Southern Cross Free Trappers

(Standing L to R) – Ron Davis, Jim Walker, Ian Convey, Glen Mitchell, Bob Ellis, Paul Sly, John Morland. (Kneeling) – Murray Convey, Chook Fowler, John Maccioni. Photo by Ian.

Winter Quarters Anniversary

Our 5th Anniversary of Winter Quarters rendezvous on the June Queen’s Birthday holiday long weekend got off to a surprise start with six members arriving a day early, each determined to make the fun go even further. Paul was so early that Bernie had to be awoken to move the farm wagon blocking the track past the horse corral. Apparently Judy was staying over at her mum’s and Bernie was enjoying a sneak sleep-in, but who’s telling?

The weather man promised rain and didn’t disappoint, but it did hold off long enough for camps to be set up and vehicles to be removed out of sight of our Winter Quarters. Jim had checked the grounds a week earlier and had left a trail of cut firewood – mostly from a conveniently close gum tree that had fallen in a past storm. We sat around a blazing fire well into the evening before steady rain spitting and hissing in the flames forced us all to retire. It really is a pleasant way to fall asleep – listening to a gentle rain on canvas roof, cosy and warm and snug!

Saturday’s dawn sky threatening more rain, but that’s all. More Trappers were arriving and soon we had ten camps, each with cooking fires and of course the main communal campfire stoked by Jim. With chores all done it was time for some shooting fun at small game woodcuts and other eye openers. Ah, the crack of a well- tuned flinter, the smell of the black powder, oops, a miss, bugger, load her up again!

The main event of the afternoon was a simulated French–Indian War scenario concocted by Ian. A lone French Officer was spying out the Free Trapper camps aided by three mighty fearsome painted warriors from the Allegong-gong nation. Caught alone whilst tending their traps, each Trapper had to silently despatch that knotty Frenchman with their tomahawk, then turn their rifle onto each of the three skulking hostiles.

This was a timed event where each contestant had to set a trap, stick their hawk, shoot three gongs, each at a different range and direction, return to unset the trap and finish using flint and steel to light a fire. Any miss meant that a second throw or a second shot had to be taken at that target for a maximum of two throws and six shots. The clock stopping with the fire lighting but only when some tinder was burning strongly!

Glen draws a name from the hat – “Its Murray!” Photo by Jim

Congratulations go to Glen Mitchell who completed the task with one throw and the minimum three shots, and was declared the overall winner. Several Trappers with somewhat better times failed the fire lighting finale. (See all the times later in this newsletter.) Glen won a fine bottle of wine and a block of chocolate and the pleasure of drawing the winning participant’s name for our splendid priming horn prize. Club treasurer, Murray, suddenly found himself on a winning break with Lady Luck.

A delighted Murray displays his prize – the Orville Mumma made priming horn. Photo by Jim.

We whiled away Saturday night gathered around a roaring fire, occasionally catching strains of the warlike distant drums of the Rover’s Rangers. But we had far more pleasant and soothing guitar playing and singing by Justin, with Ian and John Morland also picking a few Smokey Mountain melodies – Winter Quarters at its best!

I awoke in the morning with a Kris Kristofferson tune in my brain. The weather showed promise of better shooting conditions, but the Chook did not! Sunday’s main event was the Germanic style one-shot Anniversary shoot. Ian had hand painted a large plaque to celebrate our 5th Anniversary. Inside the curling tail of the number 5 Ian painted a red weeping heart. Contestants were allowed one shot only with the win going to whoever shot closest to the centre of the heart. Congratulations were in order again to Murray who was still posing with lucky smiles half an hour later.

Ian awards Murray with our 5th Anniversary shoot target. Photo by Jim.

Our fund raiser raffle for the Voyager cap with sterling silver Celtic pin donated by Noel Collinson was encouragingly well supported. This time Paul Sly’s lucky number was drawn from the barrel. Paul commented that he could use a new cap as he has a couple of junior Voyagers wanting to share his old caps.

Paul receives the Voyager cap with Celtic pin raffle prize from Club Treasurer Murray.

The rest of the day was left open to individual choice of pastimes – running ball, shooting, pony watching, and camp cooking experiments, guitar practice and gold panning were some of these activities.

Once again our hosts Bernie and Judy visited our camp fire after dark for a yarn or three. Bernie cooked up another of his damper specials. Thickly sliced while still hot and smothered in Judy’s home-made apricot jam (Murray still enjoying his luck) that large damper was devoured in very short order by appreciative Trappers. Later in the evening we enjoyed some more music with Justin playing softly into the chilly night.

Justin strikes a chord at Winter Quarters

Monday’s dawn came white with a heavy frost melting slowly into a wonderful sunny day, but alas, some members needed to break camp early to return to the 21st century before midday; others had only a few hours extra. Special thanks once again to hosts Bernie and Judy; also to Jim for wood cutting and early morning heating; to Justin for the fine picking and Ian for target painting and organising the shoots.

Thanks once more also to Noel Collinson and to Orville Mumma of Pennsylvania for making available our major event prize – a truly sumptuous little horn. All-in-all I’m sure everyone had a marvellous time as all the feedback has been positively glowing.

Bob Spencer quipped in his Black Powder Notebook “There is no such thing as an unsuccessful camp if your mind is properly attuned.” I reckon we’d all agree to that!

Results of timed French-Indian Wars attack event:

In the order of participation:

Jim 5 min 30 sec**; Bob 9 min 30 sec; Glen 6 min 35 sec; Paul 9 min 20 sec;
John Maccioni 7 min 20 sec*; Ron 4 min 30 sec**; Chook 7 min 45 sec;
John Morland 7 min 10 sec*; Murray 7 min 15 sec**; Ian 4 min 30 sec*:
Justin unfortunately arrived just after the event was awarded and did not participate.

The ability to quickly produce a life saving warm fire was considered a vital skill to survival after the mock attack. Those marked with an * managed to catch spark in char cloth but failed to maintain flame in tinder on first attempt. Those with double ** were not carrying full fire lighting equipment.

Rendezvous poetry

On his regular walk to buy the morning paper, club President Ian, was deep in reverie when, inspired by the sight of the nearby bush clad hills of the Wombat forest, the lines of a school learnt poem by Robbie Burns came flooding o’er him. Maybe part of Ian was already back at rendezvous somewhere near Victoria’s central Highlands?

My heart’s in the Highlands.
Robert Burns (1759-1796 / Ayrshire / Scotland)

Farewell to the Highlands, farewell to the North,
The birth-place of Valour, the country of Worth;
Wherever I wander, wherever I rove,
The hills of the Highlands for ever I love.

My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here;
My heart’s in the Highlands a-chasing the deer;
A-chasing the wild-deer, and following the roe,
My heart’s in the Highlands wherever I go.

Farewell to the mountains high covered with snow;
Farewell to the straths and green valleys below;
Farewell to the forests and wild-hanging woods;
Farewell to the torrents and loud-pouring floods.

My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here;
My heart’s in the Highlands a-chasing the deer;
A-chasing the wild-deer, and following the roe,
My heart’s in the Highlands wherever I go.

Care of your horn – President’s recipe

Powder horns and other horn vessels and utensils attract various insects which chew or bore holes into the horn if we do not protect it. To prevent these insects from eating into your powder horn, horn cup or similar items put naphthalene flakes (moth balls) in the plunder box where you keep the horn. Also, to retain the finish of your horn, try an occasional application of boiled linseed mixed 50/50 with kerosene rubbed sparingly into the horn and wooden plug.

Paul Sly harvests two Black duck with “Precious” his Allan Vaisham built smoothbore flinter.

Hunting Around

Paul follows up his Vol 24 report on duck opening with this end-of-season detail: “Here’s a self-taken photo I took on the last day of the 2010 duck season. The weather was very ordinary that day but it did ease up for about a half hour – just long enough to get in a few shots harvesting these two Blackies before the rain set in again. I was using my 12 gauge flinter with my standard load of 1¼ oz of No. 4 shot over 70 grains of powder.”

“Over the short season I despatched five ducks with “Precious” – my single barrel 12 ga. flintlock, three birds with my D/B percussion muzzleloader and two with a Damascus D/B breechloader. I was unfortunate to lose two birds on occasion when I should have had the dog with me. My total bag for the 2010 season was 10 birds all brought down using black powder. See you round the traps!” Le Reynard.

Rendezvous – a happy life experience Contrary to the braggart’s boast “He who has the most toys wins” the Weekly Review recently headlined – “According to new research, people who acquire life experiences are far happier than those who chase happiness through material acquisition.” Enjoy with us our happy life experiences at Rendezvous – Come to Beaver Creek.

Little Ellie (10 months) at Rondyvoo, Sept ‘09. Photo by Lyne

Upcoming Events

July 10th. 9am-3.30pm 21st Eureka Militaria & Collectable Fair. Norman St. Ballarat.
(We’ll be attending a display table for the Council of Muzzleloaders & Black Powder Shooters, representing Seymour Black Powder Club, the Southern Cross Free Trappers and the Western Districts Muzzleloaders Club – Free entry for those arriving in costume).

