A Dunedain Ranger's mess kit
- Elleth
- êphal ki-*raznahê
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A Dunedain Ranger's mess kit
Now THIS is a piece I've been looking forward to bringing to light for ages.
I ran into Jeffrey Hildebrant of Royal Oak Armory some time ago on etsy, and just fell in love with his work. He's got an incredible eye and brilliant hand at his craft. While he mostly does arms and armor, he had a fantastic portfolio of cauldrons. He'd done a previous larger cauldron for me (pics of that sometime later) - but I still wanted a small little kettle such as a Ranger might carry on the go.
Even knowing the Romans had sheet copper cookpots and utensils, even knowing about Frodo's copper cans at Crickhollow... the things just always read "18th century" to my eye. My mental image of a 12th c.-ish Middle-earth wanted iron. Practically, I also wanted something that wouldn't fall apart at the seams if I ever managed to get careless about letting water boil out. So that's where we started:
You'll notice it's hanging from a hinged potholder - those are an old hearth cooking trick for moving things about on the fire. Plus they work as nice ember tongs in a pinch for tossing bits into a tinderbox. All the accoutrements are kept in a simple linen toolroll inspired by Greg's:
I chose to leave off the oilcloth backing though, knowing that no matter how careful I am I'm going to get grease and soot all over it, and wanted to be able to easily and thoroughly give it a deep cleaning, which I didn't think I could do if it was on a waterproof backing. You'll also see another skewer and one of Odigan's lovely sylvan spoons in there.
The toolroll then fits in a little carrybag to keep everything orderly.
And finally, here's the real neat trick - you see that other long metal handle in there? It slides into the pot lid to make an improvised skillet.
I'm overjoyed with this piece of Jeffrey's - I think he's managed a just incredibly useful little treasure.
I ran into Jeffrey Hildebrant of Royal Oak Armory some time ago on etsy, and just fell in love with his work. He's got an incredible eye and brilliant hand at his craft. While he mostly does arms and armor, he had a fantastic portfolio of cauldrons. He'd done a previous larger cauldron for me (pics of that sometime later) - but I still wanted a small little kettle such as a Ranger might carry on the go.
Even knowing the Romans had sheet copper cookpots and utensils, even knowing about Frodo's copper cans at Crickhollow... the things just always read "18th century" to my eye. My mental image of a 12th c.-ish Middle-earth wanted iron. Practically, I also wanted something that wouldn't fall apart at the seams if I ever managed to get careless about letting water boil out. So that's where we started:
You'll notice it's hanging from a hinged potholder - those are an old hearth cooking trick for moving things about on the fire. Plus they work as nice ember tongs in a pinch for tossing bits into a tinderbox. All the accoutrements are kept in a simple linen toolroll inspired by Greg's:
I chose to leave off the oilcloth backing though, knowing that no matter how careful I am I'm going to get grease and soot all over it, and wanted to be able to easily and thoroughly give it a deep cleaning, which I didn't think I could do if it was on a waterproof backing. You'll also see another skewer and one of Odigan's lovely sylvan spoons in there.
The toolroll then fits in a little carrybag to keep everything orderly.
And finally, here's the real neat trick - you see that other long metal handle in there? It slides into the pot lid to make an improvised skillet.
I'm overjoyed with this piece of Jeffrey's - I think he's managed a just incredibly useful little treasure.
Persona: Aerlinneth, Dúnedain of Amon Lendel c. TA 3010.
Re: A Dunedain Ranger's mess kit
Holy crap! That has got to be the best piece of kit I’ve seen on here. Ever. What’s the stats on that beauty?
"Lonely men are we, Rangers of the wild, hunters – but hunters ever of the servants of the Enemy."
“My cuts, short or long, don’t go wrong.â€
“My cuts, short or long, don’t go wrong.â€
- Peter Remling
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Re: A Dunedain Ranger's mess kit
That is a beautifully thought out and executed piece. Congrats
- Iodo
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Re: A Dunedain Ranger's mess kit
Amazing, the detail on the brass (is it brass?) just makes it.
CleverElleth wrote:here's the real neat trick - you see that other long metal handle in there? It slides into the pot lid to make an improvised skillet.
Gimli: It's true you don't see many Dwarf-women. And in fact, they are so alike in voice and appearance, that they are often mistaken for Dwarf-men.
Aragorn: It's the beards.
Aragorn: It's the beards.
- Elleth
- êphal ki-*raznahê
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Re: A Dunedain Ranger's mess kit
Thank you all!
Here it next to a Westminster Forge corn boiler for size comparison:
Master Hildebrant also sent me some lovely "I'm done" photos if you'd like to see it minus the soot and ook -
It's quite small - about 3.75" in diameter and about the same in height. Being iron, it's fairly stout at 11 3/4 oz, and holds just about exactly 2 cups when full. It's just big enough for a hearty serving of stew or large cup of morning tea - but I won't be serving a troop of hobbits out of it.What’s the stats on that beauty?
