I'm looking to upgrade some of my leather gear. I've found very little on-line that describes this or that piece of period leather gear was of the bridle (the most common from what I can see) or waxed type. On the other hand, I see some of our hobby's more authentic vendors are offering belts and a few other items in a choice of either bridle or waxed leather.

My question to the forum is: Does anyone have any good info about just what leathers were offered in the waxed method and an educated guess as to what percentage of leathers were used of that variety?  

--Last edited by mstuart on 2007-11-24 21:35:12 --

Mark,

Check out this link:

http://www.jarnaginco.com/leather%20definitions%20index.htm

Also do a Google search using (19th. Century Leather Tanning) You'll get a bunch of hits.

Bill:

Looking at C & D Jarnigan's site is pretty much the reason for my question. I spent a couple of days reading the research they've done and that caused my question. I may not get a firm answer to "what's the percentage of waxed leather equipments?", but I thought I'd take a shot.

In a 21st century mind-set, I think that a waxed leather belt is an attractive addition to my impression, but, that just won't hold water with accuracy. "Fashion" just wasn't considered in military accouterments, if you know what I mean.

Mark,

Nick Sekela has been posting on the Forum. He may have some answers to your question. Hopefully he'll see this thread.

In an nutshell, anything to be made from buff in the Ordnance Manual was made in waxed flesh. Basically that is belts and straps. Boxes, holsters, pouches etc were never made from either buff or waxed flesh for Federal Service.

There was a general order that laid it all out but I dont have it at hand.

Buff is always a good alternative, for either early or late war impressions.

Dave Myrick

Let me see if I have this straight........most leather belts (waist and saber type) and straps (cartridge box and saber belts) were, according to the US Ordnance Manual, to be made of buff leather, which was dyed black?

As I understand it (from reading David Jarnigan's articles) those belts would, with time, lose some of the blackened color and turn a dark brown.

Now, where does regular, good old waxed leather, dyed black, come into the equation? Or does it at all?

FWIW, it looks as if I'm going to get a chance to ride a little next year and I want to upgrade my saber belt. I'm looking for the most common leather type to order (at least as far as US is concerned). I originally thought the two choices were bridle vs. waxed leather, but now I think we've got blackened buff into the mix.  

--Last edited by mstuart on 2007-11-27 17:32:39 --

Mark,
The US specification was for blackened buff leather for saber belts. It was only after the shortage of buff that waxed flesh and bridle leather were accepted as a substitute. Buff products were supplied throughout the war and are correct for use at any time.
As for period buff turning brown, while I have not seen a great any original buff items, those thatI have seen are most certainly not brown. They are not the deep rich black we often see either. They tend to more of a very dark grey.
In my opinion, bridle leather belts are way over represented and good buff belts are next to impossible to find. Notice I said good buff belts. Buff tannage is terribly expensive and consequently more is used then should be. As such, we tend get belts that are made from leather that is too close to the belly and gets stretchy or rolls. I also think that there are not enough waxed flesh belts around either and I think they are the best way to go, with a proper buckle with a three piece silver wreath. If you do decide to go that route, make certain that it is truly waxed flesh and not just bridle leather dyed in the flesh side.
Since you are going to be using this belt while mounted, make abslutely certain that the saber straps are the proper length. If the front strap is too long or the rear strap too short, the saber will not hang properly and can come out of the scabbard.
Dave Myrick