dasNdanger

Yeah...the knife is usually worn at the small of the back, and the marlin spike or small fid would possibly be in the same sheath. The links Tales/7Seas gives mentions something about the pipes, I believe...pirates would smoke pipes when they went ashore...but not on the ship because of the fire thing...so they chewed tobacco instead. I like how you carry yours... Question: Would the pipe be kept in some kind of box when stored in chest or bag to prevent breakage?? Thanks for the info on 'skoggers'...I feel very enlightened! Love to learn new things!! Lastly...what did they do before matches were invented?? Can't see a pirate rubbing sticks together to light a pipe!! And using the flash of a gun doesn't seem practical if ya wanna keep yer 'stache ....so what WAS used?? The slowmatch you've mentioned before...or something else? I mean, carrying a hot tin in yer drawers doesn't sound very practical...not unless yer tryin' to cure something... Or didn't it much matter since most places had a fire or candle lit SOMEWHERE...so it was just a matter of 'borrowing' a light from someone/thing else...??? das --- apologizing in advance for the stupid questions...

Cap'n...this is what I found in the Time-Life The Seafarers series...in the book The Pirates "The quartermaster was the strong man of the ship. He was the ship's magistrate and empowered to punish minor offenses like quarreling or not looking after weapons properly...He was the only man on a pirate ship who was allowed to administer flogging...The quartermaster was also the first man to board a prize, and he was responsible for the selection and division of the plunder, and in ccharge of the ship's boat on any particularly difficult or dangerous enterprise." I know it's not much...the book deals with specific events more than with details of everyday life...although it does have some good information in it - IF it's accurate. It says that many pirates took their loot and settled down, and others frittered it away....but it doesn't give details as how/when the loot was divided up. But it does say that coin was more important than jewels because it could be divided evenly, and that some pirates only got goods because the ships they plundered had no gold on them...like fishing vessels and shore traders. This is a book probably available in most libraries...might be worth it to take a peek without costing you anything... das

Um...hehehe...erm....it seems...ah...that I'm...hehe...someone called CANNIBAL DRAKE IRONMAN Which might pose a WEE bit of a problem since I am, in fact, a woman.... At the second site I came up with this: Captain Grace Flint Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr! No comment there... das

That ...that...that... REALLY stinks. I had heard a 'rumour' she went down from someone that lives in Halifax....but that was the day after the storm, and she wasn't 100% sure...and I never heard anything more. Really sad...but thanks for filling us in... das

The books I have deal primarily with the Napoleonic-era British Navy...with some late 18th century info as well. I'll keep searching, though. I could kick myself! When I was up at the ren faire, they had a whole heap of pirate books...but I was too busy 'playing' to take the time to look at them... One thing I will recommend though (DON'T LAUGH OR roll yer eyes) is looking into children's books. I know there's one on pirates, it's Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Guides...Eyewitness: Pirate. It's simple, but these DK books - like the Cross-section Man-of-war (which I have) - give lots of little, brief details...sometimes they're good quick ref books... Yeah - I am familiar with the 'artistic license' many took when producing pictures of the infamous...much like some of the ones of Native Americans. So I don't know how accurate they are... Be careful for what you ask for.... das

There is an article SOMEWHERE on the net that talks about fleas...and shaving. Said that shaving legs and underarms became fashionable in an effort to keep the bugs away...but only women took to the habit 'cause guys thought it was 'manly' to have fleas!! Don't know how true it is...but it sounds about right to me!! I knew about the earring/burial thing...but not about the myths...thanks for the information!!!! :) OH!! And thanks for the links!! :):) das

Whoopsie!! forgot the MOST important part of a pirate's kit: The handy-dandy pocket flask.... das *hic*

Yeah, yeah, yeah. When I say 'gloves' I don't mean long silky black ones with little pearl buttons... I was thinking more what men NOT working lines might wear - like the carpenter or cooper...wonderin' if any might have something along the lines of fingerless knitted thingys...ya know the kind - they keep your palms warm AND you can still pick yer nose... das