September 17th – 20th. Spring Rendezvous, AGM, and shoot with friends at Beaver Creek, our picturesque camp site at Whorouly with Mt Buffalo towering on the horizon. This year it’s an extended single weekend only – Friday 17th through to Monday 20th. Directions available from any Committee member.

WWW & that Remington 1816 Saga.

Recent improvements include additional Gallery photos, fixing broken links and updating our Trading Post ads. We also received a very interesting response and feed back about the Remington flintlock custom shop specials via our Vol. 21 forum. Read the significant response from Mike Butler about the Hatfield connection at http://freetrappers.org.au/2009/12/02/vol-21-december-2009/#comments

Win this priming horn by Orville Mumma of Jonestown, Pennsylvania.

You’ll pass many trade blankets before snagging a priming horn like this beauty – Come to Winter Quarters!

5th Anniversary “Winter Quarters” Camp and Celebrations – June 12th–14th.

Queen’s Birthday long weekend – Come to Winter Quarters at Bernard’s Cache. Hail or shine, we intend to celebrate in grand style for this 5th anniversary of our successful Primitive events in the central Highlands. Of all the many great camping spots our State has to offer, you won’t find a more pleasantly secluded area with abundant firewood, or a sweeter mountain stream, with a billion stars around the Southern Cross at night. A place where pre 1840 times just seem to stand still! (Even though you may be a member of Jim’s class learning to tell the time by the position of the Southern Cross).

The above featured priming horn handcrafted by noted horner, Orville Mumma of Jonestown Pennsylvania, will be won by one lucky Trapper at Winter Quarters.

Awards and Raffles

Our Club has been extremely fortunate in receiving additional support from a couple of members and several well-wishing wonderful friends. I’m talking about some very welcome unsolicited dollars and other very desirable goodies to either raffle or to award as prizes for shooting prowess. And yet we have been promised more to come! It is so encouraging to receive such magnificent support for dedicated Primitive Rendezvous.

In Volume 22 we thanked Bob Seip, Bob Timms, the Collinson’s and the Wilson’s and now I should also mention generous gifts from members Justin & Louise Fletcher and from Glen Mitchell. Also, we are again indebted to Noel Collinson and I have kept for last a very special “thank you” to Orville (Spark) Mumma of Jonestown, Pennsylvania. Courtesy of both Noel and Orville we can offer a most desirable prize of the exquisite priming horn made by Orville who is a member of The American Guild of Horn Workers.

Orville has asked that the horn be won in a shooting match and this is planned for our Winter Quarters camp. I suspect there may be a small entry fee or wager attached to add further excitement to expected very keen challenges. We will also be raffling a nice voyager cap with a small sterling silver Celtic blanket pin. Our Club was born out of a Winter Quarters camp at Highlands/Caveat and your Committee believe these quality prizes are handsomely suitable in recognition of the 5th Anniversary of that great adventure.

We have been offered another very desirable shooting prize which may be available at Beaver Creek in September along with raffling off Glen’s ram’s head fire poker. Our traditional turkey plate and basket of harvest vegetables prize will be challenge for any hungry Longhunters. A vegetable in the basket is the entry fee, and no, sorry girls, veggie husbands are not an acceptable entry fee, but lady shooters are definitely welcome.

Everyone is a winner at our rondyvoos – come along for the fun and join the winners!

Can’t make it to Winter Quarters? That’s tough, really most unfortunate, but you can still enter our raffles; simply forward some gold (or a cheque) to Club treasurer Murray. Voyager cap/silver blanket pin will be drawn at Winter Quarters. Tickets $2 ea or 6 for $10. Enter today and good luck to all who enter. Don’t miss out, post your cheque or money order to Murray now at 2806 Colac/Ballarat Road, Dereel 3352.

Need directions to Beaver Creek or Bernard’s Cache rendezvous sites? Contact any Committee member for detailed guidance.

Orville Mumma

Orville (Spark) Mumma

http://www.hornguild.org/
“I’ve been interested in muzzleloaders since I was 14 years old, I’m now 57. I made my first horn in 1974. I haven’t stopped since. I started making flat priming horns back in 1978 and have made over 1525 powder horns so far. That’s not counting the horn cups, rum horns and spice/salt horns. I also make antler powder measures, pick and brush sets, ball-shot bags, sewing kits, ball blocks, and short starters. I mark all my powder horns with a circle M, the serial number and the year. My wife, Gail, and I attend approximately eight to ten events or shows a year. Gail makes beautiful linen straps for horns, bags, and rifle slings on her floor loom.”

More Trapper Events

July 10th. The 21st Eureka Militaria & Collectable Fair. Norman St. Ballarat.
We’ll be attending a display table sponsored by the Victorian Council of Muzzleloaders and Black Powder Shooters. 9am-3.30pm. Free entry if fully attired as 18th C militia or close representation.

September 17th – 20th. Spring Rendezvous with friends at Beaver Creek, Whorouly.
An extended single weekend – Friday 17th through to Monday 20th.
Everybody’s favourite Primitive encampment. Plan now to take those few extra days of extended leave to make a thoroughly worthwhile fantastic four day holiday event.

November 6th & 7th. Melbourne Medieval Fayre and Tourney (MMFAT) at Berwick.
A dedicated Free Trapper / Longhunter 2 day static display amid other all-era re-enactors. In conjunction with Bojo Products wagon and tents. Open to the general public and a fantastic opportunity to advertise our black powder hobbies.

“Crow, God damn it!”

No way! His sign was all Apache and he was long ways from any shining mountains. Whilst down in Melbourne town’s outer eastern suburbs recently, I had an unexpected pleasure, meeting up with a genuine Native American Indian. (a very rare occurrence here in Australia) He was visiting my long-time friend, Lionel Jessup, in his leather craft shop (you can smell that a mile away) and I was quickly introduced. His name is Red Horse and he has taken an Aussie gal, from our state’s north-east parts no less, for his squaw.

Red Horse already knew about us, as Lionel had slipped him a couple of our past newsletters. He explained that he was bringing a little of American Indian culture to our primary school kids via lectures, artefact exhibits in his display tipi, along with song and dance. I was rather chuffed to receive a personal one-on-one mini education session whilst being allowed to examine a pair of finely beaded moccasins, beaded knife sheath, a talking stick, peace pipe, dance rattle, beads, turquoise jewellery, foofaraw and such!

You can bet that I extended a hearty welcome to visit and camp with us along with his wife, Natalia, and family. It is hoped that they may find some time from busy schedules to relax and join with us at Rondyvoo. The picture below is taken from Red Horse’s Primary School Presentation brochure. Meanwhile, our Trapper parents could be pushing their school committees to engage Red Horse’s travelling exhibition.

Red Horse of the Mescalero Apache.
Email na.productions@hotmail.com

Rendezvous Sketches! Club President Ian Convey demonstrates it’s not all shooting, trapping, skinning or telling lies across trade blankets. Ian enjoys relaxing moments doodling with sketch book and pencil. You might say he’s following the footsteps of noted artist Alfred Jacob Miller, the first and only artist to attend an original rendezvous way back in 1837. Drawings and etchings were used to illustrate books and newspapers, or to decorate homes, cabins and tipi’s, also guns and powder horns.

Tipi and trees at Beaver Creek 2009; pencil drawing by Ian Convey.

Seymour Alternative Farming Expo 19th – 21st Feb.

This was our second appearance at this annual expo. Again we utilised Bob Ellis’s Bojo tents to good advantage housing an even better display of Trapper paraphernalia than we managed last year. We gained one new member and lots of praise and encouraging feedback from the public. Even the local constabulary were impressed.

Thanks to Bob, Jim, Glen & Anthea, Paul and Ron who all took many enquiries. The shooting sports are not often favoured with good publicity, so the Expo is a great opportunity to show a fascinated public a friendly alternative hobby and outdoor pastime. We can be very proud that SCFT members are leading by example.

Subscriptions overdue?

Members please note – All subs for 2010-2011 were due by 31st March. If you’ve overlooked payment please forward a cheque or money order to Murray Convey ASAP. Thanks for co-operating! Treasurer – Murray Convey, 2806 Colac / Ballarat Road, Dereel 3352.

1757 Ranger skills.

To win our featured priming horn at Winter Quarters, you will need a number of the everyday woods skills that were commonly developed by Rangers, and indeed, just about everyone who wished to survive on an unforgiving frontier. You will also need a little luck but the odds should be fairly good! The Committee has devised a very interesting test of 1750’s era survival skills to challenge all members. Well, don’t ya wanna have fun no more?

Council of Muzzleloaders and Black Powder Shooters Victoria Inc.

As reported in 2009 (Vol. 15) The Free Trappers accepted the invite to join forces with the Council of Muzzleloaders. Delegates from Seymour Black Powder Club, Western Districts Muzzleloaders and the Free Trappers meet a couple of times a year to discuss ways to enhance our sport, membership growth, any proposed firearms legislation changes or any other relevant firearms/ sport / political issues.

Chook, Murray and Jim grab a bite; Ballarat Gun Show 2009.

