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

[Jeff Nichols]

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

I'll echo that sentiment...

[malachi]

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

This might seem an odd reference in this thread, but I've wanted to include it for some time now and hand forged hardware offers as good a chance as any. As a blacksmith, I and Paul I'm sure, hear constant references to wrought iron pieces. Just as a matter of authenticity, and for clarity's sake, the phrase has been bastardized through the years. The primary type of iron prior to the introduction of today's mild steel, was "wrought iron". It wasn't descriptive of shapes or designs, but the iron itself. Due to the intense labor involved in its production, it was "wrought", not simply made. If you go to a steel provider today, you will purchase what's known as mild steel. If I'm not mistaken, it first saw production about the same time the American civil war was being decided. It very quickly became the iron of choice for most projects requiring iron on a large scale. Wrought iron still held many advantages though and was produced into the twentieth century. It can be worked at a wider range of temps and forge welds much easier. I know of only one producer of it today, and they are in England. I have examined pieces from the war of both types of iron as best I can tell. Besides a spark test on a grinder, if you suspect something of being true wrought iron, look for the tell-tale grain in the iron. It will look like wood grain, and will often have silica crystals inbeded in those grains. It is this composition that has allowed it to survive for so long in the form of ornamental iron work in European pieces such as decorative fencing. Almost any seafood resturant in FL will have an old anchor out front. Those provide the clearest view of the grain of which I speak. The salt water has exposed it clearly. Were the anchor mild steel, it would have likely disolved long ago. Wrought iron has virtually no carbon whatsoever in it. This makes edged tools impractical from its use. Mild steel has a fairly low carbon level, but can be hardened somewhat, and will hold an edge for a while. All tools such as axes, draw knives, chisels, and the like, made of wrought iron, had to have steel forge welded onto the end to be sharpened. Thus having to have an old axe "re-steeled" after many years of use and sharpening. Such wrought axe heads, adz heads, and other cutting tools can be found at flea markets, and would make and excellent pieces for camp authenticity. If ever you want to include an anvil for farrier impressions, make certain it is one with a visible seperate plate welded on the striking surface, and preferable a square hole through its waist from front to back. One piece anvils didn't come around until the twentieth century I believe. Lastly make sure it has a long bick(horn). A short horn normally indicates a cast iron anvil and is wrong for the period as well. Iron studies are like leather studies, and are just as interesting. There is a lot to know that you might not have known you didn't know. After you learn a bit, flea markets, junk shops and such are a lot more fun. I buy obscure pieces all the time, just because I can tell that they were smith made. Sorry to ramble on. It is important though I think. If you ever have any iron questions, or want to know about old blacksmith tools, just let me know. I'll tell you all I know. Thanks, and God Bless you all,
Greg Tucker
The Excelsior Forge