like capnwilliam says....Since pirates were sailors first and foremost...you can pretty much assume they would carry on their person those items normally carried by any able-bodied seaman: a working knife and marlin spike...and a belt to hang them from. {Oh, and fleas and bloomer crickets are a given... } It wouldn't be very practical {or safe} to work with a pistol, cutlass, or anything else strapped or wrapped about the body. A scarf/bandana would probably be worn, though...a sun off the head, sweat outta the eyes kinda thing. I figure if you watch any seafaring movie - Hornblower, Master and Commander, Bounty movies...just look at what the seamen are carrying on their person, that's what a pirate would have also - minimal accessories WHILE working. Pipe, tobacco, snuff...perhaps a watch...stuff like that might me carried on them...just to keep it safe from sticky fingers.... They would be wearing their earring...and maybe something about the neck...but nothing too loose 'cause if it got caught in the rigging, that would be a sure way to hang yerself. Gloves. This can be debated. If it's cold, you'd think they'd be wearing gloves...but on the schooner I volunteer on, they don't allow gloves 'cause again, they can get caught in a line and pull you overboard, glove and all.... So I don't know what sort of hand protection a pirate might wear while working... If he's mending sails he'd have a palm, seam creaser, grease horn filled with fat, and needles...if he's splicing or repairing lines he'd have a serving mallet, fid and marlin spike...it all would depend on what his duties aboard the ship were. But the basic items ANY sailor/pirate would carry are just the working knife and spike. Now - any man who is NOT working...the 'officers', as it were {using that term loosly}, they may be carrying pistol or cutlass in order to assure discipline aboard the ship. His personal effects, kept below, would certainly include his shaving kit, watch and tobaccy {if he's not carrying it}, comb, housewife....perhaps a mirror, deck of cards, carving tools, homemade dice or other leisure items...and most likely, a Bible. Seems pirates were often god-fearing men. A personal mug, bowl and eating utensil{s} might also be included. Ashore: Well...my sister, who often goes down for Pirate's Week in Grand Caymen, told me something she learned down there. When ashore, pirates often wore 'jinglers' ...chains of coins, worn to display their wealth. I've tried to find info on this - whether men and women alike wore them...what they looked like...where they were worn...but I haven't been able to. Wonder if anyone here knows... I figure when going ashore they probably dandied themselves up, though - wore the best they had and all that. Don't know if weapons could always be publically displayed...perhaps someone could fill me in on that one, too. If they could, then perhaps the pistols, along with a pouch for powder and shot, perhaps a small bottle of oil...and a cutlass...and probably that working knife and spike. Watch, spending money, smoking kit...and hopefully, breath mints!! But I doubt they actually wore things like we do at ren faires and all: Mug, shackles, food bowl, compass, etc... But that stuff is just so much fun!!! :) Sorry - got long-winded there... Most of my reference books deal with the British Navy or tall ships in general...haven't yet found the 'perfect' pirate book...I AM looking for one that gives THESE kinds of details, as opposed to one that is just about the piratical adventures of plundering and looting. I too want to learn more about their basic, everyday life... Side Note: Looking through the one pirate book I do have, most of the EARLY artwork shows pirates carrying the following: Cutlass, SEVERAL pistols - small ones...and that's about it other than a small, square/rectangular purse worn right in the front, and a few are shown with gold {?} chains around their necks. These are 'captains' only...dressed in boots/buckle shoes and heavy coats....but no idea what might be in their pockets. All the other pirates are depicted as wearing just the clothes on their backs {trousers, shirt, sometimes vest, scarf around the head or neck...and sometimes around the waist}...and nothing else...not EVEN a working knife... So that blows that theory out of the water.... das

Got a question...and since I'm new here, I don't know if this has been touched on before...so forgive me if it has... Is anyone familiar with the REAL Black Pearl?? She's a brigantine that sails out of Connecticut... {although I'm not sure what she's doing now as her web site is not accessible at present...} Anyway - the Pearl was owned by Barclay H. Warburton III, founder of ASTA, the American Sail Training Association. Here's a brief quote from the ASTA site: http://tallships.sailtraining.org/ "The American Sail Training Association (ASTA) was founded in 1973 by the late Barclay Warburton, owner of the brigantine Black Pearl, as an affiliate of the Sail Training Association -- now the International Sail Training Association (ISTA) -- to coordinate and conduct sail training activities in American waters. Initially ASTA worked to coordinate races and gatherings of sail training ships around the United Sates." My question is this: Does anyone know whether or not the makers of POTC knew of the real Pearl and her connection to ASTA, and whether they used her name on purpose...perhaps as a tribute to sailing ships in general?? das

I LOVE 'EM ALL!! Well...I DO have one, or two...or five...favorites...depending on my mood. Since I'm not TOO sure about the tracks {'cause my CD is in the trunk...with a remote that is USUALLY under my seat somewhere... }...I'll go by 'scenes'.... #3: Jack and Will in the smithy {tracks 3 & 4??) #2: 'The chase' - when the Pearl is pursuing the Interceptor {tracks...eek...6, 7, and/or 8...and maybe 9??} ACK!! I'll pay attention better next time.... #1: Jack and Barbossa in the cave {tracks 11, 12} But specifically the END of track 12...the triumphant music that leads into the blow-up-the-pirates-slit-palm-toss-coin-shoot-Barbossa-drop-coin-break-the-curse bit. However - I also like the invading pirates music...especially in rush hour traffic...and I do love 14 and 15 - Ya know - I just love the whole thing!!! Aren't ya glad you asked.... das

