Braided hemp sash cord….

[Peter KroghParticipant @peterkrogh76576]

I am told that hemp sash cord is still available in the UK. Is it possible???

I would like to find a source of 4mm or 5mm braided (not twisted) hemp cord. The stuff I saw about 20 years ago seemed to be of 8 strands solid braided.

This cord is used to make "Match" which is the fire carrying part of a match lock musket. Usually treated with nitrate to control the rate of smolder.

Years ago I make some match lock muskets for an English Civil War group in California, along with the linstocks, match, apostles, etc. Now I would like to make some more match but I'm not finding a source in the US or Canada.

I recall that one of the English Civil War group would go to England yearly for re-enactments and sometimes bring back spools of cord for the making of match. He is not active any more and I wonder if it's still available???

Thanks,

Pete

[Peter KroghParticipant @peterkrogh76576]

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

First hit on google **LINK**

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

I have refurbished sash windows on my Daughters place (built in 1790) Got hold of the correct sash cord easily enough but from memory it is around 8mm diameter. Not sure of the composition but remember it had the little red flecks in the weave.

[MichaelRParticipant @michaelr]

Window sash cord is waxed and is still available, but would the wax type be any good for your requirements, plain woven hemp may be better.

Mike.

[Michael Cox 1Participant @michaelcox1]

The waxed cord could be easily dewaxed using white spirit (mineral spirit in the U.S.).

Another Mike

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

I have seen it recently as braided washing line

Roy

[Nick HughesParticipant @nickhughes97026]

 

Musketeers Slow Match available in the UK from here:-

**LINK**

In the USA :-

http://blackthorn-usa.com/product/slow-match-with-snuffer/

Edited By Nick Hughes on 06/06/2017 09:44:25

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Most braided rope today will be synthetic – red flecks give it away. Made in huge quantities for marine use, ideal for sash windows as it doesn't rot or stretch. If you really want it strong then available with Kevlar in the weave. But smoulder it won't! Just melts, burns and makes a nasty smell.

So you need to make sure that it really is hemp – pgk's link seems to be the business.

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

I note on the label, on the clothes lines I mentioned, that they are cotton

Roy

[MeunierParticipant @meunier]

Peter, take a look at braided hemp clock rope courtesy of Meadows&Passmore

**LINK**

avbl in 5mm. HTH

DaveD

[Robert ButlerParticipant @robertbutler92161]

Try Henry Krank – Pudsey they supply all manner of things for muzzle loaders and if they do not stock match cord they may know a man who does. Also try the Muzzle Loaders Association of Great Britain, both have websites.

Robert Butler

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