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Hello Everyone, First time posting here so please be understanding with terminology and what not - any help/suggestions is appreciated. I have what I believe is an early singer 16k SV - only issue is there is not a model number tag on it like most (aside from the serial number - 5603810 - 1883) - Do you agree with this or have any reason for why it could be a different model? Hopefully once this is confirmed I will be able to track down and eliminated a few of these issues: 1- When taking off the tension part from where the handwheel attached my brother broke it. I have no idea what this piece is called and have been searching high and low. It seems to have been connect by a pin to an internal spring maybe? We have not tried to remove the part stuck in the rod yet as I do not want to make a bad situation worse. I really feel even knowing the name or part number would really help. 3- I also believe that I have a jump foot and long beak shuttle - my brother and I broke the top foot and I am looking to replace this as well - any suggestions? 4- Needles, needles, needles....can anyone tell me what you would try first/what to look for? 5- Does anyone know what this little clip would be called on the slide plate? It still stays on but I would like to complete as much as possible. Again, thanks in advance and any iformation and or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

I’m new to leather-craft. I’m starting by taking apart some leather items to see how they’re constructed. And I came across this one item that seems half-finished, por at least meant to be left as “raw”. As you can see from the sides, they’re left un burnished and (hopefully) you can see the leather is completely matte. Now, it’s supposed to be full grain leather, and to my untrained eye it at least seems good quality. But the look of the leather simply feels “unfinished” or “untreated” to me. Of course, the edges need burnishing, but as this was supposedly a finished piece, I’m wondering what would you call that leather finish that has absolutely no sheen at all. And what would you recommend to give it a finish with a slight sheen, as you’d find on leather that has been used quite a lot and has developed a patina. (Or is the best thing just to let that patina develop over time.) Thanks for any input!

Hi, I am looking for someone to recreate my boyfriends wallet that was his grandfathers. I have been told it was made by someone who used handmade stamps so it will be hard to recreate. Im just trying to find someone who can recreate it as close as possible! I can email pictures but it won’t let me upload them here

Hello everyone, Firstly excuse my English it is not the best. I work with leather and have a question if anyone is able to help. I recieve from friend a old large intact python skin. It is dry, brittle and not in best condition but is it possible to treat for use in some project I have? Any information anyone can give me is big help to me because would be nice to use the skin and not let go to waste. Thank you all :)!

I am looking to upgrade some tools so my lot of stamps has to go. Below is a list one average pricing I have found and am looking to sell all together as one. Buyer will pay shipping and paypal is preferred. Looking for a reasonable offer for the lot or will barter for some BK tools. Please Pm me. $450-500 8303 Bass Jump Left $25 25.00 8362 Bass Jump Right $25 25.00 8407 Bunny $20 20.00 8343 Cougar $20 20.00 8341 10 pt Buck $10 10.00 8325 Tree $13 13.00 8307 Bulging Elk $20 20.00 8302 Moose $20 20.00 8327 Tree of Life $13 13.00 8328 Clouds $13 13.00 8315 Steer $11 11.00 8383 Buffalo $15 15.00 8412 Teddy Bear $24 24.00 8311 Wild Horse $13 13.00 8375 Leather Work Guild $30 30.00 8346 Tom Turkey $20 20.00 8368 Cougar Left $10 10.00 8321 Desert Mountain $20 20.00 8335 Butterfly $8 8.00 8374 Medical $50 50.00 8382 Owl on Branch $15 15.00 8345 Trout $10 10.00 8323 Catails $15 15.00 8305 Racoon $15 15.00 8309 Jumping Deer $12 12.00 8313 Tool Mountain Man $12 12.00 8354 Flag $8 8.00 8349 Big Horn $17 17.00 8306 Flying Duck $17 17.00 8409 Farm Chickens $15 15.00 8396 Beaver $unlisted as of now 8373 Fire Dept $50 50.00 8371 Masonic Shriner $50 50.00 8405 Steer $25 25.00 8326 Mountains and Clouds $10 10.00 8316 Mare and Colt $10 10.00 8329 Pine Trees $15 15.00 8324 Mountain and Trees $6 6.00 8322 Cactus $12 12.00 8318 Shield Eagle $12 12.00 8369 Flying Eagle $10 10.00 8365 Flying Duck $17 17.00 8361 Eagle Looking Left $10 10.00 8318 Rattlesnake $7 7.00 Cub Scout Style 2 $35 35.00 8308 Pheasant $15 15.00 8337 Rainbow Clouds $10 10.00 8332 Love Heart $10 10.00 8314 Horse and Rider $15 15.00 8366 Deer Jump Left $15 15.00 8367 Bear $19 19.00 8413 Teddy Bear $20 20.00 8344 Eagle Looking Right $10 10.00 8301 Eagle Flying Right $10 10.00 8338 Cross $13 13.00 8347 2 Ducks $20 20.00 8304 Walking Bear $10 10.00 8351 USA Eagle $15 15.00 8334 Unicorn $15 15.00 Prices averaged out $982.00

