Greetings from Devon, West of England

[SteveBrambley]

Hi,

I thought that I'd better introduce myself.

I'm a third generation leather worker, and have been working in our family leathergoods manufacturing business for over 40 years. My grandfather started this in 1915, after he took over a harness maker's shop that, I belive, dated back to the 1840s. Grandfather actually learned his trade when he became an apprentice to a shoemaker, after leaving school in 1898. It was then run, for many years, by my father, and was then, in turn, taken over by my brother and myself, who continue today to make all types of leather bags and cases, mainly for the sporting-gun trade.

Over the years, we have accumulated a varied collection of leather working machinery, including over 20 types of sewing machine, some of which are very rare these days.

Steve

[rdb]

Welcome Steve! You've come to the right place. There's a wealth of Information here coming from the Skilled craftsmen, as well as the new folk.

It sounds like you and your brother have quite the little library all on your own, hopefully we can all learn from each other. Don't forget pictures!

[ArtS]

Steve,

You must have a wealth of knowledge of leather work. I can only imagine the tools that you must have in your shop.

Glad you're here. Welcome.

Art

[UKRay]

Hi,

I thought that I'd better introduce myself.

I'm a third generation leather worker, and have been working in our family leathergoods manufacturing business for over 40 years. My grandfather started this in 1915, after he took over a harness maker's shop that, I belive, dated back to the 1840s. Grandfather actually learned his trade when he became an apprentice to a shoemaker, after leaving school in 1898. It was then run, for many years, by my father, and was then, in turn, taken over by my brother and myself, who continue today to make all types of leather bags and cases, mainly for the sporting-gun trade.

Over the years, we have accumulated a varied collection of leather working machinery, including over 20 types of sewing machine, some of which are very rare these days.

Steve

Welcome Steve. I'm based in Ludlow, Shropshire but my dear old mother comes from Ottery St. Mary near Exeter!

We would all appreciate seeing a few pictures of your workshops and machinery and examples of your work - on a personal level, it is great to have the opportunity to learn from a specialist like yourself. Enjoy the forum.

[King's X]

STEVE

Welcome to our forum and warm greetings from Austin, Texas, USA.

ATX

[TomSwede]

Hi,

I thought that I'd better introduce myself.

I'm a third generation leather worker, and have been working in our family leathergoods manufacturing business for over 40 years. My grandfather started this in 1915, after he took over a harness maker's shop that, I belive, dated back to the 1840s. Grandfather actually learned his trade when he became an apprentice to a shoemaker, after leaving school in 1898. It was then run, for many years, by my father, and was then, in turn, taken over by my brother and myself, who continue today to make all types of leather bags and cases, mainly for the sporting-gun trade.

Over the years, we have accumulated a varied collection of leather working machinery, including over 20 types of sewing machine, some of which are very rare these days.

Steve

Greetings and welcome Steve!

Sure is a nice and solid heritage you have! Cases and boxes interest me personally so glad to have you here, hope we get to see some pics of your shop too.

I'm sure you can make great contributions to this great place aswell as pick up something aswell.

Tom

[Corvus]

Hi Steve! We're neighbours as I'm in Somerset Let me know if you are looking for an apprentice Your set up sounds great, please post some photos I would love so see.

[OutBackP]

Hi Steve, welcome to the forum.

I'm also a neighbor living just across the border in Dorset. We just need someone from Cornwall now and your surrounded.

[SteveBrambley]

Hi Steve, welcome to the forum.

I'm also a neighbor living just across the border in Dorset. We just need someone from Cornwall now and your surrounded.

Hi all,

Many thanks for your kind welcomes. I will certainly post some photos of our workshop, as soon as poss. I will also send some pics of a machine or two.

Thanks again.

Steve

[SteveBrambley]

Hi,

Here are two samples of my work.

The rifle magazine was made for a target rifle shooter in 3.5/4mm saddle shoulder. The bucket bag is a Waxy Butt Split, with saddle shoulder trim.