Here it next to a Westminster Forge corn boiler for size comparison:
Master Hildebrant also sent me some lovely "I'm done" photos if you'd like to see it minus the soot and ook -
I'm quite partial to it - the floral pattern was a riff off the professor's own flowers I did some time back. Were I to commission the project over again, I might pass on the trim: as much as I like the look of it, it does expand more than the iron in a hot fire, so a gap opens up. I don't expect any problems, but it's something I'm keeping my eye on.the detail on the brass (is it brass?) just makes it.
Persona: Aerlinneth, Dúnedain of Amon Lendel c. TA 3010.
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- Haeropada
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Re: A Dunedain Ranger's mess kit
An inspired bit of cookware. I'm sure like many others, I'm envious.
Vápnum sÃnum skala maðr velli á
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
- Greg
- Urush bithî 'nKi ya-nam bawâb
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Re: A Dunedain Ranger's mess kit
He really did knock that one out of the park. Well thought-out...I'm sure it'll serve you well!
EDIT: I was pretty skeptical at the early drawings and concept of this, but after studying it a bit, I'm starting to come around. It follows a personal goal of mine: to divorce my "look" from non- Middle-earth-y appearances...to keep things firmly rooted in our chosen 'period'. It definitely does that, the iron specifically. I have no need to follow suit, but there may be a day that I sit back, take another look and say "ya know, it's time." A great archetypal addition to your kit...your design nailed it.
EDIT: I was pretty skeptical at the early drawings and concept of this, but after studying it a bit, I'm starting to come around. It follows a personal goal of mine: to divorce my "look" from non- Middle-earth-y appearances...to keep things firmly rooted in our chosen 'period'. It definitely does that, the iron specifically. I have no need to follow suit, but there may be a day that I sit back, take another look and say "ya know, it's time." A great archetypal addition to your kit...your design nailed it.
Now the sword shall come from under the cloak.
Re: A Dunedain Ranger's mess kit
Hoo boy, that's a SWEET piece. Excellent inspiration and execution! Can't wait to see it in conjunction with the rest of your kit.
Now I just need to pick my jaw up off the floor : P
Now I just need to pick my jaw up off the floor : P
Personae: Aistan son of Ansteig, common Beorning of Wilderland; Tungo Brandybuck, Eastfarthing Bounder, 3018 TA; a native Man of the Greyflood, c.850 SA
Re: A Dunedain Ranger's mess kit
That is an outstanding piece.
A true work of art.
A true work of art.
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Re: A Dunedain Ranger's mess kit
That's absolutely gorgeous! One of these days when I'm less engrossed in schoolwork I'll start assembling a kit and I must remember to keep things like this in the front of my mind.
Re: A Dunedain Ranger's mess kit
OH. OH DEAR. OOOOOH MY OH MY THAT IS JUST... WOW. This is on a whole new level, Elleth. Simply stunning. I think this may be the best example of a fully fleshed out, believable 3rd-Age Dunedain artifact I have EVER SEEN. It just... FITS perfectly. The brass band at the top may be giving you some worry, but I think that's really the thing that brings the design all together. It makes it look REAL, in the context of Middle Earth. And of course, the lid/skillet idea is nothing short of inspired.
This post is like a Ranger moment of zen for me. This is when I see this hobby start to feel REAL. Very, VERY nicely done.
This post is like a Ranger moment of zen for me. This is when I see this hobby start to feel REAL. Very, VERY nicely done.
Maerondir Perianseron, also called “Mickel,” Halfling Friend - Ranger of the Misty Mountains
Re: A Dunedain Ranger's mess kit
So did you intend for this to echo to the Westland style caldrons?
-Jack Horner
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Impression: Cædmon Reedmace | bronze founder living in Archet, Breeland. c. 3017
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Impression: Cædmon Reedmace | bronze founder living in Archet, Breeland. c. 3017
- Elleth
- êphal ki-*raznahê
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- Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 5:26 am
- Location: in the Angle; New England
Re: A Dunedain Ranger's mess kit
Not those specifically, but I looked at so many pots in the early research phase I'd not be surprised if there was some unconscious influence.
The kettle is based largely on Dark Ages riveted cauldrons of course, but the basic form and dimensions fell out of the requirement to fit in a slim cylindrical snapsack: a little smaller at top than bottom to leave room for the ears, a slightly dished bottom to nestle in coals, etc. Our Dunedain arc aesthetic informed the shape as well, I'm sure.
The kettle is based largely on Dark Ages riveted cauldrons of course, but the basic form and dimensions fell out of the requirement to fit in a slim cylindrical snapsack: a little smaller at top than bottom to leave room for the ears, a slightly dished bottom to nestle in coals, etc. Our Dunedain arc aesthetic informed the shape as well, I'm sure.
Persona: Aerlinneth, Dúnedain of Amon Lendel c. TA 3010.