Folks, I have questions about a piece of brass hardware, and where to get it.
I ran across this listing on an auction site, for a shot pouch and powder horn with native provenance:
This was on the Cowan's Auction website, which appears to have gone under, but I managed to save a couple of photos. Anyway, this outfit appealed to me, and I thought I might try to duplicate it, more or less. The round items on the flap are silver "moccasin buttons," for which I thought I might substitute brass "penny buttons" (sometimes called "orange buttons") which were available from the traders back in the day, and are easier to find and a heck of a lot less expensive than silver. Another possibility might be domed pewter buttons which are also readily available. That shield-shaped device is another matter. It is not exactly a bridle rosette, and I'm not certain of what to call it. I've seen it referred to as a "harness decoration." I did find something similar on a bridle from a custom tack-maker:
I contacted the proprietress, who politely informed me that she did not sell hardware, nor would she divulge her source for these. I respect that, and I now know that at least somebody is making these, but I sure can't find one for sale. I've tried Weaver Leather, Springfield Leather, Carrico, Colorado Saddlery, Hill Saddlery, Frecker's, Outfitter's Supply and I think a couple of others. I have found some cool stuff, including original and reproduction US Cavalry bridle rosettes, but no shield like the one shown.
Any ideas?
Much obliged,
Notchy Bob
I ran across this listing on an auction site, for a shot pouch and powder horn with native provenance:
This was on the Cowan's Auction website, which appears to have gone under, but I managed to save a couple of photos. Anyway, this outfit appealed to me, and I thought I might try to duplicate it, more or less. The round items on the flap are silver "moccasin buttons," for which I thought I might substitute brass "penny buttons" (sometimes called "orange buttons") which were available from the traders back in the day, and are easier to find and a heck of a lot less expensive than silver. Another possibility might be domed pewter buttons which are also readily available. That shield-shaped device is another matter. It is not exactly a bridle rosette, and I'm not certain of what to call it. I've seen it referred to as a "harness decoration." I did find something similar on a bridle from a custom tack-maker:
I contacted the proprietress, who politely informed me that she did not sell hardware, nor would she divulge her source for these. I respect that, and I now know that at least somebody is making these, but I sure can't find one for sale. I've tried Weaver Leather, Springfield Leather, Carrico, Colorado Saddlery, Hill Saddlery, Frecker's, Outfitter's Supply and I think a couple of others. I have found some cool stuff, including original and reproduction US Cavalry bridle rosettes, but no shield like the one shown.
Any ideas?
Much obliged,
Notchy Bob
