Sparks

Do you recommend a book to get more acquainted with the parts of leather working? I am not one who has gotten into fancy tooling, but I like doing leather work. In addition to Al Stohlman's book on "The Art of Hand Sewing Leather," I'd also recommend four other books of his. "Leathercraft Tools, How to use them, How to sharpen them" is an excellent book on just what it says...using and sharpening leather tools. I also recommend Al Stohlman's "The Art of Making Leather Cases, Volume ONE." And when you can afford it, get volumes two and three of that set. Sparks Boise, ID

Cobbler1, I looked at your gallery. I bought one of those tools in your first image. A couple years I looked around in southern Georgia and found several in antique stores for between $15 and $40 bucks. That German sign is for a sewing machine company. I found online: On Tuesday, November 15, 1955, a U.S. federal trademark registration was filed for ABC. This trademark is owned by KOCHS ADLERNAHMASCHINEN WERKE A. G., BIELEFELD , . Trademarkia.com is a free search engine of publicly available government records. Vintage German Adler Cl. 87 Sewing Machine (Kochs Adlernahmaschinen Werke A.-G.). Comes with original latching box, instruction manual, but no foot pedal. Appears to be in pretty good shape, with little to no rust or wear. I'm not certain that it's works, as it might need the foot pedal to activate, but it seems pretty good overall. It is very, very heavy. Serial number on metal plate under the needle says "1932." Appears to be the same model listed here: https://usa-dealer.3dcartstores.com/ADLER-87_p_1444.html $300 or best offer Sparks <br clear="left"> Visit the original ad

Gee, same here. I sent him an email asking about his round pinking irons and he never responded. Maybe we can assume he is enjoying a long vacation in the south of France or some such. Hopefully he'll get back with us...he seems to be the only person carrying round pinking irons. Sparks

Also try Goodwill Industries, Deseret Industries, St. Vincent DePauls or other charity second hand stores for the footwear. Probably get them for the cost of the shipping of free ones. Sparks

I reenact that time and place myself and have a halfstock 12-gauge "fowler." The work is very nice and looks like 'candle-wicking.' Candle-wicking is stitching a design with no other purpose than to decorate with a thick white thread that looks like a candle wick...hence the name. The PA Dutch design is 'right on!' Congratulations. Sparks

Al Stohlman's "The Art of Hand Sewing Leather" has plans and directions for making that stitching horse without the back legs. He calls it the Al Stohlman (Quarter Horse) stitching pony. The plans also show how to put rear legs on the critter. Sparks

I see that the book is now out of print...but there are several for sale on Amazon.com as used books. Sparks

Aha! I found one. There is a pattern for a portmanteau located on pages 211-215 in The Book of Buckskinning II. Published by Scurlock Publishing. Sparks

Johann, Here is a link to another image of a portmanteau that would give you another couple looks to make one on your own...even with dimensions given. I'll send more links if I find them. I'm looking for the same thing... http://www.tstarleather.com/portmanteau.htm Here is a link with some more images, as well as prices for finished pieces. http://www.colonialmarket.com/pepe/ports.html Sparks <br><br>

Sounds like you have it solved! Did you make the knife? Sparks

Marco, Nice work! I like that fine knife. I don't want you to lose it. I am afraid the sheath as made will result in the knife falling out if worn on your belt. I lost several knives with a similar arrangement when I was in my early teens. There are many ways to secure the knife. Sparks

Ray, You might try looking up US Civil War vendors...that period was 1860-65. I'm sure you can get civilian shirts an pants there. Sparks

MMArmoury, I posted some Colonial era bags and a shot snake (flask actually) in the member gallery area. Sparks