Our input to date has been to revitalise Council meetings and instigate a group display at several gun shows. Members of all three Clubs have manned tables at both the Ballarat (see our report Vol 19, Sept 2009) and Bendigo Gun Shows. The Council plans to repeat these promotions in 2010 and have already booked a table at the 21st Eureka Militaria and Collectable Fair (aka Ballarat Gun Show) for July 10th. SCFT members are encouraged to attend wearing full costume if possible. We do feel we are experiencing a general resurgence of interest in the black powder sports – Be part of it and help keep the momentum happening!

Hunting Around: “We had success on Opening day morning using our flinters to take three Wood duck. Katherine was using Jeff’s smooth bore, a Pedersoli 20 gauge trade gun, loaded with 70 grains of powder and 1¼ oz of No 4 shot. I shot with “Precious” (my Green River Rifle Works 12 Gauge) loaded with the same charge. Two of these plump Woodies have already been carved up and consumed as mouth-watering schnitzels; the third is stowed in the freezer. See you all round the traps.” Le Reynard.

Le Reynard and Grizelda on opening morning with three Wood duck.

Easter 2010

Nine Buckskinners and two young lads made the most of the superb camping weather. With no sign of rain, just warm sunny days and lovely cool starry evenings, the time passed most leisurely. Lisa, the lone lady ’skinner in camp was obviously enjoying the camp atmosphere, socialising and allowing two small boys the freedom of the Painted Pony plains. The hunters took daily strolls about the bush, inspired by the nightly roaring of Red stags from the nearby deer farm, while our dedicated plinkers shot numerous holes through life-size animal woodcuts. Oh, with one or two misses!

A Sunday highlight was the team stake shoot, with Murray’s team chipping away at their stake from both edges. Meanwhile, Ron’s team needed time to get their eye in, but eventually cut a hole in the centre of their target. With only splinters of timber holding both stakes intact, it was touch and go who would win, when Ronnie, loading his last 10 grains of FFFg in that shortened canoe gun, squeezed off a “phut” that won the day. Both teams then blasted the remaining stake, relishing the pure fun of shooting.

The evenings were spent around a convivial campfire sharing a horn cup of Muscat, short stories and tall, a few jokes and even some fine singing led by Ian. Hosts Bernie and Judy called-by to share our coals for baking a magnificent traditional style damper which we all enjoyed topped with Judy’s homemade Blackberry jam. Thanks go to Jim for cutting up an ample supply of firewood, and to Bernie and Judy for usual hospitality extended.

Group photo

Buffalo River Longhunter (Glen Mitchell with his Bess) Drawing by Linda Hynes

Okay, summer is over and cooler days are with us. Time for some hooting and whooping and lots of shootin’!

Firstly, a big cheer for Glen who shares with us the prized drawing above by skilled artist Linda Hynes. At 26, Glen certainly cut a dashing figure as a Longhunter, holding that cherished smoothbore Bess that he describes to us in our feature story this edition.

Secondly – Easter is almost upon us and it’s our first primitive camp for 2010. That is followed closely by Anzac day weekend stretched to a three day-er if you can make it.

Are you ready for some shooting fun? Ready to Rondyvoo? Come to Bernard’s Cache!

Events – Coming Very, Very Soon

April 2nd – 5th. An Easter bunny and egg hunt at magical Bernard’s Cache, Caveat.
April 24th – 26th. ANZAC day weekend – look for more rabbit pie at Bernard’s Cache.

Other Events later this year

June 12th – 14th. Queen’s Birthday weekend – Winter Quarters at Bernard’s Cache.
Our 5th Anniversary of Primitive Rendezvous camping in the central Highlands area.
A chance to re-live those fantastic first winter camps all so enthusiastically embraced.

September 17th – 20th. Spring Rendezvous with friends at Beaver Creek, Whorouly.
An extended single weekend – Friday 17th through to Monday 20th.

November 6th & 7th. Melbourne Medieval Fayre and Tourney (MMFAT) at Berwick.

Bessie and Me

Our feature story by Glen Mitchell
Thirty years ago, when I was but a full grown lad, my lovely wife bought a wonderful birthday present for me. A second wife? Well, no! It was only a muzzleloader, but it was the start of a new long-lasting love affair. Being a wannabe woodsman, I already knew about mahogany (monogamy) but didn’t take long before my eyes started to wander again.

You might think two wives would be enough, but I had come across a possible “mail order bride” advertised as residing in Sydney town. She was tall and slender and possessing a somewhat darker complexion – sort of a walnut shade, but not yet glowing. So, with wife number one’s blessing, I sent off for another new bride.

I can still remember the day she arrived at the train station and boy, was I ever excited! Leaving her resting in my car, I scampered into the staff room at the Tech in search of Bill and Charlie, insisting they come immediately to my vehicle for introductions to Bess. To me she was “Bess” right from day one. After a lot of drooling and general silliness with these two envious mates I headed home to show off Bessie to Wife No.1.

Afterwards, with a grin from ear to ear I picked up Bess and headed out to the office, closed the door behind me so as to not be disturbed, and gently laid Bess on the work bench. For quite some time I just stared at her – I knew she was meant for me. Then with a sort of eagerness I stripped her down – took everything off! She looked different, but in a familiar sort of way. I was excited! I took my time! I polished all the bits that needed polishing. Then I polished them all some more.

Next I started to oil her up and she seemed to like it, so I oiled and rubbed some more. This oiling went on for several days until my arm ached from all the rubbing, but her timber had taken on a beautiful glow with that well-oiled look. I couldn’t wipe the grin from my face. Then I carefully replaced all the furnishings that I’d removed and she was complete again. She now looked just how I thought a fine Bess should look.

Bess, or Bessie, the name depended on my mood at any given time, but by either name we had a lot of good times together. She was a 3rd model Brown Bess musket and I was just 26 years old and they were untroubled days. Many years later, through a combination of politics (gun laws) and hard times we parted company. Today I am sad that this happened and that goes for many of the guns I once owned.

But Bessie was more special! Whether it was all the loving work I put in polishing the brass and hand rubbing the oil finish to the stock, or what I can’t say, she was just special. I’d kinda like to know where, and with whom, she spends her time these days. Hopefully she receives the same fond affection as I still feel for her. Glen Mitchell.

The Phoenix

Those of us who have never experienced first hand the devastation of raging bushfires cannot possibly imagine the sense of total loss many people suffered in February2009. John Morland contributes to our series about how we give a pet name to our firearms –

“It took a crowbar and a lot of physical effort to open the twisted wreckage of my burnt-out gun safe. Once achieved, one glance at the contents would cause many a grown man to weep. There were lots of pieces of burned metal such as barrels, locks and receivers (Oh yeah, I lost some modern stuff as well). There were numerous bits of melted brass. Of the timber stocks there was nothing left at all. No maple or walnut could survive that heat! I was just one pissed-off Trapper, standing there in the ashes.

Time passed, and then came word from a certain Free Trapper who often gets his wagon bogged. Any bits I may have recovered were needed by a certain Western Districts Trapper, and don’t ask any questions!

Enter No.3 in a trilogy of fine rifles recently built by Ian Convey, each of them different but with stocks beautifully hand crafted from the same tree.

A fine Kentucky long rifle she be. With a poured pewter for-end tip, browned patch box with silver heart inlay, another inlay in the but-plate strap. Browned furniture and barrel with the Southern Cross inlaid in the nearside of the butt. From the charred ashes to this – truly amazing!

The Phoenix

Next I acquired a mould and run some ball, the patch and ball size is well known to me, for this barrel and I have travelled many trails and entered many off-hand matches, but will it be the same. Alas, no, not to be! This fine rifle has risen from the ashes with a completely new character, putting me and the “Phoenix” on a whole new learning curve. And I still can’t get this smile off my face.

Sometimes a simple thank-you seems totally inappropriate for all the hard work, time, and skill that were required to rebuild this rifle, a gift which means a lot to me.
To you Ian, I say – THANK YOU!” John Morland

Convalescing

It was a full month after the event when we received word that Judy Harley, our lady host at Bernard’s Cache, had been in a nasty accident early in January. The tractor Judy was driving along the road got out of control on a steep incline, forcing Judy to take to the trees rather than crush the much smaller tractor being driven by Bernie.

A broken collar bone and several busted ribs along with deep cuts to head and knee will keep Judy out of action for several months. The Club has forwarded a card with get well messages and we here again reiterate our very best wishes to Judy for full recovery in the speediest possible manner.

Hitting the Mark – Line of Sight meets Point of Impact.

“One went wide and one went low; where the hell did the other one go…….?”

Dave Doran’s Lonesome Louie cartoons first appeared in the pages of Muzzleloader magazine.

Getting a new muzzleloader to hit the mark, one need not experience the embarrassment or frustration of Fast Freddy if he only follows a few simple guidelines. If the sights are not aligned correctly, then the sights should be adjusted to bring the line of sight to meet the point of impact.

This usually involves firing a number of shots from some sort of sturdy and very stable rest. Three shots should be a minimum guide; five is nearly twice the fun.

The idea is to establish a “group”, and then the sights are adjusted to move the line of sight closer to the group. Further three (or five) shot groups should be made each time the sights are adjusted, until the sights are correctly aligned. It’s all part of the joy of shooting.

