michaelsbagley

I'll be there for almost the entire two weeks..... (minus the Monday to Wednesday of setup week). If you are going to be there, feel free to stop by and say "Hi" during the day, I'm in a more family oriented camp, so I'll be "out" most evenings and nights. I'm camped in the area closest and just under the Runestone on Ruestone hill.

Rather than send them all out, I have posted the images HERE on a temporary basis. I will take this page down in the not too distant future, but now you can both access the images as well as any one else who may have been interested and hasn't spoken up about it. I didn't save the decsription for the first one, but I did for the second one. Enjoy. If you have any questions or have any touble accessing the images let me know.

Yep, when I go back to Toronto to visit, I always make time to go fabric shopping as I can find a better selection there than I can in Ohio. And I just got back from JoAnns a few minutes ago and brought four hunks of linen home (the local JoAnns had linen on at %60 off). And like always I got chided by the other half about how I already have mountains of linen and wool I still haven't done anything with yet.

Did anybody happen to save the pictures from this auction? I want to see if my local smith can recreate the sword, but I acted too late to download the pictures. Hey Roy, As luck wouldd have it, I do beleive that I saved the images from the auction item. I currently have two sets of pictures, and I am not sure which one is that particular sword, but if you private message me with your email address I will send you both sets of images if you like.

Basically, the shape and profile of the knife was very similar to the one made by Patrick Hand which I will link an image to (hope you don't mind Patrick)... It was smallish (about a 4 to 5 inch blade), and very much had the air of an eating utensil to it (that might be because it was displayed with a fork and a spoon). The handle was a lot more ornate than Patrick's, I think it was made of ivory, or perhaps some other white opalescant material (mother of pearl?). Sorry I can't be more specific than that. Since I know that is an item that you are particulariuly interested in, I'll make sure I take more careful notice of it next time I go to see the exhibit.

It's a shame they do not have any pricing on their web site. They look like they have a fantastic selection of fabrics and colours, but no pricing or obvious online ordering mechanism kind of rules them out for me.

Did they offer a program/catalog with the exhibit? No, unfortunately not. Despite the fact that I really did enjoy and like the exhibit, the lack of a program, catalogue, or a full colour coffee table book depicting the artifacts not being available for sale in the museum shop after was an item of disapointmet for me. In fact, "Expedition Wydah" (which I beleive many of you already own) is the only book with any degree of images from the artifacts in the exhibit. And of course few (almost none), of the images in that book are in colour, and many of the images in that book are grainy. Midnight, the only leather goods in the exhibit (that I noticed) were the shot pouch (which you have already done a great job recreating) and the shoe.... Oh, there was a recreation of a leather waste bag (read waste as human waste or middens). And If memory serves me well, there was really only the one dinner knife. All in all, I think I am going to have to go see the exhibit a second time and take notes. I really (in retrospect) feel that I was rushed through the exhibit by the density of the crowd that day. I probably won't risk bringing a camera, but a sketch/note pad could help me better remember details.

Another thing you can do for a belt, is buy a very basic belt and sew additions to it to customize it. It saves you the frustration of starting with nothing, but is still a cheap and great way to get what you want. My girlfriend has always had the best luck using this approach and swears by it. I think she got her last "base" belt from somewhere like "Trader Joes" for something like $8.

The whole 1930's early1940's thing would be a ton of fun, I remember being asked what I wanted to be when I grow up, I responded with "I want to be an adventurer and archaeologist like Indiaina Jones" ... Although (sorry to bandy semantics), would it really be "re-enacting" since it is basically pulp fiction that you would be basing everything on? I think there are some pulp fiction Role Playing Games out there, I imagine it would'nt be hard to transpose one of those into a LARP (Live Action Roleplaying Game).

There are a lot of "special" programs associated with the exhibit this coming weekend (they were handing out flyers as we left).... Just about all of the events were geared towards children, but could still be fun for kids of all ages.

Well I got to see the exhibit.... I don't wish to post spoilers, as I know many will want to see it for themselves (and some/most/all) may not want it ruined. It was a really good exhibit though, I enjoyed it immensely. The one thing that made me laugh heartily while walking through the exhibit, was looking at the costumes, all that kept going through my head was..."Kass's, not Kass's, Kass's, Kass's, not Kass's....." (refering to the costumes on the manikins). One thing I will say, is leave your camera at home folks. Like many museum exhibits, they do not allow photography (even without flashes), and they monitor pretty closely.

