Who do you buy your leathers from?  Do you feel anyone is better than someone else?

I still use my tired (but well cared for) original boxes, but for some of the other stuff I find that while there are several very good makers out there I seem to like EJ Thomas the best. I do believe they have the best understanding of originals and most often have an original of what they are copying right there on the bench while they work. That impresses me. The reason it does is that with most reproducers it is like the kids game of 'telephone' where one whispers something to the next who passes it on etc. In other words the copiers copy the copies of the copies, and like the 'telephone' game the original message (or object in this case) gets gradually distorted. But with Thomas almost everything they do is a 'first generation' copy because they generally have the original on hand to check with each time.
And that is not even going into what an extreme pleasure they are to do business with!
That's my vote, and why.

Since I sell his stuff, I'm a bit biased towards Nick Sekelas.

Quote :

Ken Cornett wrote : Who do you buy your leathers from?  Do you feel anyone is better than someone else?

I bought my first and only set of leathers from Jarnigan about 8 years ago.  I am not sure of their current quality, but when I bought them back then they were some of the better ones.  

Right now there are several good purveyors of leathers. Nick of course. Missouri Boot and shoe, and Jarnigan come quickly to mind. The Richmond Depot too, come to think of it. And, there always seems to be good used stuff for sale on several internet sites.


 

--Last edited by grumpydave on 2007-04-18 06:24:24 --

Mine are from Nick Duvall I feel that right now he's the best and his service is second to none. The quality of the leather he uses and the workmanship is top notch.



Paul Sparks
10th Va.Infantry
PSL

Is there a reason noone has said anything about LD Haning yet?

Got an NCO belt a few years ago from Tim.  It's awesome.  His stuff is great, but some may say he is too expensive.  As always, you get what you pay for.

I purchased my current set of leathers from Lammers.  Have had em for about 7 years now and still in good shape.

Cris Westphal

Lammers?  Where are they?

Chris, are they dyed or painted?

Ken,

I believe he is referring to Jim Lammers of Cedar Creek Supply. Good folks but most of their gear is more mainstream (not sure about their accoutrements). I bought my first kit from them, their uniforms are above average for mainstream but would likely not cut it for a CPH event. Soem of their items are very good though, I personally own one of Jim's knapsacks and it has served me quite well. Can't speak to the accoutrements though as I do not own any.

Duvall, great selection for most manufacturers as well as full of help.

Since I once and occasionally still do work for Jim Lammers then I can somewhat vouch for him on his leathers. His work is great quality. Everything that he makes as far as leather is concerned is patterned after originals in his collection. He even has an original knapsack that his is made from. He's the one that got me into sewing leathers and making my own stuff also. I do own several of Jim's leathers and they have held up for about 7 years now. His shoes are excellent also. He even sales some of my stuff in his business as well. I'm also keen on LD Hanning's stuff also. I own one of his Confederate cartridge and cap boxes and think it was money well spent (a lot, but well spent)!

I've got Georgia frame belts from L.D. Haning's Tim Welch and Trans-Mississippi Depot's Don Smith. My pea-brain sometimes goes into overload trying to choose between which one to use. Both are darned fine. Top-notch service from both men.  

Mark

I have to say thet my stuff comes from a variety of places. Saber belt and one saddle are of my own manufacture. No one makes accurate waxed flesh saber belts and museum grade `59 macs are scarce as hen's teeth. Sharp's cartridge box is an absolute work of art from John Tobey as is the buff sword knot and one set of saddle bags. Holster and revolver cartridge box from Jarnigan and a Sekela cap pouch. My other `59 mac is one of Karl Pepper's while my Texas saddle is one of Doug Kidd's.

Dave Myrick

Personally, I have accouterments from several makers. Starting with Tom Czekanski (who no longer makes accouterments), Nick Sekela, Robert Serio, EJ Thomas Mercantile, Haversack Depot, Nick Duvall, CD Jarnigan (belt and box plates), TMD Company and LD Haning. All make fantastic, highly authentic accouterments. Some I have purchased directly from the vendors, some were purchased used, and some through one of the their agents or stores that carried their wares
Perhaps I am addicted to accouterments?
Kindest Regards;
Harold Adams[quote]

Sort of kinky how much leather we own! At least, nobody mentioned who made their whip!

It seems I'm like everybody else.I've got a big box full of  leather goods, all made by different quality makers. Our wives should not allow us take credit cards to events.  

   I am not permitted to visit S&S Sutler at any event without adult supervision.

What you need is a nice hurricane with accompanying storm surge to drown all your leather.  When the water recedes and the leather starts growing that fuzzy, loathsome multi-colored stuff, you have the perfect excuse to replace ALL of it.  

Curtis, not here in OH.  What about PA Bill,Grump?