Wikipedia, the free online encyclopaedia gives these detailed instructions for adjusting sights:

• To move the line of sight DOWN (the shots hit BELOW the point of aim) the REAR sight is RAISED or the FRONT sight is LOWERED.
• To move the line of sight UP (the shots hit ABOVE the point of aim) the REAR sight is LOWERED or the FRONT sight is RAISED.
• To move the line of sight LEFT (the shots hit LEFT of the point of aim) the REAR sight is moved RIGHT or the FRONT sight is moved LEFT.
• To move the line of sight RIGHT (the shots hit RIGHT of the point of aim) the REAR sight is moved LEFT or the FRONT sight is moved RIGHT.

Tattler

Next time you’re having a cold’un with Blind Fox ask about his you-beaut 4WD auto fridge and battery discharger. Luckily an observant Grey Wolf with one spare dollar and a good lead got the jump on Kevin and likely earned himself another cold beer. Just ask Richard!

Letters to the editor

Hi Chook, I enjoyed the latest online newsletter with the lead article on undertaking of other aspects of Living History. Just a cautionary note on soap making – When using caustic soda it is best to do the mixing up of the soap ingredients in a glass or terracotta bowl and then ladling it into a wooden mould as caustic soda will eat thru anything metal. I have had several buckets destroyed due to leaving the ash sitting in the bucket too long after cleaning out my fireplace. An aluminium vessel I once used for soap making was completely eaten away by the caustic. Jenny Baker.

Hi Chook, Thanks for the newsletter online, it’s always a good read. Getting to the Easter camp could be a problem but the ANZAC weekend looks good. Keith Hendry.

“I do wish he’d train the dog to do his fetching!”
Our tongue-in-cheek caption for this attractive picture of Susan Schwer.
Dick and Susan are regular visitors from South Australia. Photo by Kevin

Chook on christening Muzzleloaders.

Well, to be truthful, I’d never referred to any rifle or smoothbore I’ve owned other than by using the make & model e.g. Pedersoli Mortimer. But, after Ian refurbished my Remington barrel I had a problem – to continue calling it “The Remington” seemed totally wrong as it certainly wasn’t that anymore. (See my story in Vol 21) But then it never was the authentic replica as touted in the sales pitch. Some forums suggest Remington had their “custom shop” commemoratives made by the Hatfield Company, but the Remington spokespeople are rather coy on this – wonder why?

So, if it wasn’t a faithful copy of a Remington, and the Hatfield connection is rumour, a sudden thought inspired its new pet name. The Hatfield Company’s heritage links back to the feuding Hatfield’s & McCoy’s. Ian used that Remington branded barrel, mated with a Davis lock and the Convey craftsmanship of a hand carved stock with hand-made trigger and all iron furniture, to come up with a dinkum custom made rifle. – It’s the real McCoy. It is time “McCoy” and I went for a walk in the bush!

Two Centuries of Growth and Decline 1810 – 2010.

The U.S. Federal census of 1810 lists around 200 gun powder mills across America. One of the earliest known advertisements for powder featured in the Pittsburgh Gazette some 10 years earlier:-

POWDER. The subscriber has for sale, the best RIFLE POWDER – he can supply Merchants and others, at reasonable prices, at his Powder Mill on Peter’s Creek. Jacob Ferree (owner), Alleghany County, Mifflin Township, September 13, 1799.

Sadly, that large number of powder makers gradually dwindled, until we seem to have only two sources of black powder available to our dealers in Australia today, and if I am correct, only three or four in the USA. Wano, a German brand, and the very expensive Swiss Schuetzen seem to be the only current choice here, while our US mates have these two, plus Elephant brand and their own home-grown Goex to choose.

Free Trappers requiring powder will find all their needs met by contacting Roger Mowbray at Northern Shooter’s Supplies division of Stock, Lock Antique Arms – see our Trading Post ads.

Murray the Club Treasurer – holds centre

Members Please Note: Club Annual Subscriptions due!
All subs for 2010-2011 fall due on 31st March. We are able to maintain our very low fee of only $20 per adult member. i.e. $20 Singles; $40 Couples; Children -18 free!

All members will be aware that three quarters of this fee goes towards paying our Public Liability insurance premiums. Your prompt payment of subs helps us to maintain the low rates. Please forward your cheque or money order direct to our Treasurer – Murray Convey, 2806 Colac / Ballarat Road, Dereel 3352.

Kevin enjoys a cup of hospitality inside Richard & Lorraine’s tent.

Greetings friends, welcome again to Around the Traps. Did anyone notice that we turned 21 with our Christmas volume? Kinda special achieving that 21st and thanks to all members we certainly hold the key to Primitive Rendezvous re-enactment Down Under. Congratulations to everyone who took part in our events, and particularly those who forwarded articles or photos, and especially to those on who we tattled. It’s all about having fun!

SCFT also thanks Bill and Beryl Wilson of Bundaberg, Bob Seip of Ferntree Gully, Bob Timms of Narre Warren and Noel & Estelle Collinson of Kew, who all generously supported our Primitive Rendezvous movement throughout 2009.

2010 promises to be our biggest, brightest year since formation as committee and members continually strive to improve camps, our personas, while refining shooting challenges for both greenhorn beginner and seasoned Hivernant. And remember, Around the Traps is your newsletter, so keep those articles and your favourite photographs coming.

Alternative Camp Life (or Not Quite the Minimalist)

Ian’s article in Vol. 21 drew a few comments about doing it so tough. Not everyone desires to portray the hardy, lonesome north-west Trapper at our rendezvous re-enactments. Bob Ellis loves his role as wagon master fetching (grog?) supplies to the trappers, but when travelling with his lovely squaw he manages to hide a super comfy double bed plus a small table complete with candelabra inside the 22 foot tipi. Really!

Robyn pushes a cartload of comforts

Kevin and Robyn’s trading post is perhaps the most eye-catching camp set-up we see. However, the casual eye may overlook homely comforts and interior decorating. Some of our women folk prefer a persona partnering an Eastern Longhunter or Trader.

And there is nothing wrong with hauling along furnishing for the basic pioneer life of a settler in search of suitable land to set down roots, build a cabin of one or two rooms, grow some vegetables and sow some crops.

The dining table inside the Trading Post

One must remember that while intrepid mountain men were exploring the beaver streams the flatlanders back east were not twiddling their thumbs. There was always a push to explore and settle in green pastures. Our pictures illustrate just how cosy and comfortable greener pastures could be achieved – a cabin with a warm feet stove, a shuttered window, buffalo robe mats, a table made of boards and even a kitchen sink bench.

Including the kitchen sink

Events 2010

February, 19th – 21st. We hold a static display at Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.

April 2nd – 5th. An Easter bunny and egg hunt at Bernard’s Cache, Caveat.
April 24th – 26th. Anzac day weekend – leftover rabbit pie at Bernard’s Cache.

June 12th – 14th. Queen’s Birthday weekend – Winter Quarters at Bernard’s Cache.

September 17th – 20th. Spring Rendezvous with friends at Beaver Creek, Whorouly.
An extended single weekend – Friday 17th through to Monday 20th.

November 6th & 7th. Melbourne Medieval Fayre and Tourney (MMFAT) at Berwick.

Seymour Alternative Farming Expo, 19th – 21st. February 2010

Glen Mitchell, Paul Sly and Jim Walker assisted at Bob Ellis’ tent exhibition at this event last year, displaying lots of Trapper paraphernalia. It was a successful trial to show the general public something of what we do usually so far away from public eye.

There is huge interest in our hobby and this is a grand opportunity to recruit new chums to black powder and rendezvous camping. We hold a Populous Place Permit from Firearms Licensing to allow members with appropriate license endorsement to attend with their muzzleloader and accoutrements for our display purposes.

Bob Ellis can provide free entry tickets for members prepared to dress in period costume and spend some time manning our presentation. Are you able to assist for half a day, a full day, or perhaps all 3 days? Contact Bob on 03 5796 2753 A.H.

SCFT display at the 2009 Seymour Alternative Farming Expo

Hunting for Exercise

by Paul Sly, aka Le Reynard
Morning dawned fine and clear, and as my two young boys were soundly asleep in bed, I thought it was time to follow the doctor’s advice and get some exercise. I donned the appropriate clothes and gear and headed off with the “Old Girl” and her fixin’s (aka Kentucky rifle and hunting pouch) in hand. I was hunting along the dry winding creek bed at the back of my house hoping to bag a rabbit or two for the pot.

After moving-off a few reluctant roo’s, there was nothing else stirring until I came around a bend in the creek. There was one half-dozing rabbit catching a few morning rays just before retiring to its burrow. With not much cover I was able to get to within 40 yards, it was now or never, with a flash and boom the .440” ball was on its way to its destiny – that being one of completely by-passing the rabbit and hitting the dirt in front of its toes. Needless to say that rabbit did not wait to see how fast I could re-load for a second shot. So on I went, continuing my exercise routine. Ho, hum!

It was not too long after that, as I neared a fence line, I spooked a sitting rabbit which decided to run only about 10-15 yards, before stopping to have a look at what had disturbed its morning bliss. Fatal mistake! Having brought that Kentucky flinter to my shoulder and settled the sights on the rabbit’s shoulder I gently touched off the shot.

