Hawkyns

As someone who has fed the fish more than once (including 30 feet down while diving), I'd like to know has anyone tried the scopalamine patch? Does it work? Hawkyns

Well, I'll agree with you, Omega, that it is just as easy to do it right as it is to do it crazy. Easier, in most ways. I guess the things that tweak me are those that are obviously wrong- everything covered in skull and bones, f'r'instance. You'd see variations on the colours, sure, but on sword hilts, belts, pouches, etc.? That is not needed to identify as a pirate. The cutlass, headrag, tricorn, and open knee breeches are generally enough for that. Doing a more authentic impression is generally cheaper than paying the insane prices that the stores want for all that skull and crossbones merchandise. Me, I'd rather put my money into reliable, working weapons. One point where this doesn't work so well, though, is when you get into the early stuff. My primary impression, as one of Drake's gunners, doesn't particularly indentify me as a seaman, unless you have a little knowledge. The thrum cap is the most identifiable, but most just ask me about the bowl of spaghetti on my head. Other than that, jerkin, breeches, and shirt aren't that different from anyone else of the period. The cutlass may be the most identifiable for the great masses. I suppose the accent doesn't help, either. I don't do the 'Aarrggh, Matey' bastardised West Country accent so beloved of pirates the world over. I use a Yorkshire accent and an earlier syntax and pronunciation. But, as you say, it's a big ocean. Many people do expect the hollywood/fantasy impression. There are plenty of pirates out there to satisfy them. Me, I'll dress in linen, wool, and leather, carry a useable cutlass and working firearm, sing my period songs, and enjoy connecting with the real people whose heritage we celebrate. Hawkyns

Probably the best book on the subject is 'The Knife in Homespun America" by Madison Grant. OOP currently, but Alibris has copies http://www.alibris.com/search/search.cfm?q...tches=4&qsort=r For the blades themselves, check gun and knife shows, trade blankets at renezvous, and some of the online weapons auctions sites. If you were looking for useable modern copies, check the Historical Trekking website and go to their links page. http://www.historicaltrekking.com/links.shtml Plenty of knife cutlers, as well as lots of other suppliers. Prices are all over the place, depending on the name of the cutler, his rep, and his ego. At Ft. Fred, I picked up a drop-dead gorgeous French butcher knife, forged from an old file with curly maple scales. Cost me $105. Great all round knife, heavy enough for light chopping and shorp enough to cut food for dinner. Extremely common for the 1740's. Could have bought an original, but I'd rather have something I can use and you just never know if the old stell is going to snap. Hawkyns

Wot kind o'campin' be ya doin' and wi who? Townsend makes an excellent convertible wedge wi' 2 piece poles that'll fit in any passenger seat or trunk. If yer in dodgy weather or need priavacy, that be a good choice. If'n it's just you, then take a look at Panther's trail tarp. Not really a tent, but a pair of oars crossed just below the grips and 20 feet of 1/4 inch line turns it into a real sailorly lookin' shelter. Packs real small, too. Hawkyns

Most BP hunters I know consider 40-50yds the ideal range for a good shot. At that range I don't think there is a significant diff. between rifled and smoothie. Lot's of people just think of flintlocks and think of Daniel Boone and Old Betsy or Hawkeye and Deerslayer. So they want the Pensylvania or Kentucky rifles because of the 'mystique' that surrounds them. At longer ranges, it makes a difference, but at the common range, it's a matter of personal choice. At 50yds, I can group my .62 cal matchlock smoothie all in a 5inch group. My Tulle is even better. My preference for smoothies is based on the fact that I can use it for solid ball for large animal or shot for varmint and bird. That seems to have been the rationale in the 18th c, as well. Heavily buttressed by the fact that muskets and trade guns were far more available and alot cheaper than rifles. Hawkyns

