sennits and cockscombing: a book for the restorers

fearn · 23rd July 2007, 05:44 AM

Hi All,

Coming out of lurking for a moment. I tripped over this book in a museum gift shop, and immediately thought of this website.

The book: Hervey Garrett Smith's The Marlinspike Sailor (International Marine, McGraw-Hill, original copyright 1960, currently in 16th printing). It's a book primarily about ropework and crafts for a boat, but more than any other book I've seen, it goes into how to make the complex sennits, cockscombs, and coachwhipping that we call "plaiting" when we see it on the hilt or scabbard of a sword. The pictures are clear, and the instructions appear straightforward. It's definitely aimed at beginners, which is a good thing.

This is a book for anyone who is trying to restore the fraying plait-work on the hilt of a moro kris or dha scabbard. While most of it isn't terribly applicable to us weapons enthusiasts, it's fun to read. It's also pretty cheap, and available on Amazon.com

Enjoy!

F

Ferguson · 23rd July 2007, 10:22 AM

Thanks! Just ordered a used copy from Amazon.

Steve

23rd July 2007, 05:44 AM	#1
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	sennits and cockscombing: a book for the restorers Hi All, Coming out of lurking for a moment. I tripped over this book in a museum gift shop, and immediately thought of this website. The book: Hervey Garrett Smith's The Marlinspike Sailor (International Marine, McGraw-Hill, original copyright 1960, currently in 16th printing). It's a book primarily about ropework and crafts for a boat, but more than any other book I've seen, it goes into how to make the complex sennits, cockscombs, and coachwhipping that we call "plaiting" when we see it on the hilt or scabbard of a sword. The pictures are clear, and the instructions appear straightforward. It's definitely aimed at beginners, which is a good thing. This is a book for anyone who is trying to restore the fraying plait-work on the hilt of a moro kris or dha scabbard. While most of it isn't terribly applicable to us weapons enthusiasts, it's fun to read. It's also pretty cheap, and available on Amazon.com Enjoy! F

23rd July 2007, 10:22 AM	#2
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	Thanks! Just ordered a used copy from Amazon. Steve