The “Old Girl” always seems to do better the second shot after a clean barrel and this time was no exception. When the smoke had cleared there was one nice plump rabbit to put in the game bag. By now it was time to head back to the house for some well earned breakfast and a nice hot cuppa to finish off my “rigorous” exercise programme.

Regular exercise can be such good sport.

After feeding the inner man, and with help from one young apprentice (now awake) I dressed out the carcass, fed the scraps to the dogs, and stowed that rabbit in the freezer. It would be the makings of a delicious simmering casserole at a later date. I’m happy taking my doctor’s advice about exercise. See you round the traps, Le Reynard.

What’s in a Name, eh?

by Ian Convey
In the era we choose to re-enact it seemingly was a fairly common practise to refer to one’s firearm, be it rifle or smoothbore, by a pet name. Possibly this was because many a frontiersman had only one such arm, often for life, and, of necessity it was his constant companion, providing both sustenance and defence from animals and hostiles alike.

This practise of naming one’s firearm appears to have diminished with the advent of the breechloader and the taming of the frontiers lessening the need for constant protection. The more affluent in settlements might also have several firearms but now used only for casual sporting purposes to provide additional table fare.

Fear not, for we modern day muzzleloader shooters being anxious to re-live the olden ways are reviving the tradition of naming our favourite smoke-poles. Or in some cases the not-so-favourite piece that might bruise or injure at both ends. Ian thought to entertain readers we should run a short series sharing member’s fond names for certain guns and just how they decided on that moniker.

For example, Peter Jepson from the Council of Muzzleloaders has a much altered 45/70 Martini Henry (hmm – very futuristic) which he calls “Mr Ugly” just because that’s what it is. But it is spoken with a certain fondness for it shoots just where Peter wants.

June Howard, secretary of the Council of Muzzleloaders, has a .58 cal 3 Band Enfield that she christened “Goose-beater”. No, she does not thump domestic fowls with the butt! There was just this one occasion when June won a hard fought event in a shoot-off against the Western Districts club president Mr “Goose” Sheppard. Incidentally, Goose’s own .58 cal Three Bander is called “The Destroyer” as it has that effect on most targets. You can believe it!

Now our Jim Walker recently acquired a .50 cal T.C. flinter which he has christened “Hopeful”. I can’t help wondering if it will get a name change after one or two hunts or competitions. We do hear that Jim has been blitzing the shotgun field at Seymour Black Powder Club with his whopping big 8 bore muzzleloader.

John Morland very aptly named his .45 cal long rifle “The Phoenix” after I had rebuilt it for him. John’s home and the rifle had been quite destroyed in the 2009 “Black Saturday” bush fires. “The Phoenix” was built from salvaged parts found in the ashes.

Personally, I have owned three “christened” firearms over the years. One, a single shot 12 bore B/L was called “Deadly Earnest” or just “Deadly” for short. It was named by some mates who cast dispersions on its looks and performance. My second gun that had a moniker was a .45 cal caplock long rifle that I built in 1972. It was named “Game-getter” after proving itself on several hunts. The third gun is my 20g Trade gun which I called “Porky” because it brought home plenty of bacon.

We will follow up with more “christening” stories from Chook and Glen Mitchell in future editions. But we would also like to feature your favourite gun and the reason for its pet name or just how you arrived at such a name. Please forward your story to me for collaboration and on forwarding to our editor. Introduce your gun formally to your friends through our Newsletter.

Ian Convey, president.

Flint Hint:-When priming the pan, be sure not to overfill so much as to cover the vent.

Soap

Not the crap dished up on TV, but home-made suds for personal hygiene, laundering yer duds and cleaning dishes. My personal camping choice had always been Wright’s Coal Tar soap; that Kiwi brand that smells of a blend of dog wash and sheep dip and one sniff of it has all germs curling their toes I’m sure. Then along came Glen with his home-made soap offerings in eye-catching wraps all laid out on a trade blanket.

I’ll admit it was the “Pine Ridge Soap” labelled wrapper that grabbed my immediate attention. Glen was cleverly marketing his product featuring an attractive sportswoman in period costume with bonnet, a muzzleloader and the slogan “To aide in the genteel art of Bathing”. I guessed the label was printed in the traditional silk screen method of bygone days. Silk screen! Silk? You know – “Made out of worms!”

So I bought several cakes of Pine Ridge Soap. Presents for my two sisters and one for self as I was due for a bath come summer. Glen’s labelling listed all ingredients and there are no nasty perfumes, in fact no perfume at all, ideal for hunters hiding human scent and perfect for sensitive skins troubled by dubious additives in modern soaps.

I’m here to tell you readers that Pine Ridge Soap is a great product. It suds up nicely and cakes are longer lasting than modern store bought soaps. I’m sure Glen will have more soap available on his future trade blankets but for those of you wanting to have a go at making your own – here is one old recipe you might like to try.

Household Soap: Ingredients – 5 lbs fat, 6 quarts water, 1 lb lye, ½ lb resin, ½ lb borax.
Method – Melt the fat in 5 quarts of boiling water, dissolve the lye (caustic soda) in 1 quart then add to mix, and then add the resin and borax. Let it simmer from 2 to 3 hours. Pour into a suitable vessel and allow it to set firmly before cutting into cakes.

Caution – Be sure to use a large vessel and exercise great care as soon as the mixture comes to boiling point. Note: The above recipe is supplied with all care and no responsibility.

Old timers from early 20th C used a kerosene tin, cut lengthwise, in which to pour the mixture for setting. Note: Most recipes call for 5 – 6 lbs of fat (tallow) but a reduced percentage of all ingredients might well be much easier for your first batch.

Tattler

Saw a few lovely pictures of Mountain Man style Christmas / New Year greetings being forwarded via the internet. Great stuff and Tattler really appreciated the efforts you guys went to. But did you know that the first printed Christmas cards were not invented until the year 1843? More on this later in the year!

Our requests to hear your stories of pet names for smoke poles received small initial response, so El Presidente thought we should be more persuasive. He’s sure that Jeff, or maybe Murray, would refer to their charcoal burners in fondest terms such as “Big Bertha” or “Ol’ Stinky” or perhaps something with Indian flavour like “Goes-Better-With-Dry-Powder”. So what about it? You’re Free Trappers; you can name it anything you like. Send brief details to Ian for sharing in future editions.

Those members having Email facilities will remember back in mid-December when Chook forwarded a photo of Ronnie Davis taken at MMFAT (mid November), announcing he had won the President’s award for our “Best Santa look-alike” competition. Of course this was merely all in jest, for no such competition was held.

What Tattler has since learned is that while at MMFAT Ron had to pass by a horde of Viking re-enactors during Happy Hour. As Ron was walking past, those warriors and wenches suddenly ceased their lusty song to start up a jolly Christmas carol. The same thing happened again on Ron’s return passing of their camp. Ronnie never twigged those Norsemen were teasing him as his red voyager hat capped off his Santa-like white beard. The penny finally dropped a month later when we declared him that competition winner. Ronnie took it with fine spirits! Most likely good scotch whiskey!

Quick Quiz – What is Le Reynard’s pet name for his .45”cal Kentucky flinter?

Alternative camp life – a comfortable bed!

Chook shoots his refurbished Remington, see our Christmas feature story. Photo by Kevin

Season’s Greetings from Around the Traps, our newsletter for members and black powder fun loving friends. The rifle in our picture and feature story should have made Christmas 1995 an unforgettable occasion. That didn’t quite work out. But today, the above snapshot by Kevin is your editor’s personal favourite of the month, and the accompanying lengthy story forwarded to Muzzleloader magazine explains why. Oh but first check out that beautiful stock timber!

Remington ER 1816 Commemorative Flintlock.

(It was the week before Christmas……)
Back in the mid nineties, whilst reading a popular Australian shooting publication, I came upon an eye-catching glossy advertisement for a flintlock rifle from Remington. “This limited edition replica will be produced for one year only, and available on special order through the Remington Custom Shop. Interested collectors and black powder shooters are encouraged to place orders early”

Wow, I thought, wouldn’t that be something special, as I looked at the colour picture of a fine long rifle. I read the complete advert again, and again. Later, when I had re-read the full ad for the umpteenth time, especially the line – “This is an authentic replica – lock, stock and barrel – of the first Remington rifle ever built” – I realised I was hooked, and knew that I had to have one of these Custom Shop specials.

The generic term “lock, stock & barrel” has come to be accepted as “the complete thing”, in this case encompassing those three components and everything else in a fine rifle, from the screws in the butt plate to the tip of the fore-end nose cap. So I just knew that Remington’s authentic replica flintlock was gonna be extraordinary special.

As we were already six months into the year, I cursed my late observation of the advertisement, and rushed to a helpful Melbourne suburbs gun dealer. He accepted my order with 10% deposit on the 1st July 1995, and would advise me just as soon as Remington’s Australian agents had shipping details. I settled down to wait it out.