I was going to go tomorrow (openning day), but my other half got roped into working, and expressed some consternation at my suggestion of me going alone, so I'll be going on Sunday instead. I'm really quite stoked about it, and exceptionally happy I am one of the few on this board that live close to where the exhibit is! I had also considered volunteering to help out at the musuem during the exhibit, but when I took a realistic look at my schedule of free time, I realised I wouldn't be doing either myself or the museum any favours by pursuing that.

If that is an offer for an introduction to black powder, I'll be coming to you for sure.... Even if I get some teaching before then, I like to learn things a few times from different people to get the best in depth knowledge I can. I'll also look for the magazine article. Thanks for mentioning it!

That's about right.... I read somewhere recently that 17% shrinkage is about what should be expected onn mst fabrics... Some will shrink more, some less... but the 17% is kind of an average.... I'm sorry you tent shrank so much. I hope the diminsished dimensions don't cramp your style too much.

I rather agree with Capt. Sterling on most of his sentiments. Although I am a little wary of anything entitled "Officer" even if it is "Safety Officer". It may be the cynic in me, or perhaps too many bad run-ins with people taking the "officer" part of their role too far, even to the point of ignoring what they are actually supposed to be an officer of. But I think this can be handled well by using a more "friendly" term as "Safety Delegate" or what-not, and a mild reminder to those who will serve as "Safety delegates" (or whatever they end up being called) that they are there only to ensure people aren't being "dumb-arses" and causing potential risks to others or themselves. But I fully give a solid "here here" to Sterling's other suggestions on safety guidlines and safety meetings/musters. One item of most interest to me, is black powder training. I've not had much (hardly any) experience with black powder weapons, will there be anyone (and the time) available to get a newbie like me taught enough to be safe enough to particpate in the tacticals? I am aiming to buy my first musket later this summer or some time in the autumn, but I will not likely have much time or opportunity to get used to using it, let alone getting used to iusing it in a tactical simulation. Another item near and dear to my heart, is hand to hand combat conventions. The plain and simple fact of the matter is there are many different conventions used in hand to hand combat for re-enactment battle simulations. While I am reasonably familiar with most of the more commonly used conventions, I am most strong in a few. I really don't want to be fighting one way against an opponent using one set of conventions, while my opponent uses another, and I am fairly confident that sentiment would be mutual in almost all cases. Would it behoove us to discuss this in advance? Is the plan to use fencing style weapons for safety and ease of use? Or use blunted versions of the authentic(ish) weapons and pull and fake blows? What simulated weapons can/will be safely used? Sorry to be such a wind-bag, but I thought I would throw some questions out there to hopefully get some dialogue going or some answers if someone exists who has made these decisions already.

It's not so much of them taking "pre-orders" for the 17th century shoes until a big enough order exists, as it is a case of when they feel there will be enough interest to warrant them making the investment to make an order (which needs to be sizable) of the 17th century shoes. Or in other words, they aren't looking to fill an order, but looking to make a decision to carry a product line on their belief they can sell said product line. As I would like a shoe sooner rather than later, I am going with something "in stock". If the 17th century shoe does eventually become a stock item for them (they feel they have gotten enough interest to warrant their investing n the inventory), I may and likely will buy a pair of the 17th century shoes as well. I hope this has ade the situation more clear.

Yep, the exceptionally friendly and helpful gentleman tried to tell me what sizes they had in stock for the Hessian Shoe, but was unable to as the shoes had been packed up for an event they were heading out for. He asked that I get back to him next Monday if i was still interested. So for those thinking of contacting Godwin/Mount Misery to express interest in their footwear, email and patience may be the best route for now, as I imagine they will be on the road for events most of the summer, being the busy re-enactment seaon and all. I'm thinking between Sterling's recomendation on the style, and just how overall pleased I have been by the amount of candour the gent used when speaking to me, I will probably be buying myself the Hessian shoes come Monday (assuming they have my size). And if not those, they have tons of their F&IW/American Rev-War shoes in stock as a subsitiute to last me until I can get me some really good period shoes.

Okay.... I called Mount Misery/Godwin again today... And this time got a real live person. He was incredibly helpful, forthcoming, direct and honest about the shoes, and their supply thereof. As for the 17th centruy shoe. The manufacturer is mandating a limited quantity, and the demand that Mount Misery/Godwin has received, has not yet fulfilled the mandatory quantity needed for them to order. Bottom line is, if you are seriously interested in these shoes, send them an email, or give them a call. Let them know that if the vendor spends the money ordeing these shoes, they will not be shooting themselves in the foot business wise, and they will sell the shoes to make their return. The 1727 Civilian Shoe is in the same boat as the above 17th century shoe. The Hessian Shoe, they currentlt have a limited availability (a few sizes), and when those sell out, this style will liekly go into the category of the 17th century shoe as well. The gentleman I spoke to (I'm sorry I didn't catch his name) also said that " Syke's Sutler" may be a good source for 17th century shoes, but I cheked the Syke's web site, and saw nothing. I did also place a call to Syke's and left a message just in case. I'll post again if I receive good news from Syke's (meaning if you hear nothing further, assume Syke's are not carrying the shoes, or just never called me back). Hope this has been helpful.