I have tried to find someplace where I could ask some questions about a job I am working on for my hay man. The only reason why I did not come here first was that primarily this is for leather and not vinyl........anyway, I was given the left hand door for a metal tubed cab frame and half the vinyl was on the rest had rotted or cracked. I managed to make a pattern and got some heavy marine vinyl and clear vinyl for 2 windows for the door. I've got all the pieces cut out and now I cannot seem to figure out if I should sew the outer perimeter first and then put in the vinyl (all inside seams were french seams), outside were fold over. OR, add the clear to the center strip and then stitch the pieces together. There are 7 pieces of the outside vinyl and two pieces for the windows. So far all I've managed to finish was stitching a lining under the center for the handle. I'm using my Brother walking foot to get the pieces together and then am taking it down to a friend that has a post machine to attach it to the frame. ANY comments or help would be great. Not sure if I ever want to make any more doors :).

Hi. This is my first post so let me start with a brief bio. I'm 64 and plunging into a long time interest in upholstery work as a hobby. I started by buying a machine before I had learned enough to know exactly what I wanted as perhaps many do. That has led me to more googling and landing here. :-) I bought a Singer 211A157AA Needle Feed machine thinking it would perfect for my intentions. I have used it successfully making a piped cushion for a window seat and replacing the fabric on two Sling type lounge chairs. But I found the needle feed to be less than satisfactory when it comes to holding the material when feeding. I stumbled onto a Consew 226 that needed some TLC but I was able to get it relatively cheap at $200. After some cleaning, adjusting, and oiling I put it my power stand and it sews just great. With the Consew was included a very old looking stand with a motor and separate clutch. It actually works but I haven't given any attention to it yet. I would like to ask you guys if it has any value and is it worth the elbow grease? I can't find a single reference to this type of clutch for sewing. Any info would be appreciated. Regards, TerryF

I am looking to upgrade some tools so my lot of stamps has to go. Below is a list one average pricing I have found and am looking to sell all together as one. Buyer will pay shipping and paypal is preferred. Looking for a reasonable offer for the lot or will barter for some BK tools. Please Pm me. Looking to get a Barry King Large Kit. $450-500 8303 Bass Jump Left $25 25.00 8362 Bass Jump Right $25 25.00 8407 Bunny $20 20.00 8343 Cougar $20 20.00 8341 10 pt Buck $10 10.00 8325 Tree $13 13.00 8307 Bulging Elk $20 20.00 8302 Moose $20 20.00 8327 Tree of Life $13 13.00 8328 Clouds $13 13.00 8315 Steer $11 11.00 8383 Buffalo $15 15.00 8412 Teddy Bear $24 24.00 8311 Wild Horse $13 13.00 8375 Leather Work Guild $30 30.00 8346 Tom Turkey $20 20.00 8368 Cougar Left $10 10.00 8321 Desert Mountain $20 20.00 8335 Butterfly $8 8.00 8374 Medical $50 50.00 8382 Owl on Branch $15 15.00 8345 Trout $10 10.00 8323 Catails $15 15.00 8305 Racoon $15 15.00 8309 Jumping Deer $12 12.00 8313 Tool Mountain Man $12 12.00 8354 Flag $8 8.00 8349 Big Horn $17 17.00 8306 Flying Duck $17 17.00 8409 Farm Chickens $15 15.00 8396 Beaver $unlisted as of now 8373 Fire Dept $50 50.00 8371 Masonic Shriner $50 50.00 8405 Steer $25 25.00 8326 Mountains and Clouds $10 10.00 8316 Mare and Colt $10 10.00 8329 Pine Trees $15 15.00 8324 Mountain and Trees $6 6.00 8322 Cactus $12 12.00 8318 Shield Eagle $12 12.00 8369 Flying Eagle $10 10.00 8365 Flying Duck $17 17.00 8361 Eagle Looking Left $10 10.00 8318 Rattlesnake $7 7.00 Cub Scout Style 2 $35 35.00 8308 Pheasant $15 15.00 8337 Rainbow Clouds $10 10.00 8332 Love Heart $10 10.00 8314 Horse and Rider $15 15.00 8366 Deer Jump Left $15 15.00 8367 Bear $19 19.00 8413 Teddy Bear $20 20.00 8344 Eagle Looking Right $10 10.00 8301 Eagle Flying Right $10 10.00 8338 Cross $13 13.00 8347 2 Ducks $20 20.00 8304 Walking Bear $10 10.00 8351 USA Eagle $15 15.00 8334 Unicorn $15 15.00 Prices averaged out $982.00

