michaelsbagley

As a former Norse re-enactor, damn that seax and scabbard are AWESOME!!! I love the pattern welding on that blade! And the fitting he handle too! And the tooling on that scabbard is phenomenal! Seeing stuff like that almost makes me miss my Viking days. That was a few years back, working in a Viking longhouse in Northern Norway. I had been commissioned to hilt and scabbard the scramaseax you can see in the foreground.

Happy Birthday Mister Brand! (Although I think it is still more fun to call you Mister Red Wake!) It was fabulous to meet you at PiP after so many years of seeing your name on the pub! Looking forward to crossing paths again.

I can think of no immediate reason why not? As long as everyone coming is going to play nice and be civil, and try to look their piratey best (or late 17th century/early 18th century best), and we have a decent idea of how many are coming, it's a open event.

Last time we were welcome to be there after the ship closed for business Friday evening at 6:00 PM. Although, if anyone needed to show up earlier (because of travel time or whatever), I am fairly certain they could be accommodated in some fashion. The ship closes on Sunday at 5:00 PM, but generally we have been there tidying up after ourselves until around 6:00 PM, although I would imagine this time is flexible. And again, if someone's travel schedule required it, I am certain we could accommodate them somehow. In the past there have been a handful of participants that have arrived Thursday and stayed with the wife and I and departed Monday (mostly due to flight times or long drives). With us having the new condo, accommodating a handful or so folks in this manner has just gotten easier for us (as long as said person is not allergic or adverse to cats, we have three of them). The dates for the actual event are May 15th and 16th, but again we have access to the ship as of Friday May 14th (in the evening). At the moment, these dates are tentative, but I see little chance of them changing. The ship's annual volunteer party/meeting is in early January, the dates will likely be firmed up at that time. There is also a strong possibility of an off-ship "field trip" for a cross-promotional excursion Friday evening, but the details on that are at this time very sketchy. And Connie, while Salty and Callenish will likely speak for themselves, I think they said they intend to be there with the tyke.

This thread is as good as any to discuss and help plan the event for those interested! The thread Mission linked to locked as a "Just the facts" kind of thing, so there is a easy solid reference for information. I can and will update the "Just the facts" thread as needed. There is a Facebook page for the event, but I would prefer to keep that mostly for the spectators, and keep more re-enactor conversations on the pub or otherwise in relative private. Last September there was some confusion from a spectator regarding the Facebook page, because it came off too much as a re-enactor page when it is supposed to be for both spectators and general info for re-enactors. There is also the Event Web Page, and pay special note to the Participants Section of that web site, as that will also be where I post specific information for re-enactors for ease of reference. I'm kind of excited, this is looking to be the best one yet, we have over a dozen that seem pretty committed to this event and it is still months out, and a ton more folks that seem very interested that time will tell if they make it or not. I would wager this will be the Santa Maria event where we beat the 40 pirate mark that I have been aiming for!

You can also be Mission in Auction! Mister high bidder!

Hey Dana/Mooseworth/Ivan (we gotta do something about your logon ID), The picture Mrs. (Ms.?) Ramsey posted above is a pretty good example of some of the styles... Now going from what folks did there last year (and getting away from a strict academic take on what to wear).... Last year there was a mix of earlier 17th century English Civil War (or just post ECW) doublet style coats (sleeved) and some early Justacorps (like the ochre coloured outfit I wore to PiP this year, and to Searle's last year). Because the 1660 seem to be the transitional decade from the shorter doublet style to the hardly flared justacorps, bit kind of work... It's a matter of what you prefer. The main thing is avoid the thrice cocked hats (tricorns). If you want a bend in your hat, keep it to one bend.

Being another customer of the Widow Black, and a huge fan of her coffee... I am also not a big fan of the burnt flavour of Starbucks... I think you would like her coffee. It was the only thing that kept me going at Paynetown this past summer, and I look forward to the next time I am at the same event as Ms. Black so I can enjoy more of her coffee. So there you have it, a first hand account! Rue- These are single origin Arabica beans, since Robusta beans weren't even classified as a species of coffee until late in the 18th century. The roast is a full city, not bitter but smooth with a mild spice profile of cinnamon & chocolate undertones. There is also a slight smoky scent due to the fire roasting which you simply can not get from commercial coffee. Perhaps the best review of the flavor is from one of my customers who said "The flavor is clean and genuine- very little acidity- rich nutty flavor. It makes Starbucks seem like it must be gooped up with fake flavoring." I frequently have people who aren't even coffee drinkers come back for 2nd & 3rd cups, it's just that good. This offer is going fast, so grab them while you can for holiday delivery! Chole

Happy belated man! Sorry I missed it yesterday! Until next we see each other!