Another great book for swords as recomended by may on this forum and others for late period swords is... Swords and Blades of the American Revolution Don't let the name of the book fool you (as it almost did me), the book covers swords from most western civilization from the late 17th century up until the early 19th century. It is littered with pics of period swords, including MANY that are correct for the GAoP that are not Clamshell Hangers.

I called Godwin on Saturday in my attempt to find out about the 17th century shoes listed on their web site... I got a call back today stating that those shoes would not be available at least for another month or two (although there was a distinct lack of certainty in this statement) but they would get back in touch with me once any updated information became available. I don't know if this pertained only to the shoes I was enquiring about, or all of their shoes.

I agree, I seem to recall a similar post regarding that.... And I would completely believe that with regards to ships, but as Longboats are not ships, and basically a simple service vehicle, I would wager (and this is me talking out of my backside and not from real knowledge) that longboats would not have changed much, if at all. So I guess the first step would be to find out if " the late 17th century/early 18th century lines were quite different" statement is an absolute truism, or a generalization regarding ships and larger vessels only. While not a conclusive method, one could go through the various period images of Longboats from the two different times, and see if there is any real difference visually. It could help determine if the difference in lines was a truism or if longboats changed much or not. I admire your determination to find the perfect longboat, but I truly honestly believe you may have to settle for the closest thing available. I hope I am wrong and your researches can prove otherwise though!

Coastie posted a small image above in his post.... But here is the link to the full sized image. It is plate 48, that I believe you would be most interested in. Chapman's Ship Designs While these ship designs are dated to the 1760s (or thereabouts), it is unlikely that ship designs would have changed much for Longboats. And honestly, if you show up with a longboat to an event that is 30 or 40 years later dated, I seriously doubt anyone would even comment on it. That and as no period longboats have been found to make plans from, and no period plans are available, this is the closest you will likely find. The plans are detailed, but lack the lofting charts. From what I have read on the subject, seriously experienced boat designers can make lofting charts for these types of plans.... But that will require the hiring of such a person... Which I would wager a guess that would be a pretty pricey endeavor. Apparently, there is lofting software out there, but I have read mixed reviews about these things, and they are not exactly cheap either. Regardless of which route you take, best of luck to you guys! It's a worthy venture!

You certainly can do that.... Some people swear by that method... Others who are more lazy (like me) buy waxed linen thread.... There are dozens (hundreds?) of suppliers, most re-enactment oriented vendors sell the stuff.... Mind if i ask what you would like it for? It definately works well for making certain items, but it can be a nuisance for making other types of things... It is a pretty job specific item.

The above posted stats seem very much in contrast with the feeling of cultural ratios that seemed to exist in the Buccaneer era (a feeling derived from my currently reading the Esquemeling book). The stats also seem in strong contrast to the actual populations of peoples (citizens) of the Carribean of the time. Now I know 30 to 60 years can make a sizable difference, but that much of a difference? Did the English (British) really hold that much of a superiority of the seas during that era in the Carribean? I don't want to question the research of such a reknowned expert on the subject, but the numbers seem a bit more than just skewed to me, they seem down right improbable. Are the stats even Cordingly's work, or is Cordingly citing an English (British) census of the English (British) colonies in the Carribean (which the other nationalities would not factor much into at all, and make these stats more logical).... Sorry but the above cited stats are firing off a lot of red flags in my mind, and rasing more questions than answers. My copy of Cordingly's book is at home and my curiosity is getting the better of me if there is anyone out there that has a copy on hand or knnows off by heart....

Alginic acid (also sometimes calle alginate, either way its a seaweed derivitivr) also works as a flame retardant and water proofing agent. Many non-latex special effects makeup molding compounds are made from 100% alginate.... Unfortunately, self treating with an alginate or boric acid will not work for RumbaRue's needs, or anyone else who needs their tent/tarp/canvas treated for insurance purposes... That's a frustrating predicament, I really hope you find a business that can treat and certify your canvas for you RumbaRue