the Royaliste Posted August 2, 2003 Share Posted August 2, 2003 And then there's black powder 'cartridges', tear 'em open, dump powder, then the ball, Ye know the routine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capnwilliam Posted August 3, 2003 Author Share Posted August 3, 2003 Aye...but then, paper cartridges for flintlocks and percussions are primarily a more convenient way to carry the components, and a faster way to load them, rahter than being an entirely different ignition system. Then, to make muddy waters even muddier, there are also true black powder cartridges and cartridge weapons! But, these truly ARE cartridge guns, rather than flintlock or persussion: they just use black powder instead of smokeless. Capt. William "The fight's not over while there's a shot in the locker!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TalesOfTheSevenSeas Posted August 4, 2003 Share Posted August 4, 2003 Ahoy all ye' pistol-packin' pirates with blackpowder flintlocks- What sort of hanger/holster are ye' usin' to carry your pistol on yer belt? Any recommendations? I'd like not to accidently blast away me.... eh... 'goods' by mistake!! -Claire "Poison Quill" Warren Pyrate Mum of Tales of the Seven Seas www.talesofthesevenseas.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascabel Posted August 4, 2003 Share Posted August 4, 2003 I have fabricated belt hooks for all my pistols. They make for very comfortable and secure carrying. They are also a 100% authentic way to carry a pistol. The holster as we think of it today did not exist in the 18th century. Those people that had reason to carry pistols just shoved them in their belt or sash if they were too large for a pocket and did not have a hook on them. Carrying of large pistols at the time was mostly something done by people on horseback, and the pistols were carried in saddle mounted holsters. Sailors on board ships (other than pirates) were issued pistols immediately before battle from the ship's armory. It was quite common for pistols aboard ship to have these belt hooks. Belt hooks were also seen on pistols carried by Highlanders, as they were among the few that used them in battle on foot (other than sailors). Another advantage of the belt hook is that the entire pistol can be seen, adding to your chance to show off your neat looking pirate stuff !!!! Trying to shove a flintlock pistol into any kind of a holster is a compromise at best. Usually the lock parts interfere with a good fit. The hooks were available in various lengths, and I much prefer the longer ones to prevent the pistol from being dislodged when sitting down. The hooks used on the Scottish pistols are a bit short for practicality in my view. Pictures of these hooks can be seen in 'Boarders Away' by Gilkerson. >>>>>>Cascabel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capnwilliam Posted August 4, 2003 Author Share Posted August 4, 2003 Wasn't it the addition of a belt hook that transformed a plain-vanilla flintlock pistol into a Sea Service pistol, Cascabel? Capt. William "The fight's not over while there's a shot in the locker!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Maddox Roberts Posted August 4, 2003 Share Posted August 4, 2003 I just bought a Dixie Charleville pistol from DGW and it's a beauty. A bit late for our period, but flintlock design changed little over 200 years and it will pass muster for any except the most anal retentive authenticity buff. Haven't had a chance to shoot her yet, but she sparks well and set off a priming charge on the first try. At .69 calibre she'll take down the toughest king's man. Has a belt hook, too. I also have a Queen Anne. Now contemplating a shortened Brown Bess of the sort marketed as an Indian Trade musket. I think it would make an ideal boarding weapon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TalesOfTheSevenSeas Posted August 4, 2003 Share Posted August 4, 2003 Just ordered my Queen Anne this morning. Casabel, is this the type of belt hook you are using? This one is available for $7.95 at Thunder Ridge Muzzleloading -Claire "Poison Quill" Warren Pyrate Mum of Tales of the Seven Seas www.talesofthesevenseas.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascabel Posted August 4, 2003 Share Posted August 4, 2003 Wasn't it the addition of a belt hook that transformed a plain-vanilla flintlock pistol into a Sea Service pistol, Cascabel? Capt. William No, the addition of a belt hook was just a convenience that could be added to any pistol. The "Sea Service Pistol" was an actual model designation with official dimensions and specifications as laid down in writing by the Navy of whichever country you have in mind. Actually, the Sea Service pistols of most countries were considerably different from those issued to land forces. Usually, they were a bit more "clunky" in appearance due to being made stronger to withstand the rigors of naval service, and generally were less nicely finished. >>>>>> Cascabel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhand Posted August 4, 2003 Share Posted August 4, 2003 Putting in my two pence on the subject: If you take a look through Newman's "Weapons of the American Revolution" you can see what Cascabel is talking about, as far as esthetic looks between pistol models. Also I believe that "sea service" firelocks were sometimes laquered to help keep rust at bay. Cheers Redhand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascabel Posted August 4, 2003 Share Posted August 4, 2003 That hook in the photo from Thunder Ridge is sort of what I am describing. I can't tell from the picture exactly how it is attatched, but in order for it not to rotate around the screw and damage the stock, it NEEDS to have some sort of pin to stabilize it. On the ones I make, I use the rear most lock screw, plus a pin that enters the side plate. I also prefer a hook considerably longer for security. That one is the right general idea, but you would be amazed at how easily a short hook unhooks from your belt when