died and gone to heaven with guns

[Misery]

This place has beautiful gonnes/ petronels/ wheellocks matchlocks/wheelloksflintlocks/ and doglocks and from what ive seen the prices are right ::drools::

http://sykesutler.home.att.net/

Now go out there and give em what for

[Zorg]

That is a great site....also check out:

http://www.castings.fsbusiness.co.uk/

which supplies the previous site with some of their stuff...though I gather there is a problem with the gonnes. Probably more "war on terror" fallout. Can't have evil terrorsits attacking the pentagon with 14th century handcannon, now can we

[capnwilliam]

Great looking stuff indeed from Sykes. I particular like that Littlecote blunderbuss.

:)

Capt. William

[El Pirata]

Why are images of braveheart coming to mind???

[capnwilliam]

I don't know, Pirata; he was late 13th - early 14th century; Syke's stuff is mostly 17th.

Capt. William

[hitman]

Great now on top of a LeMat I want a paddle butt match lock and a pair of wheel lock pistols. I repeat any body know of bank that'll make a loan for some guns!!!!!!!!!

[Zorg]

any body know of bank that'll make a loan for some guns!!!!!!!!! 

Ask washington. They'll go inta debt fer anythin ta do with gonnes.

[Capt'n Jack Sparrow]

Does anyone here carry a real Flintlock? I am just ichen to buy one =)

Most run about $1,000 and up for a real 1700's one. ahh slave to fashion.

[Cascabel]

Does anyone here carry a real Flintlock? I am just ichen to buy one =)

Most run about $1,000 and up for a real 1700's one. ahh slave to fashion.

The only guns myself and a lot of others carry are real functional flintlocks. Do you perhaps mean original antique flintlocks?

>>>>> Cascabel

[the Royaliste]

Does anyone here carry a real Flintlock? I am just ichen to buy one =)

Most run about $1,000 and up for a real 1700's one. ahh slave to fashion.

Hmm, unless ye are lookin' fer a wall-hanger, Ye'd best steer for functional replicas, as with edged weapons, originals are a bit 'historical' to be firin' and such.. Many manufacturers and suppliers, in the 150.00 to 400.00 range, plus accessories....

[Capt'n Jack Sparrow]

But the new ones still are missing that something....ah nice old flintlock has that yummy used look

[Hawkyns]

What yer talkin'n about is sweat, oil, and black powder spooge. A couple of weekends on the range, or a couple of good re-enactment weekends can get rid of that new look right well.

I wouldn't be willing to shoot an original. Every shot could blow the barrel, break springs, even break bigger parts. Age, rust, and lack of care does funny things to metal, which probably wasn't the best to start with. Some people do, I know, but unless you are really familiar with firearms, I wouldn't recommend it.

Hawkyns

[Capt'n Jack Sparrow]

Oh I understand completly Hawkyns, I would only uses ah antique for carrying never for firing, I like my fingers where they are

As for new, I did find a place out of Canada that made some nice looking Heavy Dragoons but they where not silver mounted =p

[Barbados Jack]

Mate;

While living in another time period I used to carry an original cavalry carbine. I soon learned that even without firing it I was wearing off very important markings and submitting it to abuse that would make it lose it's value. i wouldn't advise even carrrying it for show.

[Isabella]

I've seen and handled some real flintlocks in my time, because my Dad was an avid gun collector for many years. I agree with what Barbados Jack mentioned about not handling it too much, or wearing an orginal antique.

If your going to plan on wearing it, consider where, when, how often, and if they allow it. Most places I've been for enactment/faires don't like firearms of any type. Double check, and consider that it might get confenscated by security if you do wear it. Also, fully functional flintlocks are classified as a firearm, you have to check the local laws, when wearing it.

Just as with knives and daggers, we've had past problems taking them to faires in the car because of disgruntled cops looking to stop us.

If you want to live the history I love you for it, but do it without damaging a part of history. If it's lasted 300 years, then make sure it's here another 300. :)

Izzy

['Salem Bob']

Most places I've been for enactment/faires don't like firearms of any type. Double check, and consider that it might get confenscated by security if you do wear it. Also, fully functional flintlocks are classified as a firearm, you have to check the local laws, when wearing it.

Ahoy Izzy,

Regarding flintlocks and their legal status. They are *not* considered firearms according to Federal law (they are considered 'antiques or collectables', and are exempt from federal firearms laws, as indeed all pre 1898 designed blackpowder weapons that do not have a self-contained metallic cartridge are). About the only places you will have problems with *open* carry of such relics are possibly New Jersey, New York City (and some state parks), and crossing the border into Canada. If you have the firearm carried in any way constuable as 'concealed carry', and the local constabulary is looking for an excuse to take you in, then you can indeed be in for a world of hurt legally speaking.

A Ren Fair might well have some obtuse regulation, contradictory to State or Federal regulation, demanding not posessing one while attending (as may some local ordinances, which are likely in violation of both Federal Law and State Constitution in most cases, and begging to be challenged) - they might be able to eject you, but they cannot have you arrested for possession of the firelock (so long as you are abiding by whatever state regulations cover possession of said blackpowder weapon), unless you do not leave quiietly and open yourself up to a 'disturbing the peace' charge. If they had you arrested, they could open themselves up to a wrongful arrest suit.

