Traditional Muzzleloading Association

The Center of Camp => People of the Times => Topic started by: jgr1974 on October 19, 2009, 08:35:07 AM

Title: What kind of cutlass?
Post by: jgr1974 on October 19, 2009, 08:35:07 AM
Hello all,

I am wanting to do an early 19th century clerk impression.  I am new to this era but learning.  I have read some accounts of the upper echelon of the company using a cutlass.  I am curious what type and should use, and wonder if anyone has pics and refferences I can see?  

I have looked at the Napoleonic era French briquet as a possibility.  I think the F&I -Rev war British hangars me be antiquated for the period I am looking at.

Any help is appreciated!


Jeremy
Title:
Post by: Sir Michael on October 19, 2009, 09:01:45 PM
Early 19th C.  cutlass would have been the style used by the British Navy.  French would have been out of place.  :?
Title: Re: What kind of cutlass?
Post by: Puffer on October 20, 2009, 09:47:48 AM
Quote from: "jgr1974"
Hello all,

I am wanting to do an early 19th century clerk impression.  I am new to this era but learning.  I have read some accounts of the upper echelon of the company using a cutlass.  I am curious what type and should use, and wonder if anyone has pics and refferences I can see?  

I have looked at the Napoleonic era French briquet as a possibility.  I think the F&I -Rev war British hangars me be antiquated for the period I am looking at.

Any help is appreciated!


Jeremy

Jeremy, What firm are you planing on representing & where ?

Swords were a part of of the equipment carried & used  by Both the employees of NWC & HBC. The style of sword covered the full spectrum.
1. Swords were available by private purchase ( many bought through the companies. ( example David Thompson, 1n 1812 ordered a new sword from NWC.) HBC also had a sword made for them. They also presented their chief factors with a "gift sword".

2.Swords were also available for use from the "fort's arsenal".( usually these were used by lower clerks, they were also issued to employees as needed.

The type of sword was a personal choice. The most common carried by Upper level employees were "Hangers" or light Calvary styles.

The ?? of cutlasses. In spite of some "authorities" opinions, cutlasses were carried quite often,in certain locals. But IMHO, they were [size=150]not [/size]the [size=150] primary choice[/size] of sword carried by mid to upper level clerks.Cutlasses were considered a common man's weapon, not a gentleman's or officer's weapon.  
1.Cutlasses were a part of many of the major post's arsenals.
2. Cutlasses were also a part of the Ship's arsenal. ( HBC' Beaver carried them)
3. Cutlasses were imported by both NWC & HBC for the "Trade"
4. the type of cutlass,if NWC/HBC would have been Brit.

I hope this helps.

Puffer
Title:
Post by: Minnesota Mike on October 20, 2009, 11:04:13 AM
Would also help to know which company and where you will be.

r/
MM
Title: Thank you gentleman1
Post by: jgr1974 on October 20, 2009, 06:09:51 PM
I am new to this era, so I am learning.  I am not sure which company I would represent.  I guess I need a lot more studying.  If you have any readings to suggest I would be appreciated.  I plan on doing an impression from about 1800-1840.  

I am an accouterment maker and plan on doing some selling of wares as well.  I want to represent an upper level company man.  So looks like i am looking for a full sized sword or saber then?

Do you gentlemen know where I could find refferences or pictures of said weapons?
Title: PS
Post by: jgr1974 on October 20, 2009, 06:10:51 PM
What did the sword the bay made look like???
Title:
Post by: Puffer on October 20, 2009, 10:16:27 PM
There are a few of us that portray NWC/HBC employees. ( Me, Sir Michael(attached) Many Voices, YarnSpinner, Pete Sheeran Etc, are all with both the TMA & GRMM ) Here is a pic @ a GRMM rondy of 9 camps ( Micheal's & one other, is not shown.)

[albumimg:36dqevlv]4457[/albumimg:36dqevlv]


1. We need to know the general area (local) you wish to be in. Some areas were the province of certain Companies  ( example the PNW was solely NWC-HBC (during your time frame)
2.IMHO, read this section, some of your ?? may be answered.
3.Pm me about books to get, to give some background.
4.Same as above as to swords1.
5. As to accouterments, once you choose your  Gen. persona, we can advise.

I, as well as  others,stand ready to assist. :lt th

Puffer
Title: Thank you
Post by: jgr1974 on October 20, 2009, 10:41:13 PM
Thank you my friend I will pm you!
Title:
Post by: Minnesota Mike on October 21, 2009, 03:27:55 PM
Should you decide to do business south of the border - I portray trader with the American Fur Company, circa 1832 on the Mississippi at the Sandy Lake post at the end of the Savannah Portage.

I think I might be the lone AFC employee other than by Dad who does this with me.

Here's a couple of shots of Dad and I at the SEPR back in April during one of the few hours it wasn't raining that week . . .

http://www.traditionalmuzzleloadingasso ... ic_id=4458 (http://www.traditionalmuzzleloadingassociation.org/forum/phpbb2/album_showpage.php?pic_id=4458)

r/
MM
Title: Change of persona
Post by: jgr1974 on October 21, 2009, 10:30:39 PM
Well thanks to puffer he has pointed me in a pretty good direction.  I am honing my persona!  Looks like i will be a merchant for the Missouri Fur Trade Company!  I have lot of studying and reading to do!!!  I need to get some books ordered!  

Looks like the cutlass/sword  is out for awhile.  I am going to have to save for the fineries of English clothings.  Coatee and waistcoat nice shirt and shoes.  Hopefully I can have a basic kit by spring!

Jeremy
Title:
Post by: Minnesota Mike on October 22, 2009, 09:54:39 AM
Good for you. Working for ol Manuel Lisa, eh?

What year are you looking at being set in?

r/
MM
Title: Time
Post by: jgr1974 on October 22, 2009, 08:55:34 PM
Minesota Mike

I haven't done a whole lot of research yet.  Going to have to save up for some books first!  I did read a little on the www, but nothing solid.  Will post more as i learn, that is as long as others do not mind listening to me rambling!

Jeremy
Title:
Post by: Minnesota Mike on October 26, 2009, 10:53:28 AM
No prob. Enjoy the learning - it's a big part of the fun of doing this.

r/
MM
Title: Sure will
Post by: jgr1974 on October 26, 2009, 07:56:08 PM
MM,

That is truly the most fun of it!  I get caught up in the thrill of the hunt, after that, it is all just work!!!

Jeremy
Title: Re: Change of persona
Post by: Sir Michael on October 31, 2009, 01:54:59 PM
Quote from: "jgr1974"
Well thanks to puffer he has pointed me in a pretty good direction.  I am honing my persona!  Looks like i will be a merchant for the Missouri Fur Trade Company!  I have lot of studying and reading to do!!!  I need to get some books ordered!  

Looks like the cutlass/sword  is out for awhile.  I am going to have to save for the fineries of English clothings.  Coatee and waistcoat nice shirt and shoes.  Hopefully I can have a basic kit by spring!

Jeremy
:rt th
Title: Cutlass
Post by: jgr1974 on October 31, 2009, 03:44:39 PM
Sir michael thank you for your input!  You are right I need to decide.  I am going to get myself a basic kit together first-clothing-and shoes.  I will probably head the gentleman way.  I have my eye on a few swords but they are pricey-I want to buy a good one!

I have a lot to do this winter that is for sure!  I can not wait for the cold winter to hit so I can get started!

Jeremy