements done for the entertainment of the public really should be scripted, so that the right guys win, and no one gets hurt. I think it might be good to periodically stage a few one on one impromptu fights in some sort of "fight circle" throughout the day. These could be done a bit more on a competitive basis, where the experienced guys would have a chance to shine. >>>> Cascabel

I have done a fair amount of school programs, and the very best advice that I can give is to do it "in character". It's amazing how much the kids pay attention when they feel like they are listening to a "real" pirate, rather than just a guy in a costume talking about pirates. The weapons issues have never been a problem so far. I always discuss this with the teachers beforehand. I have even sat and eaten lunch with the "resource officer" (cop on duty) wearing sword and pistol. The kids thought it to be quite an honor to escort me down to the lunch room as a class. They enjoyed walking me down the halls as their personal pirate !! >>>>> Cascabel

....... And it shows....... Ohmygawd !!!!!...... BOOTS ! Any thoughts on this ? GOF ?, Foxe ? >>>>> Cascabel

Ahoy back to ye, Bo... Hope all is well in your world !! >>>>> Cascabel

And.... Don't forget they were actually killing real whales, and using real ships and whalers (Norwegian, as I remember, as they were still harvesting whales at that time). Not much special effects, and no CGI available. Gregory Peck is the only truly believable Ahab..... >>>>> Cascabel

Who is this guy, "Mark" ? ..... and why is he writing me letters ???? >>>>> Cascabel

Child friendly is what I arrrrr... Anybody that knows me knows that I love the little nippers. I always have a kind word and a gold coin for me young shipmates...... >>>>> Cascabel

Thanks fer the "heads up", Shipmate !!! I went by my local Target store, but couldn't find these. Can you give me a better idea exactly where to look ? Target is a HUGE store. I wanted to see about them for my grand children's bedrooms. >>>>> Cascabel

I will be more than happy to take the time to help any "newbies" to be safe with black powder weapons. There is far too much incorrect information passed around out there. Mostly not dangerous stuff, but simply not the best way to do things. If there is sufficient interest, I will schedule a beginning black powder class. For those that have a subscription to "No Quarter Given" magazine, there is a very in-depth 3 part article written by me on how to operate flintlocks in recent issues. >>>>> Cascabel

I have seen several pistol ramrods flying through the air at events. Whenever I am appointed "safety officer" at events, I always instruct about not using wadding and ramrods. Most folks have never been taught about safe firing procedures, so they don't know any better. There is a lot of bad information passed around out there..... >>>>> Cascabel

Aye, I agree fully with ye Hawkyns. I never use a wad unless I need to do a scene where I have to carry a loaded pistol on my belt in order to fire when needed, and then it is just enough to keep the powder from spilling out and is not particularly tight. Most often we are fireing immediately after loading, so all you need to do is not lower the muzzle below horizontal, and the powder stays put against the breech. There is the added benefit of being able to unload by simply dumping out the powder to render the gun safe in the event of a failure to fire. With a sufficiency of powder, no wad is needed at all. A blank load is normally more than a live load anyhow. >>>>> Cascabel

Aye, we plans to be there....

Dispensing valves existed at least as far back as the wheel lock era, but they tended to be fairly delicate and not very robust at all. Most of the ones I have seen were on ornate powder flasks made to go with fancy guns. The 19th century designs that we usually see are much less prone to damage from rough handling. >>>> Cascabel

Probably paying a buck an ear....

These are very attractive to look at, but don't give much useable light. I think the type with the glass sides are more practical. >>>>> Cascabel

About 30 years ago, when I was involved in Rev War reenactment, current wisdom held that the enlisted men wore uniforms of a less expensive fabric, and that the color was more of a "brick red", rather than what would be considered a true red color, and the officer ranks wore a better grade of material, and it was a true bright red color. What is the current knowledge about this color variation ? Capt. Sterling ?, Blackjohn ?, Foxe ?....... >>>> Cascabel

Aye, a great and pirate-friendly port to be in, and ye could not hope for a finer friend than Capt. Sinbad of the Meka II. Be sure to explore the old cemetary if you have a chance while in port. Many other things of interest to see if time permits.... >>>> Cascabel

Cascabel here (showing his age...) I remember this from when I was a kid in the '50's. As I recall, there were 3 or 4 different ones. I think it was not long after Disney's 'Treasure Island' was in the theaters. Seems to me that the eyes were pre-porforated so that you could easily punch them out. >>>> Cascabel