I have never seen or heard of anything that a reenactor would recognize as a reenactment where time period appropriate firearms were forbidden - it's kind of hard to have what is by definition a reenactment without them. The only exception being Canada, where one cannot bring a blackpowder muzzle loading pistol across the border that is functional - you could legally bring an otherwise fully functional one across the border that did not have the touch hole drilled. I know dozens and dozens of reenactors personally who bring fully functional blackpowder muzzle-loading firearms across the border either way (Canadian or American citizens), without the slightest bit of trouble. They are far more concerned that said reenactors are not being paid for putting on a demonstration (requiring a green card for a Canadian citizen in the US), or actual contraband is being sent across the border without a proper duty paid - they don't look twice at the musket, but say 'oh, your a reenactor - have a pleasant stay'. this is all post 9/11.

[Misery]

issabella

I dont know where your located but in nevada and califronia as long as you have proof you are in a re-enactment group (such as a membership card for the sca) and are on your way to an event or home they cant do anything more than hassle you.

[Redd Oktober]

Ohhhhh That's it! Redd's savin' up for a blunderbuss!!

[capnwilliam]

A few passing thoughts:

I wouldn't even consider firing an original black powder piece, unless I understood the weapon on the level of a BP-specialist gunsmith. Even then, I'd pull the trigger remotely.

I wouldn't carry an original either; why take the chance of getting it wet, dirty, or worn, thereby decreasing its value? (The same holds for WHY I'd want to fire the original BP piece).

As far as carrying a functional reproduction piece; be sure of state and local laws, and POLICIES! In New York State, e.g., a BP pistol is regarded as a modern firearm. Also, even if the law allows you to have a firearm, the proprietor of the private premises is within his rights in saying nay. This would include events, faires, etc.

Capt. William

[Capt'n Jack Sparrow]

I do understand everyone’s concern with old flicntlocks,BP etc.. But given the price of new BP flintlocks are the same or more then antique ones. The new ones that are in good price range are not very good looking. I guess this would be like a toy collector who won’t open the box so not to kill value, the lost of value does not bother me for the sole reason I got it is to holdit, not for it to never see the light of day again.

I use a good repo at shows it looks real and haven’t had a problem so far as law etc. in NC, GA.

[Deacon Frye]

I do understand everyone’s concern with old flicntlocks,BP etc.. But given the price of new BP flintlocks are the same or more then antique ones. The new ones that are in good price range are not very good looking. I guess this would be like a toy collector who won’t open the box so not to kill value, the lost of value does not bother me for the sole reason I got it is to holdit, not for it to never see the light of day again.

I use a good repo at shows it looks real and haven’t had a problem so far as law etc. in NC, GA.

I'm not sure I fully understand what you're saying here, Capt'n Jack, but the value of an old piece isn't just in the amount of money it brings.

It's a piece of history. If destroyed, it cannot be recovered.

[Capt'n Jack Sparrow]

It's a piece of history. If destroyed, it cannot be recovered.

Ok lets put it like this. How many musket balls are found in Ga., alone in other Southern states? A lot. Are they Historic, you bet. I have seen some guns never used or taken out of their dueling box. Are they old yep, part of History? I wouldnt think so, they sat in a box for 300 years.

Mite as well have been a rock collection or a silverware set collecting dust in some glass case.

My mother was an Antique collector, and her house itself was Antique (Antebellum 1853). Part of History? You bet! (to many storys to list) Is it being used as a home? Damn tooten!! As well as the Antiques beds and everything else in the home.

I use to ask my mother this question -"So that table was made in 1861?"... "Yes".."What about the tree it was made from, wasnt it older?".."Yes".."Wouldnt the tree be the Antique?"... =)

[Hawkyns]

I do understand everyone’s concern with old flicntlocks,BP etc.. But given the price of new BP flintlocks are the same or more then antique ones. The new ones that are in good price range are not very good looking.

Not sure what you mean here. There are lots of good repro pistols in the 3-5 hundred dollar range. Originals in good shape are in the 1-5 thousand range. The fancier the piece, the more $$$$$$ If you've got a source of good originals for less than $750, please do let me know.

I have some original blades, 2 of which I carry routinely. But I look carefully at the event. Bad weather, or security problems and they stay home. Lots of people with dirty fingers, and they don't leave the scabbard (can we EVER get people to respect steel and not keep their damn fingers off the blades?).

I think my problem with carrying period pistols is that there is no protected way to carry it. Holsters aren't correct, so it gets stuffed in the belt or hung around the neck on cords. They get bashed and scuffed far beyond an acceptable level. Wood chips, steel breaks, and small parts get lost. Either way, it's no longer worth what I paid for it, and it just doesn't look as good anymore.

Hawkyns

[Matty Bottles]

I understand your point about toys, but I do not think it is a particularly apt analogy. Do I open the box when I get a toy? Yes. Do I open the box when I get a toy from 1828? No, of course not.

If all you want is a toy, or something to look good, commission something, but don't buy an original. As Deacon Frye notes, if something is destroyed, it cannot be recovered. And that means that the quality of repros will only decline, if one more original ceases to be.

I was a little put off to find out some of the weapons used in POTC were originals. It just seemed so irresponsible.

[the Royaliste]

One must also consider why one owns collectors pieces to begin with. Although I value mine extremely, I'll carry them when the mood strikes..It's my perrogative, just as in POTC. Leave them for my grandchildren to mind??..Already tried that, mate. your heirs may not have the same fascination as you were when alive. So, find your own level of enjoyment for your collectibles, but please dont tell me how to or not to enjoy mine.