2009 Trade Rules
Questions & Answers
Greetings traders big and small.
Once a week or so, I will glean through all the questions I receive and post my reply as how I am planning on ruling on any given item. I will be basing my answers on my general knowledge of items and if the item (reproduction or original) was used on the North American Continent during the time frame allowed by the OHPRRA (pre 1840). I fully admit to not being all knowing -no one can be - and if there is a questionable item that has 2 or 3 primary documentation of being in existence, I will seriously consider the facts. However, keep in mind "Wikepedia" is not a documentary source.
I also admit that since the High Plains is a family oriented event and not a juried, hardcore event, that there are some things that have been accepted that are not period correct for a trader at rendezvous such as artificial sinew, non manila ropes, camp kitchens, slat back chairs, arc and gas welded iron items. Those things have been accepted and I will not enforce ruling against them unless they are way out of line in design (my opinion) and out of the spirit of rendezvous. Remember, just because it is made out of wood, bone , leather or metal does not mean it is correct for selling at a pre 1840 rendezvous.
This is not intended to be a spot for a p*ssin match. It is totally intended to get everyone on the same page or as close to it before the rendezvous ever starts so there are no surprises once on the ground. I hope this works for the benefit of all. Got questions? Ask away!
Best regards,
Rooster
HP 09 TC chairman
Question:
What about the art paintings rule?
Roosters response:
The keywords are "scenes painted on". while "artwork" was never on a rendezvous bill of lading we know that it was on the N.A. continent in homes and dwellings..from samplers to paintings. We know Bodmer and others painted on canvas what they saw at rendezvous. We knw the natives painted symbols (NOT scenes) on skulls , leather and even bones. Keep it in the true spirit of rendezvous and reproductions of original artwork (no sawblades or painted rock scenes) and I'll let it pass.
Question:
What about Badges?
Roosters response:
No badges for sale allowed - period. Not even the Texas Ranger Badge! The Earliest Authenticated Texas Ranger Badge is circa 1889. This information comes directly from the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.
Question:
What type of candles are allowed?
Roosters response:
Keep the candles white, off white, or beeswax colored to be sold. Tapered, straight or hand dipped is fine as they did use candle molds in the colonies. Tallow, beeswax, and *paraffin* candles only please. *Paraffin* sorta falls under that same catagory as artificial sinew. Paraffin development began in 1830 and was commercially manufactured in 1850.
Question:
What about Birdhouses?
Roosters response:
Again while not yet being noted to be at rendezvous we know for a fact that birdhouses on the N.A. continent existed. The Indians used PLAIN (read as in not decorated!) gourd birdhouses to attract purple martins to keep the mosquitoes down and the colonials used bird bottles attached to houses or trees. I will allow these two types in. No fence post birdhouses or other arts and crafts, boyscout project types allowed.
Question:
Are you going to enforce the trade rule about no visible welds on braziers and grills that are for sale or trade?
Roosters response:
In one word - no. Now to expound: As long as they are made in the style of the era we represent and not made to look like weber kettles, porch grills or made out of modern ammo boxes, etc. I realize that it is not economically feasible for most smiths to forge weld all seams or to rivet them.
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