Cascabel

I'm in accord with ye, Hawkyns. I never ran across any rules like that either in well over thirty years of dealing with muzzle loaders. I've only run up on variations of those you stated, and have served as safety officer on many occasions..... >>>>> Cascabel

Aye, shipmate, and now the swab has moved into me house. I saw him lookin' back at me from me mirror just this mornin'....... >>>>> Cascabel

Awwww.... c'mon now, Stynky, I know ye knows how to make a proper flag, and ye has me affy-davy on that !!!!!!! >>>> Cascabel

These are great looking cutlasses for a low-end type of character. I have one that I let continue to rust up a bit to add even more "character" to it. However, I STRONGLY advise curling the top of the guard over into a graceful scroll, as it will tear your clothing, and cause injury to yourself and others the way it is. I have done several of these by heating the guard red-hot with a propane torch, and rolling it into a scroll by tapping with a hammer while hot. Alternatively, you can simply cut the point off, and round it with a file. (I think the scroll looks better). A scabbard is also a good idea so no one gets poked by the point, especially litigation-happy tourists !!!! >>>> Cascabel

A couple of years ago, I was asked to do a presentation at one of the local schools for a class of Middle School students that were using 'Treasure Island' for their required reading that quarter. One of the people I work with had a child in the class, and knew that I did pirate festivals, and arranged with the teacher to invite me to do a presentation for his child's class. As it turned out, the presentation was enjoyed so much that the teacher asked me to stay all day, and do it for ALL her classes. I did the thing in full costume, even with weapons, and "in character". The kids loved it, and a couple of other teachers sat in during their breaks also. It was fun being walked down to the cafeteria in costume by one of the classes to eat lunch. Middle school kids can be a bit hard to handle sometimes because they are learning how to be little wise guys at that age, but I had no problem with them. They were totally fascinated. I gave them some history, some legend, and a bit of "Hollywood" all wrapped up together. >>>>> Cascabel

You will enjoy it. It is one of the better Faires, with permanent structures, top entertainment, etc. I used to work there regularly, being that it is only 12 miles from my house. It occurs right in the middle of my busy season for pirate events, so I only attend it as a customer now. Give me a shout to remind me when you are going, and if I'm not out of town "playing pirates" I may hook up with ye.... >>>> Cascabel

Nope and nope.... They are FESTIVALS, and more entertaiment oriented. Both are a lot of fun and both try for a certain amount of accuracy as far as the pirate encampments go. The Hampton, Va. festival a little more-so in the accuracy department. I am part of the cast at both of them, and I think they are both worthwhile events. They usually have me play the Israel Hands character at Hampton, and sometimes at Morehead also. It is difficult to have strict historical accuracy in a modern setting with tourists milling about, but what is there is pretty good. >>>>> Cascabel

One other thing...... You need to be aware of the back blast from the touch hole, and keep you arm clear of it !!!!! >>>>> Cascabel

Really more of an annoyance than a safety issue. (Unless you overload the flash pan with powder). I have known quite a few folks with the same problem. The flash going off right in front of your face takes some getting used to, however, firing from the hip solves the problem. For our purposes, we are usually firing blank loads anyhow, so there is no need to aim. >>>>> Cascabel

Thanky most kindly for the info, but me friend Stynky Tudor already has one in the works for me, about 6x10 feet in size... >>>>> Cascabel

Aye, I'll put in an appearance or two, depending on other committments. It's only 12 miles from my house. I used to work there, but it is during my busy season for pirate events, so I can't be there every weekend, so I show up when I can. I still have a daughter that works there. >>>>> Cascabel

Anybody know of a source of pirate flags larger than the usual 3'x5' offerings ???? >>>>> Cascabel

How 'bout a date and time ????? Maybe me or some of me shipmates will show up if we know when. >>>> Cascabel

Yup, yer memory serves ye well..... I got a couple of them at Disneyland last year. >>>> Cascabel

I'm part of the regular cast, so i'll be there. Give me a poke in the ribs and say hello.... >>>>> Cascabel

I'll be there, as usual.... See ya there, Cascabel

I am in the Atlanta area. I may hook up with ye if I'm not out of town doing an event. Stay in touch...... >>>>>>> cascabel

How 'bout some more info about it, Shipmate. I'm in the Atlanta area.... >>>> Cascabel

Appears to me to be cobbled together rather poorly from a bunch of mis-matched antique parts. Looks like it was done a long time ago. >>>>> Cascabel

For air travel, I lay my cutlasses diagonally in a large hard suitcase, and pack my clothing around them. For car travel, I just lay them on top of the pile....... >>>>>> Cascabel

Not sure which hotel yet. They usually make those arrangements for me about a month ahead of time. >>>>> Cascabel

Aye, Shipmate !!!!! I'm part of the cast of this event. Very family oriented show and well attended. I like it. >>>>> Cascabel

It would really be far more work than the finished product would be worth. Most 'non-firing replicas' are not made at all like real guns internally. The barrels usually are only complete on the exposed areas, and mostly do not even have a "bottom half" on the part concealed by the stock. The locks are not made at all like a real one on the inside either, so the stock is not made to accept a real lock. Finding components of a close enough fit to be modified to fit the stocks would be next to impossible, and custom making them would be cost prohibitve. The quality of the stocks are also such that they would not stand the rigors of firing. There are VERY good reasons that they don't cost much !!!!!! >>>>> Cascabel

Here be something for ye to fight over...... This is similar to the one I have, but mine has a steel barrel. Not a bad price considering the quality !!! http://www.trackofthewolf.com/categories/p...2&partNum=X-212 >>>> Cascabel

That place is a wonderful site if yr inta crafting your own piece. :) Aye, they have wonderful things, but are unbelievably frustrating to deal with. >>>>>>>> Cascabel