14th century warm

I finally got around to finishing a new winter coat for my 14th century hunting.  Last year, while bowhunting in subzero temps (-20F and colder), I decided that a nice heavy coat would be good to have. Looking at some images, I decided to have T&R Quednau Weaving make some fabric for me.  It turned out wonderfully and I am pleased to use it for this project.  The handwoven check fabric is what I used for the coat, I...

An Early Harquebus

A bit over a year ago I saw a small harquebus posted online by Nick Barber.  He had just built it and I was in love with the gun.   I once had a matchlock and used it for a number of hunts successfully but sold it off for lack of use.  The desire for another matchlock, and better yet… one that fit closer to my current medieval hunting madness, seemed the perfect challenge. I was able to get a small barrel and chunk of...

More Medieval Crossbows

  I finally finished a video showing off my latest two (and perhaps last??) crossbows.  Enjoy…...

A talk given

I had the privilege to be the guest speaker for a meeting of the Friends of Interstate Park. It was a fun evening and things went well in spite of a horrible cold. It was also sort of odd dressing in my historical clothing but with a beard (hopefully the authenticity police will excuse me as I am typically clean shaven for such things).  I will be giving a similar talk for the Oshkosh Public Museum on the 21st. of this...

A Highland Pistol

In 2013, I picked up a French pistol that I loved.  Within a year, I sold it off in order to afford a trade gun that had more use to me.  Ever since, I have missed having a flintlock pistol.   With an interest in all things Highland and Scottish and a desire for a flintlock pistol, the idea of a Highland steel pistol has been quite appealing.  Knowing that many clerks and gentlemen in the NorthWest Company had pistols...

First Piping Gig

Back in May, I had my first paid bagpiping gig… and it was historic, of course.  The Chippewa Falls Historical Society puts on a little historical even every year and this year I was honored to be asked to play bagpipes for it.  On Friday of the event, I spent the day with 4th graders from around the area.  I played pipes and talked about the Scottish history of the NorthWest Company.  On Sat. I talked to the general...