Members Brooks125 Posted October 26, 2023 Members Report Posted October 26, 2023 Every now and then, I get a request to do a job that means more than leather and firearms. A couple months ago. I was contacted by a fellow that wanted the cartridge loops on his father's old duty belt replaced. The loops had been replaced at least once, at least on the ends. I don't do much hand stitching, but this one was ALL hand stitching. In the attached pictures, you will see the before and after. I appreciate making attractive, functional gunleather for people. I am honored when someone sends me a family heirloom! Quote
Members Brooks125 Posted October 26, 2023 Author Members Report Posted October 26, 2023 Here is the backside, showing the damage done to 80+ year old leather and a couple repair jobs in! It was difficult finding workable leather at times, but it worked out beautifully! ... my customer and his father from the 50s-60s. The owner is the boy in the photo, he's now in his 70s. Quote
Members MarshalWill Posted October 26, 2023 Members Report Posted October 26, 2023 What a fun job that must have been. You did a great job matching the loops to the belt. Outstanding work. Quote
Members Hags Posted October 27, 2023 Members Report Posted October 27, 2023 Great job! Love doing these. Quote
Members YinTx Posted October 27, 2023 Members Report Posted October 27, 2023 Nice daunting work. I would have been tempted to put a backing piece of leather for the belt loops to attach to so they didn't damage the leather more. What are the decorative rivets? The backs look like cartridge primer and base. Quote
Members Handstitched Posted October 27, 2023 Members Report Posted October 27, 2023 What a wonderful piece of history , you did a great job. HS Quote
Members Littlef Posted October 27, 2023 Members Report Posted October 27, 2023 That's a really neat piece. The loop repair blends in nicely with the original leather work. I'm sure the family is thrilled with the work. (I know I would be.) Quote
Members Brooks125 Posted October 28, 2023 Author Members Report Posted October 28, 2023 (edited) 21 hours ago, YinTx said: Nice daunting work. I would have been tempted to put a backing piece of leather for the belt loops to attach to so they didn't damage the leather more. What are the decorative rivets? The backs look like cartridge primer and base. Those are IPA Marksman and IPA Sharpshooter badges. IPA is the International Police Assoc. I'm guessing they are shooting merits for qualification, etc. Edited October 28, 2023 by Brooks125 Quote
Members GrampaJoel Posted October 30, 2023 Members Report Posted October 30, 2023 Nice job! I wonder who defaced the handgrips. Quote
Members Littlef Posted October 31, 2023 Members Report Posted October 31, 2023 22 hours ago, GrampaJoel said: Nice job! I wonder who defaced the handgrips. I noticed it too. That looks like the job of grandchildren, maybe middle school or high school aged, who decided they would improve the grips. (That's my assessment.) Quote
Members dikman Posted October 31, 2023 Members Report Posted October 31, 2023 A daunting task indeed, given the age and condition of the leather. You did an excellent job. Quote
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