Wow...been dippin' into the rum again, m'lady?? You're MUCH different here than at that *other* place... As far as MY piratical dreams...well...I'm a fool to put 'em in print, as they be involvin' the snatchin' of a certain bohemian-type lad who be livin' in Europe these days, and sailin' off to a secluded cove where I'd spend me days and nights drinkin' pilfered wine and eatin' decadent chocolate while listenin' to the sweet music comin' from his guitar... Okay - so I'm a lazy, romantic type pirate.... das

Sorry 'bout that, mate. I think I should have given you the home page: http://kimera.shadow-dancing.net/ Near the bottom you'll see a POTC link...there's about 20 pages of screen caps - in order as they appeared in the movie...I think the scene aboard the Interceptor is on page 8 or 9...or maybe 7...or 10... But the more I think about it - the more I think it's Will's sword that Jack has in that shot since Will first threatened Jack with his sword before Jack put the helm over and the boom swept Will off of his feet...yeah, it's gotta be Will's sword... I'm thinking that most of what's in the press kit will be on the DVD or something. Now I'm really curious about the swords...so I'll take a closer look at some of the behind-the-scenes shots of the sword play... ...oh, WHAT drudgery... das

That's interesting... I have an electronic press kit, and according to the property master, Charles M. Stewart, they bought Jack's sword in London, and it's dates back to 1750. The blade is rather worn, as you can see in that scene where Jack asks Will whether he can sail under the command of a pirate or not. http://kimera.shadow-dancing.net/ ...or is that Will's sword....Dang, I'm confusin' meself... My question is this: Was there more than one sword/cutlass that Jack used?? I have to admit that I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to whether or not Jack had the same sword thoughout, especially in the smithy.... das

POTC soundtrack?? You mean that play-too-loud-drive-too-fast-weave-around-the-pokey-motorists motivational CD I keep in my car and Mr. 'Norrington' Das keeps complainin' about??? Yeah, I've heard of it.... das

Elissa - Barque - Galveston, TX - http://www.tsm-elissa.org Glen L. Swetman & Mike Sekul - gaff topsail schooners - Biloxi, MS - http://www.maritimemuseum.org These are the ships I found in the ASTA directory that are closest to you. If you are really interested in sailing, and none of these are of interest to you (I think these only offer day sails), then I would suggest getting a copy of the ASTA directory, and checking out what other ships are available around the country. Perhaps you could plan a vacation around one of them, or check out their web sites to see if any are going to be visiting your area during the year. I don't know how all volunteer programs work - the Meerwald's seems to be one of the best from a volunteer's standpoint. I just go when I can - either for maintenance or sailing, depending on the time of year. So, in the summer it's sailing - it's wonderful, yet sometimes it can be a little stressful, especially if a squall comes up or you have to handle a line for the first time in front of 40 passengers.... But in the winter it's an escape - pure and simple - like when I'm ALL alone on her, sanding or painting something ...(or better yet, the chilly winter's day I spent sittin' around wif the Cap'n and another hand in a cold, gray shipping shed, drinkin' amber brews and exchangin' tales as we went about dissectin' her engine, our only companion the musty scent of dank wood mingling with that of ale and kerosene and pine tar.... siiiigghhh...such fond memories...:) ) Anyway - not all volunteer programs require a lot of time and energy -and many, if not most, of those that volunteer for the Meerwald - both maintenance and for sailing - are retirees. Volunteers can also go on her transits from port to port - these are often overnight and require one to do such fun things as waking up at 4 a.m. to stand watch... I hope this all helps a little...and keep checking around, I hope you find something!! das

Ahhh!! I checked - yup, the Mystic Whaler takes passengers for both day sails and overnights. Last time I was at the Seaport, the Whaler was crawlin' wif a bunch of caterwaulin' seafarin' types during that thar Sea Music Weekend they be a-hostin' in the spring... AH!! You've sailed the Eagle, eh? I was talkin' to a Coastie - he was just moving from Cape May up to Connecticut...I think he was a dentist (forget his name, though...). Anyway, he was tellin' me about going aloft in the Eagle and how exciting it was...and how when he looked down, instead of deck below him there was only sea. Of course, I'm simply amazed by such stories since I am REALLY afraid of heights, and SO glad that working or crewing on the Meerwald doesn't require me to go aloft (they use a bos'n's chair - so the rider better be light!! ) And the Lady Washington - well, she is a sweet li'l thing, isn't she?? I only wish she roamed a bit closer to Jersey, 'cause as it is, I doubt I'll ever get to sail on her...Blast that huge hunk of land laying...lying...(WHATEVER!!) between me and her!!! das

Found this in Encarta® 99: "In early 1609 Galileo heard that a spyglass had been invented in Holland." I've seen them in antique shops - REALLY expensive. But I believe Authentic Models offers one...you might want to try there for starters... das EDIT: Nope - just checked AM site - didn't see any spyglasses...I gotta figure out where I got one of mine...