Hello everyone, Thought I'd show off some restorations/conversions that I have recently done. While not as impressive as making my own stuff, this was my first foray into larger leather items outside of watch straps which I started making about 6 months ago for myself. While looking for material for watch straps I came across some beat up old swiss saddlebags in a box under a table of an old military surplus store. This first set was from 1939 and were in pretty rough shape. The bags were so nice that I decided I wouldn't reuse the leather for straps and instead put them away and began a slow process of softening up the stiff leather. Fast forward a few months and I bought another set, these dated 1941 and 1942. These were slightly different from my previous set and in much better condition. It was with these that I decided to try my hand at converting them into something different. For this first bag I did the following: Removed all threads and rivets Cleaned and flattened the leather pieces Conditioned the leather Put it all together again by hand using Tiger thread that was a good match for the original thread and custom made aluminum rivets I also added some additional pieces: Handle (used the original connecting strap between the bags) A back pouch for papers (this used one of the original saddlebags that wasn't restorable) a lower luggage strap (used a 1942 K31 swiss rifle sling) An upper luggage strap (this used the pieces/hardware from a 1946 Swiss canteen) Shoulder pad (used more leather from the 1939 nonrestorable saddlebag) Should strap (2 K31 rifle slings from 1945 and 1952). A Swiss Army dog tag A center strap using swiss army accessory straps Modified single ammo pouch from 1944 (also torn apart, cleaned and restored) A large ammo pouch from 1962 (same as the rest) The 2nd bag is one of the originals from 1939. Unlike the 1942 bag that had 2 straps on the interior for horseshoes, this one only had a single pocket for one horseshoe. In the process of restoring this bag I again took it apart, cleaned it up and restored it. At some point in it's past a connecting bar had been poorly riveted to the back that I had to remove. It also had its original D-Rings for attaching to the horse saddle removed so I had to add new square rings to accomodate the shoulder strap. When I put it back together I decided to add an additional pouch to this one and installed it between the front piece and the gusset and the welt. I also added a pencil pouch from a Swiss Army Officer's Bag from 1970. I also installed one of the straps from the unrestorable bag and moved the interior pocket to the side. I also decided to make a sleeve for my Macbook Pro just for a bit of added protection and used the same leather that was used for the handle wraps of both bags. Modifications done to this one: Removed all threads and rivets Cleaned and flattened the leather pieces Conditioned the leather Put it all together again by hand using Tiger thread that was a good match for the original thread and chicago screws I also added some additional pieces: Handle (used the original connecting strap between the bags) A pencil pouch (from a 1970 Officer's bag) Shoulder pad (used more leather from the 1939 nonrestorable saddlebag) Should strap (2 K31 rifle slings from 1943and 1944). A front center strap using swiss army accessory straps A large ammo pouch from 1962 (same as the rest) Thanks for looking.

