Hmmph.

[cupcake_goth]

I'm having a bad brain day. Nothing OMG dire, just I can't think clearly, and PMS has wrapped me in a poisonous, depressive, smothering blanket. Things will be better tomorrow, and I know that. And from what I've seen around on LJ, some of the rest of you are having bad brain days. I Do Not approve of this general trend.

So, I offer distractions!

1900s vampire killing kit.



I am fascinated by antique (real and reproduction) vampire killing kits. They're a snapshot of a complex and mysterious set of folklore, neatly contained in a portable case. Owning a vampire killing kit is on my if I ever win the lottery list.

Comments

[rikibeth.livejournal.com]

Do you need to actually win the lottery? I'm thinking that with a nice piece of vintage luggage and some easily-acquired glassware, and a small amount of lumber, you could build your own. Everything but the gun with silver bullets -- that'd take some more effort, and likely a permit. But think what you could do with a vintage train case!

...now I'm tempted to start acquiring pieces for my own.

[staxxy.livejournal.com]

yup... my first thought is "tools, all you need are the right tools... and I have most of them already"

[rikibeth.livejournal.com]

And there's some lovely train cases on eBay for under $20. Rosaries aren't expensive, either, or they don't have to be. Decorative glass spice jars -- someplace like Pier 1 or Bed Bath & Beyond, right?

AUGH IF MY PAYCHECK WERE HERE I'D BUY THE DAMN TRAIN CASE ALREADY. Hm. Most ebay sellers give you 7 days to pay, right? And I'll have the money on Wednesday...

[staxxy.livejournal.com]

or any one of a dozen online shops.

[rocket-jockey.livejournal.com]

A functional caplock pistol like the one in an antique kit is easily obtained, and requires no permit in most of the United States - most firearms laws only cover modern pistols. A nice non-functional replica is $25-%75. The silver bullets, though, at $18.30 per ounce, are going to be really spendy!

[rikibeth.livejournal.com]

IME, one can find random antique sterling flatware for pretty cheap. And if the replica pistol took round balls, casting the things wouldn't be that hard. I know jewelry-makers!

How much are the functional caplock pistols?

[rocket-jockey.livejournal.com]

Functional single-shot caplocks run from $150 to $10,000, depending on your tastes and whether you buy a standard model, have one custom-made or buy a functional heirloom. A simple Kentucky style pistol (http://www.outdoorhuntingsupply.com/traditions-2010-kentucky-percussion-pistol-ohs-9708.html)has a nice line, or an English deulling pistol (http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/Traditions-50-Cal-Percussion-William-Parker-Pistol.aspx?a=264837&kwtid=200886) if you want a bit more style. Though, for a boxed vampire kit, maybe a Derringer type pocket pistol (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp;jsessionid=UF35ITS1UJUX5LAQBBJCCN3MCAEFGIWE?id=0012640213660a&type=product&cmCat=froogle&cm_ven=data_feed&cm_cat=froogle&cm_pla=1220101&cm_ite=0012640213660a&_requestid=133310) would be appropriate.

[staxxy.livejournal.com]

you know this gives me "I can do that"

and you know what *that* means.

[amy37.livejournal.com]

It's so pretty! I mean, you could kill vampires and be elegant about it!

I do love that stuff like this exists. It's part of what made Heart-Shaped Box really resonate for me, that Jude collected things like that.

[arielstarshadow.livejournal.com]

Inquiring minds wish they (the antique folks) had thought to post the text on the labels of all of the bottles and vials...

[acinom19.livejournal.com]

I've wanted one of those for ages! My high school art teacher actually offered to help me make one for a senior project but I didn't do it for some stupid reason or another. I REGRET THIS MUCHLY! D:

[sistawendy.livejournal.com]

I was having a bad brain day until I left half an hour early. And it's my own damn fault for watching all of the 3.5-hour director's cut of Das Boot last night.

[thevfrchick.livejournal.com]

A friend of mine at work emailed this to me a while ago, and I'd *love* to make a shadowbox inspired by this... I honestly think Julian would do a better job!