I recommend checking out the ASTA (American Sail Training Association) website: http://tallships.sailtraining.org/ It's a good place to start. If you go to their ship's store, take note of the ASTA directory (says 'Sail Tall Ships!' on the cover) - I think non-members can buy it and it's WELL WORTH the money. It lists dozens and dozens of ships where one can learn sail training... BUT many of these also take passengers out for the day or for overnight cruises. So if you get this book, it will put you in touch with many ships that offer sailing experiences. Yes - many are schooners - but some are not. The Lady Washington (Interceptor from POTC) is in there, as is the Bounty, the Rose and many traditional sailing vessels. Not all offer over-nighters, but some do. Also, if you are anywhere near Mystic Seaport in Conn., they have the....ACK!!!....er...I think it's the Mystic Whaler...and that takes passengers out for cruises, I think overnight, too... not 100% sure on that... Hope it helps.. das

Uh-oh!...I've got a twin!! I don't know what age I hail from - probably 18th century. And I'm a free-style pirate if ever there was one!! And I too have a 'room'. 'The Hold', we call it... and before ya all start thinkin' dirty pyrate thoughts, it has nuttin' to do with anything unseemly. rats. ANYWAY - it's chock full of all sorts of loot - barrels and kegs, those non-firing replica pistols , belaying pins and cannon balls, buckets and ropes and blocks (as in 'block and tackle'), 18th century cards and hand-carved dice, sextant, iron shackles, spyglasses, rum ration cup (pilfered from the British Navy), ship's hour glass, shaving kit and housewife, scrimshaw items, wooden bowls and bone-handled utensils, and a whole bunch of other stuff I've collected over the years...even a chest filled with the treasures of the world - primarily cheap costume jewelry and foreign coins that I or others forgot to exchange... Since pirates were sailors first, I doubt they carried much on them while working...too dangerous handling lines and all. But I like to think that they took a few things into town with them...so as far as me kit goes - well, it's part of the room too. Me cat hangs on the wall, pewter and leather tankards/mugs are all over the place, bos'n's whistle, cutlasses, working knife, hand-woven sash, leather belts (ring and buckle types), boots - just shin-high because I have these massive calves I can't get boots over - , billowy shirts, a (black) jerkin (I ALWAYS mispronounce it 'gherkin' - which leaves me in a pickle every time... ) ...now, where was I?? Oh, yeah...sandles if it's hot...and (black) trousers - or pants - or whatever...and (black - real original, huh?) skirts with underslips. And I have a chain of jinglers, and other 'coin' jewelry that I wear in port to display me wealth... Since I hate the heat (over 65 is hot to me), I don't wear bandanas or hats because they're just too hot...and they tend to pop of me big fat head!!! Don't wear coats for the same reason (because they're hot - not because they pop off me head...). But I must admit to one little embarrassing thing...I stole 'Jack Sparrow's' idea and strung beads and other things in me hair... Ya know - everyone asks me if I do it because I'm trying to look Native American... I just say it's a 'tribute' to someone...and they seem satisfied with that. HOWEVER - two little girls from Quebec saw me and had their mom ask me if I was a pirate!! We then of course, got into a huge POTC discussion.... <blush> Anyway - back to the room. I have a 'captain's' desk, chairs and bed, which we use as a sofa since this is our family room. I also have lanterns, a model of the Constitution that my grandfather built, model ships' cannons, writing quill and ink, a mast shave, oakum, a fid, compasses (one which I can hang off me belt) - and I ALMOST bought a caulking mallet yesterday!!! One of these days I wanna figure out how to put gratings on me ceiling...so it looks as if the room is below decks. (Of course, then I gotta figure out why there are windows in the room with trees on the other side... ) Right now, though - the room takes me back a couple hundred years...and we light the lanterns whenever we watch a ship-oriented movie. One last thing...Been lookin' fer an astrolabe meself, if ya can steer me in the right direction, I'd much appreciate it! das