Hey rats, check out the various threads in this subforum of the pub, it has all the goods from last year! Searle's Raid 2009 topics And for an ongoing discussion of attending this coming year's Searle's Raid.

Nah, I won't be using melton (nice pun though! ). I got some top notch fabric from the 96 District Storehouse when we were at the "Faire At New Boston" re-enactment trade fair in western Ohio back in September. I was suggesting it as an option for those who are considering this. As for the colour of the waistcoat... I've seen so many variations, I don't think you can say soldiers wore either one colour or another waistcoat. On the whole, I believe (Please note OPINION here) they were likely issued a blue waistcoat the first year, and where then asked to make the subsequent years waistcoat from last year's coat. Which means they could have recycled the outer fabric from the outer coat and had red waistcoats.... Or they may have recycled the blue and had blue waistcoats. I do have documentation for the making new waistcoats from last years outer coat, just not what part of the coat or what colour they used. As for pattern, I started with the RH pattern for the 1700s era Frock Coat... But I will be making my "Model 2" from a self drafted pattern. I will be reducing the flare of the skirting (to about 70 degrees instead of the 90 degrees the later frock coat pattern has), and perhaps shortening the arms by an inch or two. Am I making sense? As to fabrics, if you are considering this seriously, my best suggestion is to go with the Woolrich fabrics, the B. Blacks and Sons stuff is good enough, but the Woolrich stuff is closer on the colours and weight (I find the B. Blacks and Sons Melton too heavy, and their flannel a hair too light).

Ooops, chalk that up to my faulty memory... Should have waited until I got home and pulled out the book to verify before I posted that... Not that I could have, because it is packed away at the moment.

I have that image in a book of 17th century French images, and I think it is dated to either the 1630s or 1640s. But it is a cool image!

In case he doesn't pop on the pub, he's sometimes slow about these things, I can give him a call and report back. If he says no, I will be up there and can selflessly throw my body on the ground and block any other tents from going down til you arrive! Too much? Perhaps... maybe i'll just whine a lot...that works too. OK, talked to Sgt Johnson. He said Do it! We just need to get a tally of how many of us there will be and general tent footprints and he will take care of the rest. Well since we have the go-ahead... I guess this event should warrant it's own topic. So far it looks like the below people are interested.... Edit: And just so the information is handy, this event runs Friday March 5th and Saturday March 6th, although some hang out longer on the Sunday as well, and last year we were allowed to set up Thursday night (although that may not be the case this year). Diosa De Cancion (Goddess In The Bodice, which suddenly seems miraculously changes to Diosa De Cancion) Mickey Souris (michaelsbagley) {it looks like I may be flying this one solo) Callenish Gunner Salty Pots (and wee Hamish?) Dana/Ivan Henry (Mooseworth) Elizabeth Farnsworth (that is Kelly with a "K"!) Jack Roberts Brig and the other "wee one" Red Jessi (almost forgot her, oooops) Israel Cross Hopefuls (but not sure) Animal Patrick Hand Rats Thomas A. (a friend of mine from here in Columbus) Any others?

In my opinion, based on the various pieces of artwork I have seen... Folded topped boots were likely still around in the 1660s, heck they even continued to get cavalry use right up through the end of the century... but shoes were (in my opinion) definitely starting to become the majority by this time. Speaking more to the re-enactment rather than history (and Sgt Johnson could say more), but last year, there were a number of people in folded topped boots and I heard no complaints, so I think they are permitted there. As for a supplier of boot hose, because they are such a fitted item, they tend to be a custom thing. I think Janet Nickerson makes them, but I am not certain. I'll try and look up her contact information for you in the coming days. Otherwise, I think the GAoP accessory package from Reconstructing History has a pattern for them (or a pattern that could be easily adapted for them).

