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Review: Billy and Charlie pewter goods

Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 6:46 pm
by Tailoress
When I found out my apprentice was being elevated to the Order of the Laurel in 2 weeks time, I had to scramble to gather regalia for him. I'm a fan of a lesser-used clothing decoration of the 14th century, bezants. These were often pressed sheet metal, as well as pewter castings. I thought it would be cool to powder my apprentice's favorite hood with little laurel wreath bezants.

I contacted Billy and Charlie through their website and got a prompt and willing response. All communication was helpful and courteous and prompt.

I was able to get 24 brand-new, never-before-sold-by-Billy-and-Charlie laurel wreath bezants that Mac was willing to carve a mold for in a matter of days. They shipped these beauties to me with alacrity and I had time to spare before the big day.

I give a big thumbs up to Billy and Charlie's goods and service. They have a booth at Pennsic, btw, in Potter's Hall on the edge of the main food court. I'm not affiliated with this fine business beyond being an occasional satisfied customer.

Also, more right-thinking 14thc people should wear bezants on their clothing. Just wanted to mention.

-Tasha

Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 8:26 pm
by Woodstock
I'd love to see pics!

Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 8:57 pm
by Derian le Breton
A numismatic aside... Paper-thin one-sided coins known as bracteates were also occasionally sewn onto clothing as bezants. :)

-Derian.

Re: Review: Billy and Charlie pewter goods

Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 9:00 pm
by Derian le Breton
Tasha McG wrote:Also, more right-thinking 14thc people should wear bezants on their clothing. Just wanted to mention.


I made bracteate-style bezants for these outfits:

<IMG SRC="http://images.blackberryhollowfarm.org/2007/2007-01-12thNight/2007-01-12thNight-SaturdayLastCourt/pictures/picture-1000.jpg">

We did about 1200, two different styles (one for him, one for her, based on their arms.) :shock:

More photos <A HREF="http://www.blackberryhollowfarm.org/2007/2007-01-12thNight/">here</A>

-Derian.

Re: Review: Billy and Charlie pewter goods

Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 10:44 pm
by Woodstock
Derian le Breton wrote:
Tasha McG wrote:Also, more right-thinking 14thc people should wear bezants on their clothing. Just wanted to mention.


I made bracteate-style bezants for these outfits:

<IMG SRC="http://images.blackberryhollowfarm.org/2007/2007-01-12thNight/2007-01-12thNight-SaturdayLastCourt/pictures/picture-1000.jpg">

We did about 1200, two different styles (one for him, one for her, based on their arms.) :shock:

More photos <A HREF="http://www.blackberryhollowfarm.org/2007/2007-01-12thNight/">here</A>

-Derian.


WoW!

Amazing work indeed! Are they attached by a single hole at the top or...?