OK, we're straying a bit from Pyracy, but I'm always up for a good military history debate. First, here's a contemporary account from the French side http://www.deremilitari.org/RESOURCES/SOUR...S/agincourt.htm Here's the math http://www.stortford-archers.org.uk/medieval.htm Here's a modern perspective on the battle http://www.primitivearcher.com/articles/en...isharchery.html and a report on some experiments http://www.longbow42.giointernet.co.uk/page6.htm One of the things I think people tend to forget is that period armour was not the same as modern repro fighting armour. The original stuff was wrought iron, and was not of uniform thickness. Sure, the helms and breastplates were probably thick enough to deflect a bodkin point, but the arms, tassets and legs were not. And I don't know about you but a clothyard shaft transfixing my thigh will sure as hell make me lose interest in the fight! Ultimately, while the arrows may not have killed everyone outright, they certainly disabled them until the infantry could wade in and finish the job. Yes, you are correct that not all would have top of the line plate armour, but looking at the butcher's bill on the French side, it is fairly obvious that many of the nobility had the resources to provide the best available. The fact that they are on that bill says that it didn't particularly help them. Hawkyns (who has also fought his share of Pennsics in hard suits)

I was on the Agincourt battlefield a couple of years ago. It's a beet field, and very obviously cultivated for a long time. Amazing that they could find anything at all, even more that they could identify a small piece of metal that exactly. Crappy museum, too. for such an important battle, it is not much more than a converted village hall. O' course, the French did lose, so I suppose they're not so eager to show it off This show seems to go in with an agenda and then twist the facts to fit it. That, and an attempt to bust what it considers myths. That English longbowmen could penetrate plate armour at considerable distance is not in doubt. It has been re-created many times, as well as there being a fair amount of extant armour showing the piercings. One more example of not trusting what you see on TV as documentation. Hawkyns

No, I'm not with Harmon's Company, but I do have friends in the unit and our paths cross often enough up at #4. I'll miss the snowshoe muster in February because of a conflict with the winter frolic in CT. One of their secondary impressions, Church's Company, and a few of us are getting together to do a King Phiilip's War muster nest spring. We're seeing an upsurge in 17th C re-enactors in New England. Don't know anyone who carries a blunderbuss for trekking. the big question is between smoothbore muskets and trade guns and rifles. LotM notwithstanding, rifles are uncommon in New England prior to the revolution. Everyone I know carries a long weapon, something they can use for hunting. Blunderbusses just don't have the range for hunting, especially in the 14-16" barrel lengths that most of us prefer. Hawkyns

A bit more on the Bess. The lock is heavy and the spring is stiff. Damn near indestructable but HEAVY. I had one for a few years and eventually sold it, something I now regret. For target, hunting, or re-enactment they are hard to beat. That .75 cal gives some heavy knockdown power with ball and plenty of bark with a blank load. Kicks like a mule, though, with ball loads. Overall, it's a great weapon. Get one of the Italian Pedersolis though. For a few years there was a Japanese version being marketed. Spares are few and far between, it is more prone to problems, and just wasn't as well made. I, like many people who do 18th century trekking (think period backpacking), now carry a Tulle fusil. Strictly a weight consideration, for most. the Tulle is lighter and the .60 cal ball makes for a lighter hunting bag, major considerations when you are doing 10-15 miles a day in moccasins. Hawkyns

The Bess, or, to give the correct name, The King's Arm, was exceedingly popular. They were issued to the Royal Marines and there were specific models for sea service. Lovely weapon, .75 cal smoothbore, takes shot or ball. Very popular for hunting among the F&I and Rev War folks. If accuracy is important, though, be sure you get the right model for your time. First patterns are heavier, longer, and mostly have a wooden ramrod. They date from around 1720 up to the 1760's. Second pattern is lighter, shorter and has a steel rammer. Unless you know your patterns, the most obvious difference is the lockplate. Issued weapons have a date on the lockplate. The most common repro has 'Grice 1762' across the tail of the plate. Early patterns continued to be in use to the end of the century, but claiming to be 'Golden Age' with a 1762 musket might raise the odd eyebrow. Hawkyns

As I said, depends on the venue. For your venue, it sounds like you made the correct choice. A fair like that is not somethng I would do. (besides, I don't DO children. the best solution to children is a good curry sauce :) ) I have some theatre background but it was more on the tech side. My training in this area is from volounteer training at places like Plimoth Plantation and Salem's 1630 Pioneer Village. Total immersion stuff. Living History timelines are my favourite, followed by other living history events and battles. Much easier to completely get out of the 21st century and into a period mindset. Which, after all, is why I do this.