William, I greatly appreciate the consideration, but I think with the Ft. De Chartres event being in early June and the possible northern Ohio event being in late June, there shouldn't be too much overlap or conflict. As this will be a first year for the northern Ohio festival I don't expect too much out of it. Of the two (De Chartes or Ft. Osage), I would prefer to make a run of the De Chartres event... But I will go with whatever decision the consensus comes to. As a final thought, we already have two good events and a strong chance of a third in Ohio, and I don't want to be greedy... So let's all head to Missouri!

As a complete side-track.... If Sergeant Johnson approves, and those attending agree... I think there are enough Mercury Crew enthusiasts attending that we may be able to have a small Mercury Crew gathering at the Searle's Raid of St. Augustine this coming March. I know most we are all welcome there either way, it is just a case of whether we all go as individual guest members of the Searle's Crew or whether we set up ourselves at the event as Mercury.

I think April will be more ideal, as I have been to Missouri in June, and it is a tropical nightmare... I prefer cooler weather re-enacting than way too hot weather re-enacting.

I've been getting a number of questions about where to get fabric for this impression to create a sort of unified look for those who may end up working together on occasion. Rather than respond to a few private messages, I thought I would just post the information here for those interested to look up and refer back to at their discretion. For the red.... Personally I bought the fabric for my "Mark II" red coat at 96 District Storehouse, but 96 District is definitely one of those places it is better to shop at in person (whether you go to South Carolina or see them at an event), as most of their best stock is not at their web site and changes frequently. There is also the broadcloth available from Wm. Booth, Draper, I like the weight and colour of WWW103 best (but it is an 85%/15% wool/nylon blend), but the WWK103 is still a good colour and decent weight (plus 100% wool). Both of these can be gotten at the manufacturer (Woolrich's Woolen Mill) for cheaper, IF you buy a lot of 15 yards AND have a vendors permit. Look at the Civil War tab for the 85%/15% blend colours, and the Fiber Art tab for the slightly lighter weight but 100% wool colours. So far I have used any navy blue wool I can get my hands on... I am considering using the Navy Blue crepe from B. Blacks and Sons for the lining, and considering using the Navy Blue Melton (coating) from B. Blacks and Sons for the cuffs and waistcoat. A note about colours in general for this, in an earlier post in this thread, there is some pretty solid evidence to the fact that uniform colours weren't exactly.... well uniform. So as long as those interested in trying to create a more or less cohesive unit select a red that is close to madder or true red, and aim for navy blue for the cuffs and lining, I think it will look smashing! And please if anyone else has some good suggestions for sources for wool for this, please share them as well!

Dude, I saw you on your Birthday (or at least very close to it) and you didn't say anything?!?!?! Well, a very happy belated B-Day to you sir! And here's looking forward to next year!

Happy belated B-Day man! Sorry I missed it. Sounds like you got some great swag, and like we have similar plans for winter hibernation.

I'm in 43110... But where I live tends to have no relevance, as I am likely one of the most migratory re-enactors there is. But I'd love to help out, and would love the chance to help the Mercury Crew! What month is this likely to happen again? Just so I can try and schedule around it.

That would be me you big dumb lummox... Stupid M.A.d'Dogge

That's what I thought as well, the order of the Knights of the Hospitaller has been around since about the 11th or 12th century, and their symbol has always been the red cross. When did the red cross make the jump from the order of knights to the symbol of medics?

Wow, So many people to thank... Thanks to Callenish and Salty for being so great, bringing the stuff for the showers and helping coordinate our non-fort meals. Thanks to Fayma for being the most awesome event coordinator ever, and all those who worked closely with her to help, specially Sterling, Haunting Lily, and the Bone Island Buccaneers. Thanks to Diosa and the Pirates of The Coast for always being around for hugs and laughs. And for encouraging me to walk the plank even though I had no chance of defeating the "Grand Champion" (stupid M.A.d'Dogge). A huge thanks to Mark and Jennie, and my wife for putting up with me in the vehicle and my sometimes unpleasant travel temper. Thanks to all the Archangels for being such great sports, and having such a great camp to hang out in. Specially to Matty, Brian, Cross, and Rats for the great photos and laughs! Thanks to Poppa, and the other photographers from this year and last year for giving us some images to help remember all the fabulous times! I'm probably forgetting a lot here, but I gotta get back to work... Thanks to