Hi everyone, I recently purchased a singer 132k6 and have gradually been moving through the machine and fixing some minor issues. I'm stuck on how to set the hook-needle gap. At the moment I'm using organ 214 system needles and the hook grazes the needle which I'm sure is the reason I'm dropping stitches. I don't see a lot of room for adjustment of the lateral position of the hook, but I'm sure an adjustment like this must be possible. I see 3 screws on the hook itself which I imagine are used to set the position of the hook relative to the needle travel, but are these also used to set the gap? Has anyone worked with these machines before? Do I need to try a different needle system? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Best, John

Hi all - thanks for welcoming me to your community here. This forum has been an excellent resource on my sewing machine refurbishing projects. Ive recently acquired a Singer 51w 55, it is a post bed machine. I got it from an old timer who used it for years and years doing govt. contract work. It was relatively well maintained but is running pretty rough. This is a machine I really want to do a full refurb on, but am a little nervous as parts are proving difficult to find. I started off with an issue where the stitch length adjustment knob has broken off of the threads to attach it to the handwheel. This was eventually solved with a set of screws just under the top plate. I guess I’m just curious what some recommendations would be to start on this thing, what are the first steps I take to a full clean and refurbish?

I've got TONS of unique, one-off leather for sale. A range of sizes and colors and finishes, great for small projects. I'm about to list some large hides in addition to the small and medium I have for sale. Right now I'm posting on eBay but would love to sell direct. Here is the eBay link- https://www.ebay.com/sch/racbec-61/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from= Better photos coming soon too! There are MANY more than shown below. Email me: Rachael@heavyleathernyc.com

I am just getting into antique leather restoration, etc. and I have a problem. I have a nice "motorcycle" or "western" belt from the 1940s and at some point it lost it's name, which was "FORTUNE" in what would have been yellow brass or chromed brass letters. I have been searching all over the web for alphabet spots but those currently available are not of the right design or size to reproduce the name. Ace Western Belts in Japan appears to reproduce these, but the cost is high and I am not sure the size is right. The original letters were 7/16" tall, or nearly half an inch. Communication with these folks is not easy because of the language barrier. So, does anyone have any letters I could buy that I could use to finish this belt? The photo of the actual belt shows other losses which I have fixed, but so far I cannot get those letters! I am also looking at restoration of this type to be an ongoing effort, so I am also looking for a source of vintage spots and jewels for future projects. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!!!

I recently acquired a vintage roughout roping saddle in its original condition. It has 3" wide fender adjustment, with the old bolt and blanket pin system. From the marks left, it doesn't appear the stirrups were ever adjusted with the old lacing system, and definitely never Blevins, though lace adjustment may have been replaced with the bolts and pin system shortly after purchase. Naturally, the pins are missing, so the former owner used baling wire in their place. I'm wondering if anyone knows approximately when the pin system was in its zenith to help date the saddle. (I rode in an old JC Higgins in the early 60s that used the bolt and pin adjusters, FWIW.) There are no maker marks that I've yet discovered, though I have not yet pulled back the seat to find any marks that may be on the rawhide tree. I'd like to find replacement pins if anyone knows of any (I remember they used to be sold on cards at tack stores eons ago!), and I'm also trying to find replacement leather rosettes with the old sawtooth edge. Pics attached. Any insights are appreciated. Thanks!

I have had this saddle for a few months, purchased it from a collector vintage western. Has no makers mark. I believe it to be a custom. This saddle wights about 55lbs has a horn width of 7" 16 seat rawhide wrapped tree, builtin saddle bags and a skirt length of 28" Any ideas out there about this saddle?

Cleaning out my dad's estate and came across this stitcher. Bicycle pedal with metal seat. Unit was in a hardware store that can be traced back to 1890's. Section of building has all sorts of horse leather straps, horse collars, etc. My family would like to get $1,500 or best/better offer. Unit is in Wisconsin, USA. About 2.5 hours from Chicago. The top end of the stitcher is stamped 1931. Not shown in pics, is also an old wooden table that had parts that look like they were also used either with this machine or part of the leather repair area. Let me know if you have questions or would like additional information.

I am a rookie so please bear with me. I am starting to go through my dad's old business to sell his estate. He purchased an old hardware store business 40 years ago. The hardware store itself is maybe 100 years old. In one of the storage sheds way in the back I came across what looks to be a type of sewing machine. When I asked my mom, she recalls the realtor telling her it was used on horse collars and other horse "gear". I won't be able to get better pictures until April as that is when we start cleaning out the 28x50ft shed. I had to walk on top of boxes, old machinery, etc. just to get back to this. There is other horse related gear in another storage shed so this is plausible. The unit is on a stand with the Champion shoe markings. Not shown in the picture is the unit is powered by what looks like a bicycle type peddles. My family is looking to sell this but would like to know as much history as possible before doing so. Can someone point me in the right direction? Including what to look for/identify to somehow estimate a decent selling price and to who? Let me know if you need additional pics.

