| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| jeff42nd |
Posted - February 22 2004 : 3:55:30 PM
Hello once again
I just recently purchased my musket, wow, that was painfull paying that bill. Anyways I need 2 more major pieces of equipment.
1. Since I am a Highlander, I need a Broadsword. What is a good price to pay for one, and since I am new at this what should I look for, or be careful of?
Does anybody know a good dealer, where I can buy a broadsword?
2. I also need a dirk, I read somewhere that I could make my own, but I cant find that site again.
What is a good price to pay for a dirk, and where can I get one?
I am now starting to run out of cash to buy my equipment, so I need a good and affordable price.
3. One final question. I also want to do REV. War, in the future. I know most of my equipment will work except for the musket, I will need a India Brown Bess, and a different Jacket and the hat is different.
Are these the only differences, or am I missing something?
Private 42nd Highlanders
Murray's Company
Jeff |
| 5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Two Kettles |
Posted - February 23 2004 : 11:52:25 PM
Jeff,
If you're going to be at Kalamazoo, or any number of other places, you might also check on the swords and dirks of George Bolton of "Gorgets by George". He always has a table at the Living History Show, and numerous other events. You can check with Sgt. Major Chapman or one of the other leaders of Lord Murray's to make sure George's stuff passes muster, but I would imagine it does. Sgt. Munro's advice is also excellent, but with George's blades you can fondle them first, which you can't do with mail order.
Two Kettles |
| SgtMunro |
Posted - February 23 2004 : 4:18:09 PM
No problem Jeff, I'm glad I could help. I found the same dirk as Townsend's but for only $61.50 at Great Northern Trade Company. Here is the link:
http://www.grtnorthern.com/toc.html
Your Most Humble Servant,
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| jeff42nd |
Posted - February 23 2004 : 12:40:36 PM
Hey SgtMunro
Thank you for the help, I kind of knew it was going to be you, who answered my question.
Thanks again
Jeff |
| SgtMunro |
Posted - February 23 2004 : 08:27:14 AM
P.S.- I forgot to include a picture of the backsword offered by Tattershall Arms, so here it is:
Image Insert:
50.18 KB
I also have a broadsword of similar design, but I have found the lighter backsword much easier to drill with.
Also, as far as dirks go, it is hard to find an affordable one that is historically correct. Alot of what is offered are replicas of Victorian designs, with jeweled grips and etched blades. I purchased one of those, without the jeweled grip, and de-farbed it by re-grinding the blade. If you do not feel like messing around that much, you can purchase the dirk offered by JAS Townsend which is a very correct design (A good number of dirks in the highland regiments were made by recycling broken hanger blades), and costs around $100. Another correct type is offered through several sources and is known as an 'Early Dirk', which uses a simple wooden grip and plain brown leather scabbard, it costs around $90. I hope this helps in your search.
As to the subject of firelocks; I do not know which type you own now, but the Pederisoli 'Brown Bess', or any copy of the so called '2nd Model' (Actually more correctly named 'Short Land Pattern) is sutible for both F&I as well as BAR type events. Field 'life extension' programs were instituted late in the French and Indian War which included the shortening of the barrel and replacing the wooden ramrod with an iron one. These approved modifications were later incorporated in the 'Short Land' design used by the Brits during the Revolution. The 'India Pattern' you speak of is actually more correct for Napoleonic Era reenacting.
Your Most Humble Servant,
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| SgtMunro |
Posted - February 22 2004 : 10:20:13 PM
Hello Private Jeff,
I might be able to help you out a wee bit. For your sword, or Frog-Gig as Corporal MacIntyre calls it, you really do have alot to choose from depending on your pocket book. However, I shall assume that you want the best possible blade that is still affordable to the regular guy. First off, you want to stick with the 'Glasgow' style basket, since that is correct for enlisted swords in the 42nd. The next question is broadsword or backsword? Well, both are correct for the 42nd, the difference is the broadsword has two cutting edges and the backsword has only one. Both sword blade styles are correct for our regiment, the broadsword pre-dating the backsword. The change over occured sometime in the mid-1750's as a matter of economy for equiping new recruits, the 'old heads' would probably have still carried their broadswords until they needed replacement.
On to vendors, Tattershall Arms has probably the best price on a well made Glasgow Baskethilt Backsword, at around $165. The only drawback is the scabbard, which you will need to dye black, and any shoe repair place can do that for you for under $20 for hot process dyeing. There are other swords available through By-The-Sword, but you will hear your wallet scream when you check them out. I hope this helps...
Your Most Humble Servant,
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