Seems we did this a bit back, but me brains mush this mornin', so Ah'll be dammed if Ah can remember where it be. Anyway, here goes for the three periods Ah do Elizabethan 1595 Matchlock musket, fishtail butt, searbar, .62cal Wheellock dragon, .50cal German wheellock pistol, .45cal Mid 17th C Dutch matchlock musket, paddle butt, trigger, .62cal Littlecote cavalry carbine, .75cal French doglock pistol, .62cal 1740's French Tulle type 'D' musket, .60 cal English brass barreled blunderbuss, .75 cal Sea service pistol, 9" barrel, .69cal. Sources are all over the place. Sykes Sutlering has had a fair number of guineas from me over the years. Loyalist Arms out of Nova Scotia is turning out some excellent pieces at very reasonable prices. There used to be a company in CA, J.S. Schroter Antique Arms, where the wheelock pistol and fishtail musket came from, but I don't know if they are still in business. Track of the Wolf gets some excellent pieces, but they are priced accordingly. I'd also recommend going to 18th century trade fairs- Kalamazoo, MI in March and Fort Frederic, MD in April are the 2 I go to, there is probably one near you. Great for weapons, many one-offs from private gunsmiths and for clothing, steel, camp goods, and the little ditty bag and pocket items. Hawkyns

Oh ain't that the truth!!!!!! Just before I gave up on ACW (8th Texas Cav, Co. E, Terry's Texas Rangers), I saw one poor bugger get shot in the leg at close range with a Wonder Wad from a pistol. (heavy felt wad meant for live shooting, for those not in the know) . Penetrated his uniform pants and a piece into his leg! Junior officers with pistols are just as dangerous in re-enactment as they are in the real world. Didn't know about the Rev War progressive list. Just joined the F&I progressive list, after talking with Donelyn from Smoke and Fire. I'm working on a German wheellock right now, and after that I think a matchlock petronel is on the list. Both are after the new gun carriages, though. Hawkyns

Good Idea, Deacon. I applauds ye for it. And Swanny be a good man and a smart feller wi' a musket. Not to push things too far, but The National Muzzleloading Rifle Association be a good group to be a member of, if'n ye do much w' black powder. And for those who think we be talkin' too much safety, check this link http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/West/12/20/cann...h.ap/index.html Hawkyns

Not at all, this is exactly the sort of thing I wanted to discuss when I started the topic. For me, it depends on the venue and the audience. I have a real problem with 'street theater'. I rarely do ren faires or similar venues for that reason. Far easier for me to stay in character and discuss the reality of the life. Now, that said, I am the master gunner and handle weapons duties. So it's easy to talk about the weapons in a realistic manner and stay in first person for it. I also maintain a period camp so that is a talking point, too. ******HERESY WARNING********* We're all here because of a love of piracy. I like it because it's a life where you make your own way, settle problems with your right arm and cold steel, and are not constrained by stupid beaurocracy and pointless rules. That said, the glamour is something added by time and distance, not much of the truth. I prefer the reality of it, and do all I can to get closer to that, discomfort and all. The 'jolly pirate' seems at odds to me with the descriptions of Exquemellin and Defoe. Hard men and women all, I try to portray that. That does not play well with the kids, to be sure. On the other hand, the real history buffs stand and talk for hours of weapons, life, and sea battles. You can't please them all, so someone will always be upset. I guess I'd rather upset a few people than give a false impression or pass misleading information. You have to pick your audience. Many (most?) here play to the crowd, the kids, the people who want merely to be entertained. That's fine. My audience is those who want to know more, who want to know what's beneath the surface. It's a much smaller audience, but it's much more gratifying to me. Hawkyns

Wonderful site. Didn't get to see the weapons collection in May, just got to the Elizabeth exhibit due to limited time. Interesting that just about everything they list as a cutlass is 19th C. That could explain the diference in terminology. BTW, if anyone is looking to get me a solstice present try this http://www.nmm.ac.uk/collections/Collectio....cfm?ID=WPN1430 That is one serious piece of drool steel. Hawkyns

Try this- got to http://www.fabrics-store.com/first.php and type linen in the search window. Will give you lots of types, weights, and options. Mostly, if I need a specific colour, I buy neutral fabric and dye it myself. For the weight you want though, you may want to try hemp canvas. Wears like iron, has the weight and fall you need, and is probably more period for sailor's garments. Try this http://www.hempsupply.com/fabric/3017.asp Hawkyns