I noticed an old flip-up cabinet style machine in my next-door neighbors garage today. Only label was an "MW", I told him it was probably Montgomery Ward. They are going to get rid of it, apparently old family thing from way back. Any value to something like this? My guess, it's so basic, and so old, that they are a dime a dozen. There is a broken belt, that is more like a cord, to drive the beast. Jeff

I have come across a few of these Sargent hand tools and am pretty sure that the tips change out but for the life of me cannot figure how to change them. Pix 1 is the tool, pix 3 are the tips for the tool (i believe) and pix 3 are similar tips that seem for something else...???) Any body know how to change the tips? Thanks.

Hi all, First off I just wanted to say thank you for all the amazing information I have found on this forum, it's been invaluable to me and my leatherworking! Right, onto the question... I was wondering if you could help me identify an old machine I found in my Stepfathers shed? The machine was discovered in the old Shoemakers Cottage in Astcote, UK about 20 years ago. The logo stamped on the top reads "Salmon & Co, Victoria Works, Kettering". There is a large handle to the machine as well but it is unfortunately in a box that we can't currently get to right now! I would love to know what this piece of equipment was used for, when it was made and anything about Salmon & Co you might know. So far all I have managed to find out was that Salmon & Co were in the Boot machinery business in 1877 - https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/24532/page/7284/data.pdf I would really appreciate any help! Thanks so much, Liz

Hello all, Looking for a rising (or setting) sun camouflage tool to match what is on this strap of this vintage sidesaddle. The saddle could be anywhere from 80-120 years old. The strap was broken and someone used nails to "repair" it. The owner said she will only replace the whole strap if she can match the tooling exactly. Otherwise, we trim, skive, overlap and stitch where the break is. I haven't seen this particular tool before so am hoping someone in the community has. If it's available, we would be ecstatic. Thanks in advance! Anita

Have been busy with bagmaking lately and can't seem to stop hehehe. Made this bag from 3oz vegtan and duck canvas lining. Most parts machine stitched and some hand stitched. Mixed oil dye and neatsfoot oil and finished with leather balm. Will try some other finishes for it. Been experimenting a lot.

I have a large collection of hardware I'm selling. The amount in the photo might be less than what I actually have- I noticed more pieces after I took the photos. I am NOT selling individual pieces. Each photo has the grouping of what I'm selling. Please don't ask to purchase a selection of each group! Email me for a quicker response- Rachael@heavyleathernyc.com I'm also selling tons of snakeskin hides soon!!!

For sale: Osborne, Vergez Blanchard, Vintage, etc Irons Vergez Blanchard #6 Irons $200.00 Vintage #10 Iron $50.00 Punches $140.00 Osborne 1 1/4" english strap punch Osborne 1" round punch China-made corner punch x 4 ? 3/4" buckle punch Vintage round punch Awls 6 awls (3 new Vergez Blanchard) $65.00 Creases $140 Osborne, Dixon, Vintage 3 edge crease 2 screw crease (large Dixon screw crease) 2 crease Knives $150.00 French Skiver Osborne Round Knife Vergez Blanchar L'Indespensible Knife Misc - Cobblers Knife, etc Japanese Plane Thread Lin Cable 10 spools $250.00 Misc Paint, glue, glue pot, oil $60.00 Burnishers $45.00 (put these on your dremel for fast burnishing)

Hello all, I have 161 pcs of Craftoools in what I believe is a homemade rotating tiered tool holder.These were my grandfathers who was very much into leather crafting making all sorts of wallets, belts and some saddle work back in the day. He most liked acquired these in the 50's and 60's. Possibly some earlier. He's been gone since the mid 70's and I have held onto these tools ever since as sort of a memento intending to maybe try my hand at leather crafting someday. Never did so decided these might deserve a better home where they can be used by real craftsman again. Many are stamped CRAFTOOL on the side. Others have a number also. If anyone is interested, please let me know. I can always take more detailed photos of some of the stamps if needed. Currently the set is listed on Ebay under "Craftool Vintage Leather Stamps 161 pieces" Thanks.