walking or sitting. >>>>>. Cascabel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Maddox Roberts Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 The hook on my Charleville has a tang that curves down under the frame and screws into the top of the triggerguard just behind the trigger with a very stout screw. It seems an odd arrangement, but it won't rotate and damage the stock, that's for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascabel Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 O.K., With a bit of help from TalesOfTheSevenSeas, I'm attempting to post a couple of different belt hook designs that I fabricated. Take note of the longer length which I prefer, and also the anti-rotation pins and holes to receive them in the sideplates. (I hope the pictures open O.K. I'm really not 100% sure how to do it. Computers are not my specialty) >>>>> Cascabel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascabel Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 HOW 'BOUT THAT, IT WORKED !!!!!!!! Thanks, Claire..... >>>> Cascabel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TalesOfTheSevenSeas Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 Ye' be welcome Casabel!! I see what you mean about the second pin! It would be a drag to strip out a flintlock and I could see it happening easily. -Claire "Poison Quill" Warren Pyrate Mum of Tales of the Seven Seas www.talesofthesevenseas.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stynky Tudor Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 Wow, very cool. Thanks for spelling out simple stupid like for me. It makes a lot more sense actually being able to see it. Great images Cascabel! And thanks for helping out Claire! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. Flint Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 I know Dixie gun works sells the belt hooks that you are showing and they wcome with both the screw and the small pin to keep everything in place. They also sell a blackpowder pistol holster. It is made of good leather and it works quite well to keep your gun holstered. It is a bit rough though on drawing the weapon. Although it fits most pistols, it doesn't fit them all very well. The hook used is the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TalesOfTheSevenSeas Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 Great! I'll take a look at the Dixie page and see what the scoop is! Thnaks! -Claire "Poison Quill" Warren Pyrate Mum of Tales of the Seven Seas www.talesofthesevenseas.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascabel Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 The belt hook that Dixie sells LOOKS nice, but I advise caution. It is a casting, and sometimes castings, especially thin ones like these tend to not be very strong. A forged hook, or one cut from thick sheet metal will bend rather than break under stress and can be straightened if need be. Try it if you like, but keep in mind it may break in use. Be particularly cautious of thin BRASS castings. The one they sell appears to be copied from an original, and looks very good from a decorative standpoint. >>>>> Cascabel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Royaliste Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 :) Wot 'e said.... :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhand Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 Cascabel- I have a 62 cal. pistol made from Northstar componants, how much would you charge to fabricate a belt hook for it? Would you need the pistol, or would several digital pictures work? I used to have a 72 cal pistol made from an old Sharon barrel and it had a belt hook, it's the only way to go, besides a bucket holster.... but then you need a horse-LOL! Cheers Redhand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascabel Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 Back to ye, Redhand.... I would have to have the pistol in order to do a proper job. The least it would be is $50.00 to make one. Without actually seeing the pistol, that is the best I can tell you. The job almost always involves lengthening the rear lock screw slightly, or making a new one, and usually the front screw head needs to be made rounded if it is not already that way(not a big deal), in order not to catch on your belt or sash upon inserting the gun into your belt or sash or withdrawing it. Sometimes it can be more involved than that, such as on the Harper's Ferry reproductions, which have a recessed lock screw, and an oversized hole trhough the stock and require the making of a filler bushing. >>>>> Cascabel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TalesOfTheSevenSeas Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 Had a talk with my Quartermaster (husband) this morning, and he about went through the roof o' the car...eh... I mean 'ship', when I suggested drilling a hole in his Harper's Ferry. I think we be a-goin' with leather loop holsters! -Claire "Poison Quill" Warren Pyrate Mum of Tales of the Seven Seas www.talesofthesevenseas.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhand Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 Cascabel- Thanks for the quote, I know it's hard ta give those out without seein' the firelock first. I'll keep that in mind, and drop ya a line when I get ready to do it. The price be fair enough though. Cheers Redhand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TalesOfTheSevenSeas Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 This is the pistol holster offered by Dixie Gunworks. Is this the one that was mentioned earlier as being a little hard to draw from, but more or less without trouble otherwise? -Claire "Poison Quill" Warren Pyrate Mum of Tales of the Seven Seas www.talesofthesevenseas.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Royaliste Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 :) Aye :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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