Historically correct Western chaps

[LumpenDoodle2]

I've been asked by a customer to make a pair of chsps for Western reenactment.    Now, a very kind customer sent me a pattern for shotgun chaps, which may do as the basis for the chaps.   I am using 'chaps' split suede, and although I've been googling, I'm having difficulty finding an authentic way of fastening the chaps, other than zips, or conches.

This being the case, I figured that while still googling, I should ask at the font of all knowledge.   Can anyone direct me to images/patterns/personal knowledge regarding authentic chaps.  

I'm trying to avoid batwing chaps,  as early Hollywood did them to death, even though they sre possibly more authentic to the period.

[PonyEdwards]

One of the best sites you'll find for all things Cowboy and other nineteenth century Old West topics is www.cascity.com.  I did a bit of checking for you, to make sure they had what I think you want. Once on the site, you'll want to check out the forums button. Then "the Leather Shop" page. Type in "chaps" and you'll be all set. There are several varieties listed, and photos of originals to assist you in your project. Have fun. Oh, you may have to become a member, but it's free.

I've included a photo of a pair of 1895 Meana chaps. 

[LumpenDoodle2]

Many thanks for your reply, I shall check it out.  

The thing about living in Scotland, is you don't meet many chaps wearing chaps.

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

The absolutely best resource that I know of for pictures of original cowboy gear is the book titled "Cowboys and The Trappings of the Old West". I don't know if it is still in print but it has hundreds of pictures of all cowboy gear including chaps, saddles, and gun leather.

[LumpenDoodle2]

Thanks, it looks really good.   I found a copy for sale, and hopefully it is winging its way from the US to Scotland.

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

You won't be disappointed!  "Packing Iron" is another one I should have mentioned if you do any reproductions of gun leather.  I can look at those two books for hours!

[plinkercases]

Big Sioux beat me to it... I was going to scan you some pages from my copy of trappings but you will have your own soon enough! in the section on  chaps they show the back side of one set and the notes say they typically fastened with "4 to 8 spring snaps" EDIT - another note for another pair mentions fastening behind the knee with a button strap.

And yup Packing Iron is another must have. Hope you can find a copy of that one also.

I have another called "John Wayne's Wild West"  and despite the title it has some good pictures and history of the west woven around a timeline of his films.

Looking forward to what you come up with.

Edited August 10, 2017 by plinkercases

[LumpenDoodle2]

One of the first books I bought was 'Packing Iron', and you are right, a wonderful book.  

I've just received an email, and they are saying it could take quite a number of weeks to get here, but I'm patient.

I'm patient.......

I'm...........

[plinkercases]

I will look through my chapter and scan you any pages that talk about fastening.

Stand by ye wee patient lass...

[cowboycolonel]

If you REALLY want to go "period", then I suggest you use leather buttons as closures.  Easy to do, and as authentic as it gets!

[LumpenDoodle2]

8 hours ago, plinkercases said:

I will look through my chapter and scan you any pages that talk about fastening.

Stand by ye wee patient lass...

Many thanks, that's extremely kind of you.

5 hours ago, cowboycolonel said:

If you REALLY want to go "period", then I suggest you use leather buttons as closures.  Easy to do, and as authentic as it gets!

Sounds interesting, I'll give that a google too.

[fredk]

A thought. Ask "Scottsdale's Mueum of the West" in Scottsdale, Arizona. They are supposed to have one of the best collections of Chaps

http://scottsdalemuseumwest.org/