Handstitched Report post Posted May 23, 2014 G'Day, My brothers friend asked me to make this. This cartridge belt is based on a picture that he saw on an auction site. Quote in the blurb : " RARE Antique Old west cowboy double buckle 44 S & W Cartridge Belt Circa. 1860-1880's " So, after putting my thinking cap on & taking some measurements etc. I started work on it. I had to make some modifications as the original was for a 44, and I had to adapt this belt to take 12g shot gun cartridges. Thankfully , I managed to fit 27 cartridge loops . Bit of an odd number I know, but I had to fill some space somehow. I could have machine stitched the whole thing to save time, but to at least give it some "authenticity" I hand stitched the entire belt. The original buckles looked a bit flimsy, so I fitted some stronger 45mm roller buckles. The leather is 4mm veg tan DS , 1.2mm veg tan on the back, and 2.5mm veg tan for the loops . A few coats of oil and Dyed with a few coats 'Saddle Tan ' and sealed. This was one of those jobs that 'lingered ' in my workshop for a bit too long imo, as he said, "theres no rush for it.....just take your time on it" . So in between other customer orders, making stock, fixing horse rugs etc. it took around 4 months . So nice get those jobs out of the way eh ? . I just hope it fits after all ths time. The last few pics ," double buckle gun belt " are the originals taken from the auction site. HS Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rohn Report post Posted May 23, 2014 I think you did an excellent job on that belt. I like the idea of the extra piece that is sewn on the top edge to keep the shells from slipping out, that is a good idea. That is a lot of hand stitching but by your name I guess you are the man for the job. Fine work. Rohn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peter T Report post Posted May 23, 2014 G'day Handstitched, Wow that is a lot of handstitching and the result is very impressive. I'll bet your brother's friend will be very pleased with that. Very nice work! Pete Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sixer Report post Posted May 24, 2014 ^ Looks like it was machine stitched... but if that is hand stitched, I hope your soaking your hands right now Either way, GREAT looking belt! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handstitched Report post Posted May 24, 2014 G'day Thank you to Rohn, Sixer & Peter T for the great feedback. I forgot to mention that the 'strip' at the top to keep the cartridges in, is also 1.2mm veg tan. Although I've oiled it, its still little stiff , as is the rest of it, but that will all soften up with use. Obviously I had to take a few breaks here and there during stitching , as my fingers and hands were getting a little sore...as they do. The centre of my right palm was bright red, which is to be expected I guess. Yeh yeh...I know, I can use a pad but I don't, I just....well... I just get on with it But I do love the end result. Thanks once again HS Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jon P Report post Posted May 24, 2014 Amazing work my friend!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt W Knight Report post Posted May 25, 2014 Amazing work. I feel for you on the hand stitching. I have a couple projects where I have to hand stitch, and it is a miserable experience. One of these days I will own a big sewing machine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TexasJack Report post Posted May 25, 2014 Nice job! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverbullet Report post Posted May 26, 2014 Very nice think I'm gona make one for myself , change a bit for size and width but you did an excellent job stitching looks so good it looks like machine done.gday and god bless Gary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wild Bill46 Report post Posted May 26, 2014 I too, have to concur, This is an excellent rendering of the idea (last two pictures) . Your hand stitching is a thing of beauty, and I understand your pride in wanting to do it this way. (Maybe I can come to you sometime for pointers, Hugh ocean between us for soooo many learning trips. lol) I also really like the two buckle idea, more comfort I would guess ? not to mention other gear, etc. Nice work ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CTaylorJr Report post Posted May 26, 2014 I'd say you hit it spot on! Great replication and the stitching looks very good. When full of shells, how much does this belt weigh? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handstitched Report post Posted May 30, 2014 G'day Once again, I'll ask my brothers friend to take a pic of him wearing it. And to be honest, I have no idea how much it weighed, but it certainly had a bit of weight to it. Perhaps anyone that goes shooting using a 12g shot gun may have a rough idea of how much a full box of shells weigh + the leather. I'll have to find out. If I remember to do so, I'll also take a pic of what I use to do all my handstitching. Thank you once again for the feedback, its very encouraging HS Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brushpopper Report post Posted May 30, 2014 Nice stitching! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Treed Report post Posted May 30, 2014 Great job.....love the hand stitching. I love recreating works of art from the past. The only thing that I notice is the strip that you have at the top to keep shell in is actually a strip that is under the shells to keep them up so that it is easier to get ahold of the shell for removal.... look at the last picture of the original belt with shells in it. Just turn the belt over. Great Job love it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handstitched Report post Posted August 24, 2014 G'day fellow creatives, , Anyone remember that custom cartridge belt I made?? Well well well, at my local country show , that was only just yesterday (23-8) , that belt won me a 1st and a blue ribbon !! "Most Outstanding Exhibit" Woo Hoo !! And indeed, the owner is VERY pleased. He probably won't want to use it now . Perhaps I should have charged him double eh?........now. All the best, HS Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wild Bill46 Report post Posted August 24, 2014 Well deserved honors, As before, it is a great looking piece - Congratulations ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Feraud Report post Posted August 24, 2014 A very well deserved honor! You've made a beautiful copy of an original item. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hector7 Report post Posted August 27, 2014 That belt looks great. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
