suggestions for LARGE period tents?

Sean Powell · Post by **Sean Powell** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 9:03 pm

Hello all,

This seems to be where all of the tent questions end up. My household regularly uses a large common area canvas tent at events like Pennsic. It is 20' x 30' with 2 uprights, no ridge pole and only 10 perimiter poles. (spaced at about 10' intervals). The poles can be far appart because there are no walls to support and all of the primary seems overlap 3/4" rope to take the primary strain.

Regretably the beast is probably 20 years old if it is a day and she needs either extensive repair work or to be put out to pasture.

We would like to replace this with something of about the same size and shape but all of the period canvas pavilions that I have found for sale are too small, lack the reinforcing ropes and require a small forest of perimiter poles.

Can anyone recomend a reputable source for such a massive construct? It seems all of the large tent manufacturers who supply wedding tents etc have switched over to vinyl and plastic to prefent mildew and mold.

Thanks in advance,
Sean

Snaebjorn Hakonarson · Mon Feb 19, 2007 9:44 pm

I know someone who could do a tent like this and in that size. She doesn't do it professionaly but she does great tents and sells some every year at pennsic.

Her work is pretty good and she makes odd heights as well. Like 7 foot walls. Partially cause her lord is 6'5"

Sean Powell · Post by **Sean Powell** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 8:58 am

OK. Well this is a start but no much to go on. I'm looking for a non-profesional tent maker at Pennsic with a tall husband. 10,000 possible people but I can probably limit it to 100 with some simple questions. Any chance this lady has a name? email address? kingdom or barrony or origin, etc? I'd like to ask her some questions.

Anyone have any mundane or profesional sources? I figure that both the military and the boy & girl scouts still use canvas tents. I'd prefer not to get military green or cammo. Someone must still make these out there?

Thanks in advance

Sean

T. Finkas · Post by **T. Finkas** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 9:11 am

Try Panther Primitives. They make custom tents as well as all their catalogue offerings. And they merchant at Pennsic every year. They have a solid reputation for quality. And being located in Normantown, WV, they are not far from us here in PA so shipping should be slightly cheaper for us "locals". I'm confident they will give you a fair price for this, but I'm sure it will not be cheap!

Contact Sue for a quote.
gsa00008(the "at" symbol)mail.wvnet.edu

Cheers,
Tim

Snaebjorn Hakonarson · Wed Feb 21, 2007 2:34 pm

*chuckles* Eleanor of Waldren, Viscountess, Mistress of the Pelican. Owner of the Blue Unicorn. Normally the shop is on Fleet street.

She doesn't wear any of her regalia but if you ask they'll tell you if she's there.

Many know the Blue Unicorn for the Leather working tools side of the business.

Eleanor hails for the Kingdom of Aethelmearc. Namely the Shire of Coppertree. Email and other such info I'll have to ask her for.

D.Z.P. · Post by **D.Z.P.** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 3:35 pm

These guys make outstanding tents and garb. I am pretty sure that they are at ever major war. I have had a little trouble getting ahold of them by phone but never had a problem w/ email. All of their stuff is made by them and Jens (pronounced Yents) will be able to make you anything you want.

www.deserttorch.com