This episode first aired in December of 2015, when we were playing around with shorter, more frequent episodes. I don’t think we’d spun off “Gordon’s Gun Closet” into its own show, yet, so there’s some of that here as well. (The John Matthews mentioned was a valued contributor and listener involved with the CSICON network back in those days.)
From the original show notes: “In this shorter "History Bite" episode, we look at the real Saint Nicholas and try to trace the winding path from stalwart early church bishop to jolly secular rewarder of goodness. We might also sneak in a segment about Khyber Pass firearm copies too, because when our listeners ask, we deliver. Oh, and Merry Christmas, everyone!”
Links:
‘Webley Pocket revolver in .38 S&W purchased at Bagram Airfield. Presumably a “Khyber Pass” forgery, as it is dated 1951 on the other side, though it has fake Webley trademarks. The seller apparently tried to add a “1” to the fake serial number “880” to make it look like a pre-1898, and thus legal to import to the U.S., antique pistol.’ —Matthew Vanitas. Khyber Pass Martini Pistol at RIA - via Forgottenweapons.com
Library Creatures - an anthology in the “Haunted Libraries” series.
Get your copy today! Christmas Traditions - Scroll down for some good St. Nicholas info.
St. Nicholas Center : Origin of Santa (stnicholascenter.org)
The Age of Pilgrimage: The Medieval Journey to God, by Jonathan Sumption
Thomas Nast - Creator of the first iconic "Santa" image
