Ozmeath

Jim thanks for the response mate. I followed you up to the point of "Once both sides of the leather covering are formed and trimmed...". Do you suggest stitching both sholders? It makes sense to but I'm just checking. Remember the flask is heavy glass and can handle any stress the leather could give it through shrinking (I imagine so). Will I need to glue it to help to stitch it? I was aslo curious as to percentage a piece of hide will shrink after being wet, that is if you don't nail it down (nice suggestion btw). Also not sure what stitch to use. I was thinking a figure 8 with two needles. Interesting you used a powder flask as example. The company that made the flask, James Dixon and Son, also made powder flasks. It's an olde Flask =] Thanks for indulging the new kid. Oz.

Hi folks, My first post and hello to all. I see there's incedible talent here and could really use advice. My field is silversmithing and I'm a newbie at this leather caper. The few simple projects I've worked on turned out OK but it's a steep learning curve! My current job is restoring an old hip flask I picked up from an antique shop. Here's some photo's of what's supposed to look like: The leather piece on top had corroded away. It was quite brittle (it's from about 1880) and it's fallen away. It looks to me like it need to be glued then stretched on. I don't mind stitching it if it's not too chunky. I have to idea what size it's needs to be before I stretch the piece on to the flask. So basically, how do I make it?! I'd me most grateful for any and all advice. Cheers.