Posted by Dan Lind on July 26, 2002 at -1:32:10 from 24.76.194.237 user captain.
In Reply to: Re: The things that AR did not tell us posted by Adam Quinan on July 16, 2002 at 19:15:58:
Hello All: For some reason I missed this particular thread.
Yes, Adam is correct in saying I donated THE CROSSBOW (there are those who know it is the ACTUAL one Nancy used to shoot the famous arrow) to TARS during the World's Whopper. (See MM Volume Three, Number Seven Page 34)
I'd made previous arrangements with the Windermere Steamboat Museum to have Nancy's crossbow be a part of its large Arthur Ransome Collection. After the World's Whopper, I delivered it to the Museum, and am told it is still on display. (My arrangements included prior clearance with UK Customs - I didn't want to be arrested at Heathrow Airport)
It was discovered in Bellingham, Washington, USA at a business which deals in new and used marine equipment. It was in very poor conditon, but recognizing its historical value, I gave it a complete rebuild. The stock is some kind of hardwood, and the bow aluminum (aluminium).
How did it get to Bellingham? Well, Nancy took it with her on the voyage of the WILDCAT. When she burned to the waterline, the crossbow floated away and ocean currents brought it to the west coast where a beachcomber found it.
Thanks, Adam for mentioning this: See you in Toronto soon. Dan