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Post by howler on May 1, 2018 23:43:06 GMT
And in France, no less, and trying to arm everybody with .357 magnums...what a (though admittedly a TAD much) character! |
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Post by zabazagobo on May 3, 2018 0:36:44 GMT
Oh my, thanks for linking these, this made my day. These are so over-the-top words can't even begin to do the humor credit. "Dual katana wielding gunslinging zombie slaying cowgirl" is something I never thought could exist. Too funny. That news story is also good fun. My kind of sheriff. |
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Post by RufusScorpius on May 3, 2018 11:49:26 GMT
A fun question. Most appropriate historically would definitely be a large bowie or a saber. Although...conceptually a katana would pair nicely ...the thought of a hybrid Toshiro Mifune/Clint Eastwood is just too fun to pass up. Fast draw duels happened a lot more in Japan than American west, unless we're talking movies, in which case I pick the trio duel at the end of The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly...ah those trumpets. Have you listened to the Danish National Symphony's version of the GBU theme ? |
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Post by howler on May 3, 2018 18:40:04 GMT
Fast draw duels happened a lot more in Japan than American west, unless we're talking movies, in which case I pick the trio duel at the end of The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly...ah those trumpets. Have you listened to the Danish National Symphony's version of the GBU theme ?Never seen a recreation played before. Pretty cool. |
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Post by likehotbutter on May 5, 2018 10:03:00 GMT
If the First Nations had Nihontos, Which self respecting cowboy wouldnt??  |
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Post by bluetrain on May 8, 2018 12:24:10 GMT
The original cowboys in the Southwest were Mexican vaqueros. They're still called that in Mexico. There is a whole culture or sub-culture surrounding vaqueros and rancheros, as well as the Charro traditions, which is more regional. Anyway, vaqueros sometimes carried swords that were essentially long machetes. If a pistol was carried, if possible, it would be ornately decorated, just like in Texas.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on May 8, 2018 13:16:32 GMT
Aside from Hollywood’s fantasies here is what was worn in the true west and includes various weapons and armour.
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Post by bluetrain on May 8, 2018 13:26:21 GMT
The true west is whatever is out there right now, isn't it?
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Post by pgandy on May 8, 2018 14:27:16 GMT
The true west is whatever is out there right now, isn't it? Not necessarily. The west, like the rest of the world, is ever evolving. And the “true west” would be whatever it is/was at a given point in time. With only rare exceptions the “true west” is not like anything that I’ve seen Hollywood try to make it. If one believes as fact what the directors put on the screen has a problem, certainly a distorted view. |
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Post by bluetrain on May 8, 2018 16:38:43 GMT
Perhaps. But try telling that to an actual cowboy who works cattle for a living. On the other hand, I've read claims that American Indians aren't true Americans.
Of course the west (the West) evolved. Hasn't stopped, either. The open range didn't last long. But just think: both Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp lived long enough for movie directors and actors to meet and get to know them. In fact, there were people still alive who had gone west before the Civil War in wagon trains who were still alive when the first sound movies were being produced. What is even more amazing is that John Tyler, born 1790 and president from 1841 to 1845, has living grandsons.
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Post by pgandy on May 8, 2018 19:54:59 GMT
Not to get into a drag out discussion the cowboys I’ve known in Florida and Colorado didn’t fit what I see on the screen, but then there is about a half century difference time wise at the time. Actually in Colorado they were wranglers, but not much difference, one works cattle and the other horses. They appeared to be just people going about their daily lives doing what they do. But then I’ve known many a soldier that seemed like an ordinary Joe, but I knew better.
Masterson was a character. One story, after moving to New York and becoming a sports writer he while talking would open a desk drawer for something and allow a pistol that he just happened to have stashed there to be seen. Then a conversation would start and he would in the end sell “his pistol”. And whoever would brag that he had Bat Masterson’s pistol. As for Masterson, he would go to a nearby pawn shop and restock.
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Post by bluetrain on May 8, 2018 21:09:44 GMT
Haven't found a reference to the swords or machetes Mexican cowboys might have carried but my search hasn't been all that exhaustive.
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2018 1:24:05 GMT
Some of the northern Mexico vaquero saddle swords are of the index finger ring type hilts and almost plug bayonet shaped grips. The generic term of espada ancha and many more of those would be regarded as cutacha, machete like swords with animal pommels. Espada ancha covers a broad array of finds, from cut down longer swords and sword hilts built up on machete blades. The current tourista vaquero swords are typically an eagle/condor head ranging from bowies up to longer swords/machetes/cutacha.
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2018 1:34:11 GMT
  A favorite I saw pass through a few hands |
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Post by legacyofthesword on May 9, 2018 5:08:57 GMT
A favorite I saw pass through a few hands That's awesome. Latin American blades are something I really need to study up on. |
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Post by Jordan Williams on May 10, 2018 6:25:05 GMT
Some of the northern Mexico vaquero saddle swords are of the index finger ring type hilts and almost plug bayonet shaped grips. The generic term of espada ancha and many more of those would be regarded as cutacha, machete like swords with animal pommels. Espada ancha covers a broad array of finds, from cut down longer swords and sword hilts built up on machete blades. The current tourista vaquero swords are typically an eagle/condor head ranging from bowies up to longer swords/machetes/cutacha. Espada Ancha! That's what I want in my collection. Would fit my collection and heritage perfectly. Just have to find one in good condition within my budget. Or buy a Windlass and make one... |
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Post by bluetrain on May 10, 2018 10:05:42 GMT
The knife in the photo just below the belt rig, lying under the scabbard, looks pretty interesting, too. The revolver looks like a S&W single action.
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Post by pgandy on May 10, 2018 13:37:42 GMT
The revolver appears to be a double action judging from the space between the trigger and the rear of the guard.
Moving from the North American continent to Argentina. There is a culture there, and for the life of me I cannot remember the name, that herd cattle and are renowned for their knives and knife fighting abilities. Most outsiders avoid any confrontation with them as they are considered skilled and dangerous with a knife. While they will fight, especially amongst themselves they rarely kill, preferring instead to take off a piece such as a nose tip or ear, or a part there of, off their adversary. They use long knives/short like swords. Maybe the name will come to me, I hope.
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Post by bebut on May 10, 2018 13:58:06 GMT
Cowboys traveled light, I'd say a salvaged Confederate bowie or something similar. No standard design on these, as they were not issue, but a big thin bowie with a hand guard. Argentine cowboys en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaucho |
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Post by bebut on May 10, 2018 14:14:11 GMT
My step father grew up in a chicken coup in the Texas Panhandle during the depression. I asked him if he ever saw any cowboys and he said yes, but they were not too impressive. They drank too much and if they had a six gun it was wrapped up in an oiled rag and packed away because they couldn't afford any bullets. I guess the golden age of cowboys had ended by then.
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