Finding historical objects

[watervole]

 When asked what she'd like for her birthday, my daughter said "things from 1780-1810".

She's very interested in this period - largely from the naval history angle.

She likes real objects to use in role playing games - I've seen her use a few items of WW11 stuff to great effect. Just passing them round the players really helps to embed you in the setting.

 

However, there isn't much stuff around from 1780-1810 and most of what I can find is expensive coins.

Can anyone give me interesting suggestions?

Original is best, but replicas would probably do if accurate.

Comments

[sara]

Shoes? https://www.americanduchess.com/collections/regency-shoes-and-boots Not a ton there right now but they move through stuff.

[watervole]

It's an interesting thought, though she has my big, wide feet, so fit could be a real problem. I don't think they do different widths.

[bugshaw]

Probably too late for this year, but heirloom fruit/vegetables? Do seeds even go that far back?

[bugshaw]

Make a Cheshire Pork Pie for Sea (unless vegetarian)
https://www.thehenryford.org/explore/recipes-and-cookbooks/cookbook/the-art-of-cookery-made-plain-and-easy-1971-reprint-edition/

[watervole]

I rather like that idea. I happen to have a book of recipes for Naval food in that era ('Lobscouse and Spotted Dick'). Birthday pie is definitely something she'd like!

[watervole]

She's not got a good garden for veg growing - too much shade.

Though she'd have liked the idea if she had suitable space.

[dmwcarol]

I'd probably go with something like a chatelaine or things to hang from one

[watervole]

Really a century after her period. They were more popular in Victorian times.

[dmwcarol]

I was thinking of this one from the V&A which is dated to around 1765
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatelaine_(chain)#/media/File:Chatelaine.jpg

[vera_j]

The only thing that I could recommend...well... a fan. I believe they were very popular between 1780-1810...

[watervole]

Not really her thing. I can see the appeal, but she's not really into the kind of dresses that would go with a fan.

[igenlode]

How about a used cannonball?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154619156267?hash=item240005172b:g:W9QAAOSwAalhSOSP
There seem to be quite a lot of those around, although most of the ones on eBay claim to be Civil War vintage (presumably the last time cannon balls were fired on English soil and are available to be dug up).

A 'polemoscope' is a very eighteenth-century device, arranged to help you see what is happening to one side (e.g. in the neighbouring opera box) while apparently inspecting the action directly in front of you:
https://janeausten.co.uk/blogs/womens-regency-fashion-articles/polemoscope-georgian-jealousy-glasses
Replicas are available: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/323777041592

It should be possible to pick up eighteenth-century snuffboxes, as well, although examples that are pre-Regency seem to be pretty expensive.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255076922107?hash=item3b63c4f2fb:g:JoIAAOSwRrBg4bs4

[watervole]

I love the idea of the cannonball!

I may buy one of those next year.

[damerell]

We've been experimentally baking ships' biscuits and I could send you some for her players to gnaw on. :-)

Musket balls seem to be widely available, and not too pricey (although they range from the "probably genuine" to "a 17th century Minié ball, oh really?").

Germany has a significant Napoleonic re-enactment scene (maybe France does as well, but IDK); presumably they make a wide range of replica Stuff.

Last time I looked, reprints of period charts were fairly readily available.

I'm sorry not to be more help. I'm interested in the period myself but I tend to collect books, not Stuff.

[watervole]

I see you think along the same wavelengths!

Lin too has been baking ships biscuits.

I like the idea of chart reprints. That's one I'll definitely think about for Xmas.