Months passed, and my many phone enquiries all brought negative response. No gun and no word on it either. Nothing! 1995 became 1996 and I had grave misgivings about this order. Months later I was told that the Australian agents could not deliver, and I collected my deposit money – Oh, I was refunded alright yet most disappointed!

It was the week before Christmas ’96 when that same dealer phoned offering contact details of a guy in the States he said just might be able to help. Allowing for time zone difference, it was 2 am when I made my call, and within minutes learned that this U.S. mid-western dealer actually had six of these rifles in stock. Try to sleep on that!

It took a couple of days and a couple more late night calls to secure the transaction on one of those six rifles. Transfers and shipping arrangements were all organised by Christmas Eve and I was looking forward to a great New Year with a great new gun.

The rifle finally arrived in February ’97, some twenty months after first placing my original order. It looked great, all bright and shiny. I proudly took it home to get acquainted, and to read the accompanying literature and certificates containing the assurance that it had been made – “just the way old Eliphalet would have wanted it”.

A flint wrapped in leather was inserted tightly in the jaws, the frizzen closed, set the trigger, squeeze, and yep she sparks well. But wait, the trigger won’t reset. And that’s when my new troubles started! Cutting a long story short, examination revealed that the trigger sear was just a smidgeon too short and overridden by the triggers. My good friend, Bob Seip, an excellent tradesman toolmaker, came to the rescue, silver soldering and lengthening the sear bar about 1/8 of an inch.

On the firing line at the range, the gun was sparking and firing well, but then I noticed that closing the frizzen did not seal the pan, and a mere tilt of the rifle to get the priming away from the vent would cause all of the priming to fall out of the pan.

Cutting the long story again – examination revealed the periphery of the pan required a surface grind to level it. The frizzen itself was twisted slightly, and its axle hole was way off centre. Bob came to the rescue again with more of his toolmaker magic, for this lock and trigger set-up was decidedly not “the way old Eliphalet would have wanted it”.

But, I was forgiving of the Remington advertising spiel and could now enjoy shooting the piece without losing priming or having triggers snared. The barrel certainly shot as true as my tired old eyes could see. I even forgave Remington for the hex-slot screws through the ramrod thimbles into the barrel; well sort of – actually, I pretended not to notice!

Then one day the brass nose cap fell off into my hand. Hey, this thing just sits there held on with the slightest of spring tension. Surely old Eli would have had a rivet or a screw holding the brass cap to the maple?

A major disappointment was that the escutcheon plates were merely glued to the stock encompassing false “barrel” pins, yes, mere decorations serving absolutely no purpose. They do not secure the barrel in the stock in the traditional manner of original rifles! Some authentic replica! I still cannot believe there was anything so deceptive about any original rifle built by Eliphalet Remington.

The rifle never did match my expectations. In fact, I generally considered it an embarrassment to shoot it in company, but ten years passed before I finally spat the dummy over its tarnished pedigree. My good rendezvous friend Ian Convey, an aircraft instrument fitter by trade, offered to remake the rifle doing away with the hex head bolts through the thimbles, the fake escutcheon plates and pins and the dome headed brass patch box screws. This offer got me thinking of the Custom Shop gun I’d anticipated from Remington way back in 1995.

The John Twigg style lock by R.E. Davis

The lock selected was a John Twigg styled English lock by R.E. Davis. Unfortunately Ian had already made the iron furniture by the time the lock arrived, as there was a problem matching the Twigg to the original set triggers. After consultation with Ian it was decided he would build and fit a new single trigger, resulting in the trigger guard having just a little too much space in rear of the trigger. After a while I’ve gotten used to the aesthetics, and Ian’s single trigger has a light release which suits me just fine.

My original request had been for the poor boy look, with a grease-hole stock, no ram rod entry pipe of course, and without a nose cap. Ian heard that last bit and omitted the nose cap, but couldn’t stop himself from using a piece of scrap stock wood for a nice sliding patch box lid. After hand building some 30 rifles over the years, Ian’s experienced tone was recommending I reconsider excluding the ram rod entry pipe. I quickly agreed, and Ian hand made one matching the profile of the two front thimbles.

Being over 60 years of age, I had just one other request – to move that rear sight two foot further down the barrel. There was an alternative – to come up with a peep sight that would pass the criteria for the muzzleloader early season hunting in the U.S. While we don’t have such concessions here in Australia, it was felt that such a non- adjustable sight would be acceptable for all friendly range shoots, and a decided asset for any hunting here down-under, without transgressing into modern adjustable sights.

After a lengthy search of available books, magazines, internet and etc., Ian located an article he’d remembered from a 1994 Muzzleloader magazine on authentically styled peep sights. Ian’s interpretation utilizes a simple thumbscrew tapped into the tang. It blends easily into the overall pleasing lines of the rifle and allows fast acquisition of target with the ivory bead insert that Ian added to the front sight.

The original barrel was mirror-smooth in the bore with deep cut rifling, but it had several machining chatter marks on the top flats, so I asked Ian if the flats could be filed without losing the original name or serial numbers. Ian obliged once again and re-browned the barrel and all iron furniture to a nice plumb brown, before securing the barrel to the stock using genuine pins, as in the documented fashion of the era.

The barrel is now the only component retained from my original “replica” Remington. The Twigg lock by Davis throws great showers of sparks. The hand carved stock was given a little cast-off and enough wrist and forearm swell to sustain a life of knocks in the Aussie bush. The wood grain follows the wrist contours perfectly, and the natural light and dark contrasting colours flow in beautiful waves along the entire length. All iron furniture is one-off hand made and browned. Steel screw heads are all heat blued.

Thoughts of a poor boy rifle with grease hole were forgotten, and Ian’s finishing touches to the wooden patch box lid were a cast pewter finial, and to inlet five small studs representing the stars of the Southern Cross – a symbol denoting unity of cause, and the bonds of our primitive rendezvous club, the Southern Cross Free Trappers.

It’s rather hard to regard this rifle as a Remington any more, but at last it is something quite special; it’s now an honest and sturdy no-frills hunting rifle, and I like to think that finally it may be very close to Remington’s 1995 claim – “just the way old Eliphalet would have wanted it”.

Events 2010

2nd 3rd 4th 5th April. An Easter bunny and egg hunt at Bernard’s Cache, Caveat.

24th 25th & 26th April. Anzac w/end – serving seconds of rabbit pie at Bernard’s Cache.

12th –14th June. Queen’s Birthday long weekend – Winter Quarters at Bernard’s Cache.

17th – 20th September. Spring Rendezvous with friends at Beaver Creek, Whorouly. An extended single weekend – Friday 17th through to Monday 20th.

6th & 7th November. Melbourne Medieval Fayre and Tourney (MMFAT) at Berwick.

’Tis the Season…

Christmas time is extra special for families as we watch our children mature from year to year. We missed the kids at Rondyvoo this last September, so in this issue we’ve featured 2008 photos of our chillun’ having a great time doing kids stuff and enjoying rendezvous days. Plus we share a letter to all members from a friend in the USA. We hope you can take time to enjoy the read of our special Christmas bumper edition! And don’t forget to use the summer months to advantage revising gear or making new outfits for bigger and brighter rendezvous in 2010. A Merry Christmas to all.

Andrea forwarded this photo of John and William with Penny and the simple caption – Boys dog. It’s a favourite of mine too, but not because that’s my pooch waiting hopefully for scraps; it’s the memories of childhood it brings flooding back. Every boy dreams of camping and playing in the outdoors – tangled hair, a grubby face, real dirt behind the ears; socks, shirts and trousers that were all too briefly clean; pockets crammed with a folding knife and assorted treasures; thousands of questions to ask – that’s what kids do for a living! Every day is an adventure for boys and their dogs. Lewis and Clark were once young boys with that same zest for discovery.

Tattler

Mappo, aka Senator Festus T LaGarse, “running in Virginia, walking in Georgia” came across an abundance of prime beaver while “gallup-ing” among the northern hordes at MMFAT on Sunday 8th November. Keen to improve his polling he soon alerted the Trappers to the scores of beaver all hollering “Take me, take me”. This resulted in several Free Trappers and friends harvesting a haul of plews the like of Henry Frapp’s dying visions. What a coup for trappers representing the Club and for the disguised Frontier folk on that second hot day of the Medieval Fayre and Tourney.

John Willett and Indiana Baker with a cartload of friends. Photo by Kevin

Looking up Sam & Jake (A letter from Brad Randall, north Mississippi, thereabouts)

Howdy, I saw your website while looking up Sam & Jake Hawken on Google. I have to tell you, I’m impressed with your group. I suppose I had no idea that the folks Down Under even knew what Buck Skinners were all about. It looks to me; I will have to rethink the issue given what I saw on your web site. It looks really good and more importantly; it really looks and feels correct. I believe I would have fit right in well, except I suspect I talk funny to ya’ll being from the South and all.

I have been involved in smoke poles for over 35 years building and shooting them across the US, Germany, Canada and the UK. At last count I have built about 150 rifles and pistols. I built a Hawken gun for the American National Rifle Association. I have several in Europe, a few in Canada and the rest all over the US. I just came back from about 9 months in the UK and found a muzzleloading shotgun club there and had a great time knocking down clay birds. Well, and missing a bunch too but, it was a wonderful time.

