Feeling a Little Blue Today

[James Rogers]

I made this for a custom waiste belt today. It's supposed to be tinned but I just couldn't help seeing what a little color would do for it.

[Greg Pennell]

That looks great!  Question...did you make a die to stamp your buckles, or do you cut them out of flat stock and file them to shape?

Greg

[James Rogers]

Hi Greg, this was just cut and filed with hand labor : )
Many production items were die forged and then filed in the period. I plan to set up for some of that but I can't even seem to get a lean-to on my shop for the forge ; )

[WadePatton]

IF you're going to be blue, THEN

Be a gorgeous one. 

thanks.

[James Rogers]

Tinned

[Marcruger]

That is a buckle to drool over for sure brother.  After getting it to that blue color, I'd have been sorely tempted to shoot a coat of clear flat lacquer on it and sew it on.  Beautiful work in either finish.  God Bless,   Marc

[James Rogers]

Marc, That is exactly how I would do it but I had recommended to the customer a tinned buckle. I have seen a lot of brass/bronze and iron buckles with remnants of tinning.

[Marcruger]

Hard to argue with either decision.   :-)