Finished a hessian cartridge box over the weekend. Definitely the most complex and difficult leatherworking project I've done but also my favorite so far! So thankful to all the folks that helped me out with photos of originals and answering my many questions on its construction.

While the reasons for the revolution were complex and not always benevolent, the theme of liberty against an oppressive regime was common. Though I may have worn red at the battle of Lexington, the symbolism of the day was not lost on us

Breaking news: secretary of war Henry Knox sends uncoded letters by civilian post to treasurer Hamilton, Secretary of State Jefferson, and also the chief editor of the Philadelphia gazette for some reason, containing detailed plans to strike the Northwestern Confederacy at Fallen Timbers.

Find and do things that make you smile, like switching sides to join the Hessians fighting for the king right before the 250th anniversary starts

#reenacting #history #Americanrevolution

Getting a lot of requests for lock repairs as we get closer to the 250th! There's a misconception that flintlocks were unreliable, but oftentimes they just need a little love

Francis Marion National Forest is one of my favorite things about living in Charleston. Quarter million acres of public land just outside the city, and a heartfelt thanks to the rangers that maintain it so I can go play 18th century for a weekend

"guard against the imposters of pretended patriotism"

Poignant words by Washington during his 1796 farewell speech.

My coat is finished! This is regiment von Trümbach/von Bose (after 1778). They participated in numerous actions in New York, then went south to fight in Savannah, sticking with the British all the way to Yorktown

Final details on my Hesse-Kassel regiment von Bose coat are in progress. Just one more cuff and then it's the hooks and eyes and it's done!

#reenacting #sewing #history

Looking for places to find beauty in this world and I think I found some in this English Fowler. Made around 1800+/-, Spanish made barrel, masterfully engraved, and the whole thing only weighs about 5.5lbs.

#engraving #metalwork #woodwork #history

What do you do when you put that musket away after an event without cleaning it? Boil it! The high temperature, low oxygen environment converts the red oxide and lets you brush it away, leaving a protective layer of black oxide underneath
#metalwork #preservation #maintenance

Throwback to an earlier build because I haven't been making progress on my current one 😅 This birds eye maple stock was actually destined for a scrap pile because it had some flaws. Perfect for an apprentice!
#woodworking #history #americanart #18thcentury #militaryhistory #metalworking #flintlock

Current mood

I've been looking all over for inspiration for an 18th century wheelbarrow sized forge. Tinkers were folks who traveled around repairing pots and pans and other soldered things and their carts look to be about exactly what I'm looking for!

I had a pretty unique opportunity to work on an original brown bess musket lock. This simple mechanical spark making device is around 250 years old, and once I got all the rust and gunk off it works beautifully!

Here to see what all the hubbub is about. If you're also curious and interested in discovering various skills of the 18th century then come along for the ride!