Just bought one of these me'sen. Got it in a dark brown canvas. When it arrived, I took a couple o' cans of the wax for drover's coats and soaked the whole coat, then ironed it in. Made the coat a might stiff, but now it's ready for a foul day on the Providence or an evil night in camp. Hawkyns

Lady Elaina I'm hoping to be at Drake's Raid. If I do go, I shall definitely be with the combatants and camped at the Fountain of Youth park. Nice thing about southern events is I don't need to take a tent. Small square of silcloth packs much better for airline travel. Cascabel Great to meet you at PiP. Sorry we couldn't stay longer. Not sure if we'll go next year, may go to Fantasy Fest instead. Hawkyns

Crimpers, they were known as, mostly preceeded by a string of invective. Both the navy and the army used them, although officially it was not permitted. They bought convicts from local parishes, debtors prisons, and tricked unsuspecting people into signing enlistment papers without regiments or ships designated. They would then be sold, frequently to regiments or ships that had such bad reps that they could not get recruits any other way. Lots of shady deals and unscrupulous practices were used to get the quotas made up. Not sure which is worse, bein' hit over the head with a belayin' pin and wakin' up board ship, or being conned into it and not bein' able to do anythin'. Either way, there was damn little choice involved. Y'know, there is just so little about the Georgian military that is appealing.......... Hawkyns

Best period oil/preservative I've found is bear oil. A close second is a paste made from lamb or deer fat mixed with beeswax. Both are documentably period. For scouring rust off, take a piece of thin (3-4 oz) leather, oil one side of it, then put powdered brick dust on the oil. Works real well. Bear oil is tough to find, but is generally available at rendezvous or trade fairs. I'm hoping that after the hunt in New Jersey, it will be more available in the East. Hawkyns

Generally composed of a bunch of large sailors with attitude and the bosun, under the command of a junior officer- senior middie or a leftenant. Hawkyns

Talked to an old associate and got directed to the following web site http://home.cfl.rr.com/rupertsdrakes/index.html It has the rules, standards, and warning orders for Searle's Raid, and a date for Drake's Raid. Hawkyns

Ahoy Sam What is Searle's raid? That be a new one t' me. Have ye heard aught of Drake's Raid? Not from that area, but been there a few times. I know a number of folks in that area, though- Rich Lanni, Brad Spear (he moved, I know) and some of the Men of Menedez. Hawkyns

OK, fresh from a foray through the library, as promised. It's a bit long and doesn't prove or disprove all statements, but it may give enough further information for people to make a choice. Neumann doesn't mention sharpening at all, either in 'Swords and Blades of the American Revolution' or in 'Battle Weapons of the American Revolution'. He does give some interesting info, though. Swords were general issue to the British Army until 1768 when a Royal Warrant removed them from all but serjeants, grenadiers and highlanders. France did the same in 1764. While weapons were controlled by Royal Warrant, they were not issued by the army, but purchased by regimental commanders. Most blades were purchased from Germany and hilted and scabbarded locally. England got a homegrown sword cutler industry in Birmingham in the 1730's. France did the same with Kliganthal in the 1720's. Swords carried by militia were either private purchase or family heirlooms. Goldstein, in 'Socket Bayonets in the British Army, 1687-1783' refers to a couple of sword cutlers, but again states that blades were purchased unfurnished and finished by local craftsmen. The Royal Warrant of 1768 and the Warrant of 1742 both refer to swords, but neither one says a word about sharpening or lack thereof. The most information I have found was in'18th Century Weapons of the Royal Welsh Fuziliers from Flixton Hall', also by Erik Goldstein. It details a weapons cache from the period just prior to the 68 Warrant. The swords are of general infantry pattern. Goldstein states "Many specimens have heavily nicked blades.........Others show the old sharpening and repointing mentioned by Neal in 1953". Also of interest are the scabbards. They are of leather over thin wood. Some have hooks, most have brass tips, but none have metal throats. Finally, I ran across a few mentions of naval cutlasses. There is no corresponding Royal Warrant. Ships were armed with cutlasses at the pleasure of the captain, or in civilian ships, the owner. These would be subject to all the same caveats as infantry swords. So it would seem that cutlasses were likely to have edges well into the 18th century. Hawkyns