I’ve done a lot of re-enacting of the American Revolution and American Civil War but, Buck Skinning is where my heart is. I spent about 20 years in the American Army and just don’t want to spend my fun time play soldier; especially when the guy in charge doesn’t know his head from a hole in the ground. I have also gotten to spend some time out in the Rockies going to Rendezvous, shooting, hunting elk, trout fishing and just standing around with my mouth hanging open in pure wonder at the beauty. I was out there one time in August, just outside of Yellowstone Park, and we got about 3 inches of snow. Yeah and I didn’t have my winter stuff either. Dang it was cold that night.

Anyway, I just wanted to say Howdy to you folks. I have attached a couple of pictures: one of my smiling face at a winter camp doing my best Davy Crockett, one of a flint lock smooth bore long gun I built and a flintlock pistol I have just finished.

Let me know how you folks are getting on. Maybe we can swap some, I was going to say lies but, let’s say stories. I don’t know ya’ll that well yet.

Oh, if you ever get to north Mississippi or anywhere near Memphis, TN, give me a call. I have a place to shoot and plenty of things to do it with. Also, one of the clubs I belong to usually has something going on most of the time.

Take care,
Brad Randall

Nov. 2009 Melbourne Medieval Fayre and Tourney (MMFAT) at Berwick.

Lisa with Nicholas and Nathaniel at the Club’s display at MMFAT while at the right rear Bob examines a butcher’s knife.

MMFAT
What a heat wave – Melbourne in November enduring consecutive days of 35+ C. Summer heat hit us all far too suddenly and proved damned uncomfortable for many re-enactors normally dressing in wool jackets and medievals in chainmail. Never-the-less the Free Trappers together with Bojo Canvas Products put on a good display and received lots of attention, keen interest and many compliments all round.

Thanks to Bob Ellis, Ron Davis, Jim Walker and Paul Sly for manning the display and to all and sundry friends who continually utilised my George Washington stool.

More on Remington?

1816 Remington owners or enthusiasts are invited to comment on our leading article by using the form at the foot of this newsletter.

Additional photos of that refurbished Remington.

Butt stock & patch box on completely refurbished Remington.

Showing original barrel, hand made side plate and simple rear sight.

Spectacles

When we engage authenticity we continually see two main items that we hesitate to tackle, probably due to their single item cost. Footwear is often mentioned in our Tattler column as we try to help with suggestions. Shoes, boots and even moccasins can be expensive if we are serious about portrayals – but they need not be!

The second item is eyewear and this can also amount to a considerable outlay in dollars, but need not. The prescription lens is not the most expensive part. Locating period correct frames can be difficult, although several Sutlers do stock modern-made frames in the styles of 18th & 19th centuries at modest cost. Then it is simply a matter of getting your Optometrist to fit prescription lenses and you are there.

Some points to remember if you are ordering new lenses for your period frames.

1. Bifocal spectacles were invented by Benjamin Franklin way back in 1760.
2. Sunglasses arrived much later – in fact 1929. Polarizing lens followed in 1936.

All this means that bifocal lenses in period correct frames are quite kosher for our rendezvous’ even if your persona is of the French Indian Wars period (also known as the Seven Years War 1754-1763). Sadly, your modern-framed polarizing lenses, whether bifocal or not, are simply out-of-place. So, if you are wearing modern glasses please remember to remove them for photographs so as not to be a spectacle in print.
http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/bifocals.htm
http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/sunglasses.htm

Simple Fare – a Minimalist Approach.

To protect our pre 1840 theme I have been striving to eliminate as much as possible using modern foods and packaging that require vital 21st C storage to protect health. I try to carry only gear that a trapper could carry on packhorses. Thus the esky or ice-box, all large storage boxes, fire irons, cast iron cookware, enamel ware and camp furniture are slowly being eliminated from my kit. It means less to pack, less to carry and far less to store at home.

I’ve listed a few thoughts and achievements for your consideration – First up storage; Contrary to the no box rule I do have a wooden Hudson’s Bay trap-box which has been converted into a tuckerbox/camp kitchen. It is of a size that could be carried on a pack horse and has been modified internally for storage convenience.

Contained in the box are :- 3 steel plates,1 wooden bowl, 2 forks, 4 spoons (brass, wood & horn), 1 small steel spatula, 2 tin cups, 1 horn cup, 2 small chains & hooks for use on a fire tripod (wood) a small steel frypan, 3 tin billys which fit inside each other, a tin can of candles, a tin can with soap & scourer pad and tin cans containing the following foodstuffs- Oatmeal, flour, tea, coffee, sugar, powdered milk, sultanas, dried apricots, pasta, brown rice, dried peas corn & carrot mix and 2 square cork stoppered glass bottles containing tomato sauce and bear (olive) oil. There is also a salt horn and two others containing ground pepper and chilli powder.

I admit that some of these items and containers are not authentic for the pre 1840’s. This is a problem that I am slowly fixing; e.g. instant coffee replaced with coffee beans, powdered milk and pasta could be eliminated and the sugar replaced with either honey or maple syrup. I have utilised friction fit lid storage tins with a few slip lid tins when I can find them. Square tins such as for Twinings tea or Milo are ideal as they are vermin and moisture proof. Remove any paint from the tins by using paint stripper and scratch the contents name on the lid. Slip lid tins are more authentic but harder to come by, but these can sometimes be sourced at Opportunity shops.

Fresh fruit and vegetables such as apples, potatoes, onions and carrots all keep well without refrigeration as are easily stored in canvas bags hung out of reach of possums.

In the past I have utilised a canvas covered esky which has contained ice, frozen meat and frozen bread. My new challenge is to eliminate the esky and all refrigerated foods. I shall achieve this by carrying home made beef jerky, salamis and other cooked meats; all of which can be stored in calico bags. Such meat products can be re-cooked into various dishes such as stews. While hardly gourmet fare ample variety can still be enjoyed. Fresh game meat will be utilised when available, and instead of store-bought bakers bread I shall have to cook damper.

The worn-out cliché “if they had of had it, they would have used it” approach is just a tired and poor excuse dampening the true spirit of re-enactment. They simply didn’t have Winnebago’s with refrigerators, TV and CD radios – these things ain’t fun!
“Don’t ya wanna have fun no more?”

Ian Convey

Fabulous recently completed cased pistol made by Brad Randall and the beautiful butt stock and lock of an earlier made fowling piece also by Brad. (see Brad’s letter above)

Brad says his blackpowder re-enacting club is similar to ours and Aussie Trappers can look them up on their website at www.hatchierunlongrifles.com

Peter Hawkey is congratulated by club president – Ian Convey. Photo by Jim Walker

It was double success for Peter Hawkey visiting us at Beaver Creek this September for the first time. Peter is seen above receiving the president’s cup for winning the simulated Mike Fink challenge. He also won a cast iron Dutch oven filled with fresh vegetables for best results in the simulated Mountain Man hunt. Each contestant paid entry dues by placing one or more vegies in the pot for a winner-takes-all event. Peter had previously trekked in, carrying his shelter and all provisions for a one night camp.

Our week long rendezvous was blessed with all four seasons to test the most intrepid of Buckskinners. Early arrivals set up camp in warm Spring sunshine, almost summery conditions which remained through to Monday evening. A violent change brought Victoria the wettest September for years, borne on spectacular thunderstorms, followed by an icy hailstorm on the final Saturday. Beaver Creek did truly shine to that thin layer of hailstones!

No one is complaining about that rainfall which is much needed throughout the State. In fact, a big plus during inclement weather is that Skinners tend to congregate around the larger campfires or under the warmest shelter where communication is well oiled with some shared refreshment. Any Port in a storm…. or Muscat, or a smooth malt whiskey if you prefer.

Attendance was down to a hardy twenty, as illness, recuperation and family matters reduced anticipated presence by half. Nevertheless, a quick survey of participants indicated unanimous declaration of a great camp and continued support for primitive. It’s amazing how the harsher climatic conditions bring us all together and then remain fond memories for discussion in years to follow.

Glen and Anthea arrived early to set up camp in a brand new Bojo built tent; Glen had spent long hours making many camp comforts for trial within the canvas walls. Nice work Glen! Bob Ellis’ covered wagon must have got bogged in his driveway for Bob and Lyne set up camp in their large 22 foot tipi, a welcome attraction we had not seen in camp since our first Winter Quarters at Andrew’s old farm. A very warm welcome is extended to Anthea and Lyne who both camped over with us all for the first time.

Winners All.

Attending by regular invitation were Gary and Jenny Baker, Don McLean and Mappo all now from the newly formed Frontiers Group. Gary and Don had to leave early for Monday work, while Mappo stayed on a couple of extra days and Jenny waited for Gary to return the following weekend; when poor Gary had to walk-in quite a distance due to a fallen tree blocking the laneway to Beaver Creek.

Couples, Kevin and Robyn Norris and Colin and Myrtle Barrett found time to visit even though other circumstance prevented their camping over with us. Regular visitors Dick and Susan Schwer spent the day with us while Peter Hawkey set up a minimalist camp for a single night after winning a full week’s supply of vegetables.

