CS saddle hardware "kits"............

[Ken Knopp]

Paul Muller tells me he is offering to make handforged CS hardware "kits" for those that want to upgrade their saddles or,....for those that are building a Confederate saddle, etc.


Occasionally, I get inquiries from folks wanting large (3 or 4 inch interior) iron rings for Texas saddles. Others are re-rigging an old (perhaps civilian) saddle. Some folks may have the wrong hardware and just want to improve their saddle. Well, here is a chance to get some.

The kit includes your choices of rings (choice of size include those for equipment, D-ring, girths, etc.) and the staples. Also hand forged "driven" footstands. All handforged iron.

Fellas, GREAT opportunity to improve your saddle kit!

Not sure what he charges so inquire with him

Paul Muller ..........
cav.paul.muller@gmail.com or mullerslanefarm@gmail.com

I have no vested interest here.....Just wanted toget the word out.

Ken R Knopp

https://www.confederatesaddles.com

[Forrestcavalryman]

Re: CS saddle hardware "kits"............

I have used the footman loops of Paul's. Fantastic quality! Will definately continue business with him!

[Mike Ventura]

Re: CS saddle hardware "kits"............

What's the finish on these and how is Paul doing it?

[Paul L Muller]

Re: CS saddle hardware "kits"............

No finish other than wire brushing after they are made. I would japan them if asked to. plm

[Mark Choate]

Re: CS saddle hardware "kits"............

Ken,

This is great news and I'm glad Paul is doing it on a broader scale.

No subject, over the past few years, has been talked about within the mounted CS side of the hobby more than the importance and impact that proper hardware has for ones impression. Whether it be CS military or civilian, a good leather job can be skuttled by the presence of the wrong hardware.

Ken, isn't it true that Paul has "signed on" to be one of the instructors at this years Cavarly Camp of Instruction at the Carnton Plantation in Franklin? I have heard this and that he is bringing his metal working tools to demonstrate his talents and work.

I have seen and own a few pieces of Paul's work in the realm of bits and other items and know that the same accuracy and authenticity will exist here.

Thanks,
Mark

[Mike Ventura]

Re: CS saddle hardware "kits"............

Paul --

Pardon my ignorance, but what keeps them from rusting in this condition? Can you give me some period examples of them finished this way?

[Paul L Muller]

Re: CS saddle hardware "kits"............

Nothing keeps them from rusting, I am just offering the hardware and the custumer can paint ,oil treat,japan,blue ,..what ever he wants. I however may have a japaning process I may try, but have not gotten that far. plm

[Paul L Muller]

Re: CS saddle hardware "kits"............

I thought I'd mention I am working on a CSA nose bag like the one drawn in Ken Knopp's book. I has a leather bottom and a home made jute rope for the head piece and a 1/4 " rope stiffiner sewn into the bags opening, hand finished rope holes . If this sounds of interest to you, shoot me an email or pm. plm

[Ken Knopp]

Re: CS saddle hardware "kits"............

Just a note to those interested....

IMHO, japanning was done by the CS authorities on a VERY limited basis and ONLY in the early war. I have seen but scant mention of it and then only on buckles and rings. I would doubt, though I do not know for sure that they would spend much effort on treating other saddle hardware. From my observation, they did not have the resources nor the desire to waste those precious resources (primarily chemicals and labor) on japanning. Same perhaps more so with painting.
However, blueing and oiling (with linseed oil) often cut with fish oil was a common practice with Confederate iron (bits, buckles and rings I have seen slight mention but, never any mention of foot stands) as was doing nothing at all....raw iron...which is likely what they most often did in this circumstance.

Just my humble opinion.

Ken R Knopp

[malachi]

Re: CS saddle hardware "kits"............

The formula I use on all my hardware is an old one passed down by smiths and works pretty well. Combine linseed oil, turpentine, and beeswax in thirds by weight. A double boiler works well for this. Be careful, this is flamable. The mixture will set up as a thick wax when cool. Bring the piece to be coated up to a dull red or black heat and toss it into the mixture. If it flames up, put the lid on the pot. DO YOU BEST NOT TO BREATHE THIS STUFF!!! Retrieve the piece from the mix while still warm and wipe it down with a cloth. The piece is good for a while. When it needs recoating, you can melt some and put it on a rag and wipe them down again, or remove them entirely though I never do this on mine. Though not authentic, you can bring the iron up to a dark heat and wipe it down with a wax ring from a toilet seal. I don't know what all is in there, but a lot of smiths do this today and it works remarkably well.
Greg Tucker
pretty good smith

[Paul L Muller]

Re: CS saddle hardware "kits"............

Thanks Greg, I think I will try the toilet wax thing. plm

[malachi]

Re: CS saddle hardware "kits"............

Paul, I forgot to mention that these treatments give the iron a nice black finish. Best of luck.
Greg Tucker

[ButtermilkRanger]

Re: CS saddle hardware "kits"............

Paul, can you also make correct iron horseshoe buckles for Confederate saddles?

[Paul L Muller]

Re: CS saddle hardware "kits"............

yes, just tell me what you have in mind and I will be happy to make them right away. I am making CSA single ring halters with hand forged ring and buckle now for 50.00 +sh too. plm

[Forrestcavalryman]

Re: CS saddle hardware "kits"............

Larry, Paul made me a set of horseshoe buckles for a saddle I am building for Jeff Gibson....You will not be dissapointed!