This is a pretend bandolier but made of C17th materials and using methods of the day. The boxes and lids are solid with a black spot on them to indicate a hole or black powder. The touch box is completely solid in that the lid is not detachable. Children can pretend to pour from the touch box and from the charge boxes. The bullet bag can be opened as normal and the belt can be adjusted for different sizes as the child grows. The wood is beech, the leather is veg tan that has been oiled and waxed using a mixture of Olive Oil and beeswax. The sting is made from tarred hemp. Because of the materials and construction, these can be played with by children on Living History sites in front of the public or leant out the public when dressing them as a soldier.

When making these I had in mind a parent in the C17th asking for such an thing for a child who’s Dad is a musketeer in the army. The request is to a wood turner or some woodworker in the Town or Village who likes children. The kids can then run around the place with a big stick for a gun and a bandolier to charge it with. I do hope to see some kids with them at events in the future.