Jeff and Katherine with 10 month old baby Elizabeth Jennifer visited and stayed long enough to attend our AGM but unfortunately couldn’t linger. Justin and Louise arrived with their tipi just as Bob and Lyne were leaving for a work day week. The opportunity to move into Bob’s already erected tipi was quickly accepted. The attraction and warmth of an internal fireplace made the big lodge a popular gathering spot for all those staying through the week.

Jim was another early arrival, then unfortunately had to keep an appointment in Melbourne early in the week but wasted no time returning to camp the second half. Murray and Ian broke camp on Tuesday, while Mappo, Justin and Lou set off on Wednesday after the first days of lovely showers. The more testing weather was yet to come!

Then, making a long weekend of the final days, John Morland, Ronny Davis and our newest member Tom Jefferies all arrived Wednesday and found time between the almost daily showers to shoot and also do a bit of hunting. Not even a rabbit was sighted but a walk with Old Smoke Pole is always stimulating.

Our hosts, Rolly and Jo paid us several visits and son Ben camped a night or two in Justin’s old wall tent. Needs a coat of waterproofing, don’t it, Ben? Special thanks to the Matheson’s for the continuing welcome to camp on their property. It has been rumoured that Jo hopes to find time over the summer to sew up some pre 1840’s garments for Rolly and herself. Getting Rolly into the funny clothes is another matter!

A sudden drop in temperature on the final Saturday accompanied by a sharp thunder and hailstorm proved invigorating. Sadly, all good camps come to an end all too soon!

Another Winner

Jenny Baker of the Frontier Living History Group won a cast iron Camp oven for best lady shooter in the Mike Fink challenge. Actually, Jenny achieved second place overall to Peter Hawkey after a shoot-off in this event. But get this – Jenny had not fired a single shot, rifle or musket, since our camp in September 2008. That’s a damn fine performance after 12 mths lay-off. Nice shooting and congratulations to Jenny!

President’s Perseverance Award

This is not an annual award, however, this year, after consultation with the Committee; Ian felt that the Club should follow the lead of other organisations supporting bushfire relief programs. Members would be aware that one of our own lost their home, guns, accoutrements and chattels, in fact everything, in the February “Black Saturday” fires.

We are delighted to be able to present John Morland with a 12 month subscription gift certificate for Muzzleloader magazine, as a modest start to rebuilding a library of entertaining literature. Enjoy the reading, John. The Club acknowledges the generosity of the publishers of Muzzleloader magazine for making this award possible.

Medicine Water

In 1824 James Beckwourth left this general description of the mountain man’s summer rendezvous.

It may well be supposed that the arrival of such a vast amount of luxuries from the East did not pass off without a general celebration. Mirth, song, dancing, shooting, trading, running, jumping, singing, racing, target-shooting, yarns, frolic, with all sort of extravagances that white men or Indians could invent were freely indulged in. The unpacking of the medicine water contributed not a little to the heightening of our festivities.”

There was mirth without dancing, running or jumping (except over a few puddles) at Beaver Creek, but most days we could hear Jenny softly plucking some beautiful tunes on her handcrafted mountain dulcimer. Medicine for the soul! Then on a couple of occasions we were further delighted when Jenny regaled us with a song a cappella.

Sweet music – Medicine for the soul. Photo by Ian Convey

Raffles and Auction

Our low attendance meant ticket sellers were hard to find, so the raffles have been held over. The wrought iron poker with ram’s head knob and the voyager cap with silver Celtic clasp are most desirable prizes, now we have also received a beautiful hand made drop sleeve shirt in a traditional floral print.

With fewer numbers we lacked any bidding rivalry of last year during our fun auction. This was a trifle disappointing as the Club exists on our generous support of raffles and auctions. A couple of nice items saved the day so all in all we netted about $100.

Tattler

After days of wearing sopping wet moccasins, someone was caught-out early morning slipping across to the out-tent wearing those damned elastic-sided mocs. Doh! Well chooks don’t have web feet!

It’s only hail – no reason to abandon a good fire. Photo by Jim

Mountain Man Hunt

Our simulated hunt course was orchestrated by Glen Mitchell and Bob Ellis. They had so much fun doing so that they have requested to run another impromptu challenge next year. There were 15 possible scoring stations, four involving beaver traps, six small game animals for the taking, one hostile, and one thanksgiving turkey. Time taken would separate any otherwise level scores. Peter, although a clear winner was not the quickest, but then the slowest mountain man timed was a close runner-up on points. Now there’s a hint for ya – Hunt slow, look sure – Aim small, hit more!

Justice

Clive and Veronica Brown share this lyrical dissertation on justice done in the past. I’ll admit its eloquence tickles my humour also, but I do stress we’ve no ill-feelings toward sheep-herders, so – if you think Judges these days are getting soft when sentencing prisoners, you’d be right if the following is taken as the criterion:-

This is claimed to be a verbatim transcript of a sentence imposed by a Judge in a federal district court in New Mexico, U.S.A. in 1881.

“Jose Manuel Miguel Xavier Gonzales, in a few short weeks it will be spring. The snows of winter will flee away, the ice will vanish and the air will become soft and balmy. In short, the annual miracle of the years will awaken and come to pass, but you won’t be there.

The rivulet will run its soaring course to the sea, the timid desert flowers will put forth their tender shoots, and the glorious valley of this imperial domain will blossom as the rose. Still, you won’t be there to see.

From every treetop some wild woods songster will carol his mating song, butterflies will sport in the sunshine, and the busy bee will hum happily as it pursues its accustomed vocation; the gentle breeze will tease the tassels of the wild grasses and all nature, Jose Manuel Miguel Xavier Gonzales, will be glad but you.

You won’t be here to enjoy it because I command the Sheriff, or some officers of the country, to lead you to some remote spot, swing you by the neck from a knotting bough of some sturdy oak and let you hang until you are dead.

After then, Jose Manuel Miguel Xavier Gonzales, I further command that such officers retire quickly from your dangling corpse; that vultures may descend from the heavens upon your filthy body, until nothing shall remain but the bare, bleached bones of a cold-blooded, copper-coloured, blood-thirsty, throat-cutting, chilli-eating, sheep-herding, murdering son-of-a-bitch.”

******
And in case anyone wishes to burn a candle for Jose Manuel Miguel Xavier Gonzales, Jim Walker forwards this make-it-yourself recipe he discovered in an old 1933 diary.

To Make Tallow Candles
For every 2½ lbs of clean mutton tallow use ½ lb alum and ¼ lb beeswax. Dissolve the alum in a little warm water. Then put in the tallow and beeswax. Put in a large pot on the fire and stir well together and then run into candle mould. Soak the wicks in methylated spirit overnight. To make them burn evenly brush them over with varnish.

Candle Safety – Standard 10” candles should be cut in half before using in lanterns. Wood framed lanterns can be severely damaged by the flame from too tall a candle.

Annual General Meeting 19th Sept.

Our AGM was held at camp during the Saturday afternoon. The minutes have been circulated to members via post. There was one change to the Committee as Kevin Norris had requested to be relieved of duties – Paul Sly was elected to fill the vacancy.

Club Committee 2009 – 2010

President – Ian Convey, tel. 03 5367 8450
Vice President – Bob Ellis, tel. 03 5796 2753
Secretary – John Fowler, tel. 03 5753 4455, Email chookster@vfowler.com
Treasurer – Murray Convey, tel. 03 5346 1086
Committee – Paul Sly, tel. 03 5435 3557
Committee (Safety Officer) – Jim Walker, tel. 03 9723 5868

Dick Schwer and Peter Hawkey bid farewell to the Beaver Creek camp. Photo by Jim

Tree of a Kind!

What to do with a huge slab of Murray willow, thought Ian? Oh, I know! I’ll pick on Chook’s fancy Remington with the fake barrel pins until he gets so cheesed off that he begs me to restock it for him. Worked didn’t it? That slab was milled down into three nice stock blanks. So pleased with the refurbished Remington was Ian that he had to use a second blank to make a nice half stock 54 cal for himself. Then there were two!

After the February bushfires, Ian heard of the disaster to the guns stored in John’s safe. Nothing left but burnt barrels and ashes. Could he make a phoenix gun – turn that third blank into a nice rifle for John, restoring it with the original lock and furniture where possible? The lock was sent to Allan Vaisham of Green River Rifle Works in South Australia, for restoration, retuning, and with a rehardened frizzen. On its return Ian inlet the lock, hand made a patch-box and side-plate, fitted the restored furniture to that third chunk from the tree, completing yet another very nice workmanlike rifle.

Sounds simple, when condensed to a few words, but I’m sure it took many hours of skilled effort to convert that slab of tree into a three of a kind, coming up with 3 Aces!

Three of a kind. Photo by Ian

Events

Melbourne Medieval Fayre and Tourney (MMFAT) Nov. 7th & 8th. 9am- 4pm. A popular annual event for re-enactors at the Old Cheese Factory, Berwick. We will be attending, dressing in period costume and presenting a static display, supported by Bob Ellis’ wagon and tents. All members are encouraged to come along either one or both days and to dress as your persona for our own camps. Melway Ref. Map 131 A 2.