jenifer hardware

[malachi]

can anyone out there enlighten me as to the length, and gauge of the forged staples that held the saddle rings on a jenifer? same question for the footman loops. were pilot holes drilled first to prevent distortion of the pieces when driving them? how much actually went into the tree itself?
sincerely,
john gregory tucker
(greg)

[Ken Knopp]

Re: jenifer hardware

Greg, In my readings I have never seen any in depth information detailing the answers to your first and second questions- if any exits. I can assume from those observed that the length and gauge varied according to availability of iron and who was making them that day. I might also assume from having made more than a few saddles, that a pilot hole is normally used to start them into the wood. Its really a matter of materials and craftsmanship which varied widely. Your best bet would be to observe photographs of them and try to duplicated it as much as possible. Have you seen those posted on my web site? www.confederatesaddles.com
Best,

Ken R Knopp