Packing Iron--Belt Buckle

[buffalo]

I have a book named "Packing Iron Gunleather Of The Frontier West". I'm sure many of you have seen it. Anyway on page 6 there is a picture of a old gun rig with a real neat belt buckle. I found a guy that has hand carved and now has cast a reproduction of this buckle.

http://www.willghormley-maker.com/OWCBuckles.html I ordered 2 of them, white bronze and brass. They are fabulous. The picture on his web site does them no justis. If you are into cowboy action shooting, or just make holsters you can't live without one of these.

Regards Buff

[bcurrier]

Nice looking buckles. Pricey, though, especially for plain brass - even understanding it's a repro. I might pay it for the bronze, assuming it's actually solid bronze.

Bill

[LuisPaulo]

Very nice buckles.

Will is a very nice guy, always answer my questions.

[Johanna]

Wow, someone needs to invite Mr. Ghormley to the forum. Thanks for the heads up.

Johanna

[Timbo]

Will is a great guy. I have made a bunch of stuff from his patterns. He is very dedicated to "authenticity". These buckles are the real deal if authenticity is your goal. Granted they are a bit pricey, but, Will chose to have them made in the USA instead of farming them out to the cheapest bidder overseas. BRAVO, WILL!!!!!! Really the price isn't that steep when you consider how much we spend on other things for our craft.

Just as a side note, I was having a problem stitching in the toe plug of a holster so I sent Will an email. Not only did he respond, but he was in the process of making a 3:10 to Yuma holster and sent me a series of 8 pictures and instructions on EXACTLY how to do it. What a great guy.

By the way he did make all the gun leather in 3:10 to Yuma.

Just thought I'd pass along this info.

Tim

[buffalo]

Wow, someone needs to invite Mr. Ghormley to the forum. Thanks for the heads up.

Johanna

I just sent him one.

Regards Buff

[WillGhormley]

Hey Guys,

Buff and some others told me ya'll were talkin' about me behind my back. Not much time to chat, but I reckon I'll weigh in. I've got no appologies for the price I'm chargin' for the buckles. I may never see a profit on this project, but it needs to be done. I hope in the long run it will be profitable, but life offers no guarantees 'ceptin diein'.

If you look at the price of quality brass plate buckles at Civil War suttlers, my buckles start to look a little inexpensive. I don't reckon there is much differnce in cost, for those who choose to have their buckles made in the States. And, I would stack-up the craftsmanship of the buckles I'm puttin' out against anything on the market. The foundry handeling the production is bendin' over backwards to produce the best quality possible.

While the buckles are more expensive than I had invisioned before I started on this project, I had no idea what I was doin' either. And, the bottom line bein'; not a penny of the money spent on these buckles is goin' overseas to people who don't like us or our ideals of freedom. I can rest easy at night knowing nothin' I'm doin' is goin' to end up as bullets bein' shot back at our Armed Servicemen and Servicewomen. Every cent spent is goin' to support hard workin' American craftsmen and their families, (and the U.S. Postal Service). Havin' said all that, if you can find anything comperable to what I'm offering, for less money, buy it! I don't think there is anything else out there. That's why I was forced to do this if I wanted these buckles.

Now, don't think I'm steamed at ya' because you may think the buckles are too expensive, (Frankly, I only worry about what my wife thinks). I'm just puttin' the "price" issue in context. If you you can get a better deal someplace else, I'm happy for you. Me, I'll be happy if this project gets out of the red before the end of the year.

There ya' have it. And, a hearty "Thank You" to those of you who have purchased the buckles and can't stop gushing about how great they are, (though I think you guys are over-doin' it a bit!)

Will

[Johanna]

Hello, Will Ghormley!

I admire the detail you work into your portraits, and hope you find the time to tell us a little about how you learned to do leatherwork, and how you get yours to look so good. Lots of folks introduce themselves in the member gallery here. Please post your website link, because I'm sure others will enjoy looking at your art. We're very pleased to have you here, and hope you make yourself comfortable. Welcome to leatherworker.net!

Johanna

(Thanks Buff!!!)

[Warren]

Will, very glad to have you on the forum! I have been a great admirer of yours for some time now. I have almost all of your holster pattern packs. I have made several holsters using your patterns or the general idea behind them. I look at your website on a fairly regular basis to make sure I don't miss any of your new stuff. I was glad to hear you got settled with the "Yuma" folks. Your work is wonderful and inspired me to try my own hand at it. Thanks for being willing to share your talents with the rest of us. I look forward to more patterns and inspiration in the future!

Warren

[bcurrier]

Will,

Are the bronze buckles actually bronze - or brass with bronze finish?

Bill