Painted canvas bridles

[Forrestcavalryman]

Good morning gentlemen! I have a question that I hope ya'll can answer. Are there any accounts of bridle and/or halters being made of painted canvas. (I found myself in need of both and had some spare materials around the house)


Andrew

[Mark Choate]

Re: Painted canvas bridles

Yes Andrew,

Due to the leather shortages, various items of tack were made of canvas. More so in a late war timeframe, however.

You can go to Ken's website and see some photos:

http://confederatesaddles.com/cswp/

thanks,
Mark

[Ken Knopp]

Re: Painted canvas bridles

Andrew,

As far as CS manufacture, there is little doubt some bridles and maybe halters (less likely) were probably made of painted canvas materials. Many other things were such as belts, saddles, reins, etc. However, given that the bridle for example, required very little leather consumption it would not have been very common. Leather scraps were available. Leather was certainly the more common material for bridles although webbing was imported and manufactured here for this item too.
When doing so, one requirement of the CS ordnance department was that the material coming into contact with the buckles were made leather. This was a strength issue. Also, if you are making them for yourself be sure to stick to the proper measurements of the item (go by the CS ordnance manual) and use the proper materials- enameled paint, linseed oil, etc. You can look up any number of threads here on the AC in the search engine to learn how to carefully make this material. "Careful" is the watch word. If done improperly you might come out with a poorly made product. At worst, you may burn your house down. This material is very combustible. Read!! Read everything you can on the subject to save yourself a high failure rate....or worse.
Just trying to help.

Ken R Knopp

[Forrestcavalryman]

Re: Painted canvas bridles

I did make both a halter and a bridle, however I did not use a time period painting method.

[csabugler]

Re: Painted canvas bridles

One of those awesome canvas covered saddles that KK documents would look great with that rig. I have a pair of canvas saddle bags that have held up for years. I do agree about sticking close to ordnance requirements.I have long ago lost the docs I based the bags on.
Pete

[ethan harrington]

Re: Painted canvas bridles

Ask and you shall receive....
I have a painted canvas saddle that I'm putting the paint on right now it will be for sale for $550.00 will post pics when done. Hope this keeps you in suspence.

Ethan Harrington

[Ken Knopp]

Re: Painted canvas bridles

Ethan,

PM sent...


Ken R Knopp

[ethan harrington]

Re: Painted canvas bridles

Sorry Ken,
Won't happen again.....