Bear hide bag

[blackbruin]

I have the remainder of a bear hide from a shoulder mount. Nice black bear, has all feet and claws, just missing the shoulder mount area. what good ideas would you have for this. I was thinking a bag, but possibly the shoulder area on a coat? does it fit in with post revolutionary, have a verner style bucks on the way. Thanks

[Black Hand]

...but possibly the shoulder area on a coat?

No.  This is very much a reenactorism.
 
On the other hand, there is an existing knapsack made of bearskin. http://www.historicalimagebank.com/gallery/main.php/v/album02/album21/album45/RWq61d-+Bearskin+knapsack+of+Elisha+Gross+3rd+Continental+Artillery.html

[pathfinder]

Capes weren't used? Just curiouse,I am in no way educated in this area.

Madison Grant show's a bear skin bag from Bedford,and I'm sure some were made in the Southern mountain's.

[Black Hand]

Capes weren't used? Just curiouse,I am in no way educated in this area.

Capes, yes.  But of material (linen/wool), not hair-on animal skin.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Use some of the pelt to make a pair of sneaky feet.  Cut out two soles like mocassin bottoms with the hair running front to back.  Glue them with Goop to the bottoms of a pair of felt insoles, and carry them with you when you hunt.  When you spot a critter, slip off your boots and put on your sneaky feet, and walk silently on leaves as dry as corn flakes to within spittin' distance.

I don't think the hide will make into any part of a good garment, sorry.

[TMerkley]

blanket?

[blackbruin]

Thanks guys, didn't think there was much i can do, i will try the sneak feet, and a pair of mitts with a cord around the neck, slip in and out easy, what the hay.

[frenchman]

hi blackbruin
i made a bag with bear fur, if you decide to do one you should take maybe the face or top of the feet where the fur is not to thick, otherwise it gives the flap a very thick look but very different.If you want i could send you a picture

[pathfinder]

If you do a bag,only the flap at this point should be used. The type of tanning used for mounts is a little different than for garment or utility use. It's probably a little stiff,so mink oil should be rubbed into the hide before working with it. Don't use the face, in my opinion, and mine alone,it looks out of place. The fur flap would be great with your gun!

[Roger Fisher]

hi blackbruin
i made a bag with bear fur, if you decide to do one you should take maybe the face or top of the feet where the fur is not to thick, otherwise it gives the flap a very thick look but very different.If you want i could send you a picture

I use one such in belt bag form..

[frenchman]

hey blackbruin, have you receive the pictures

[blackbruin]

Yes, thank you, I just got it.  Much appreciated. I'll give my attempt at it. Got a few guys who might be able to help out.

[frenchman]

send those pictures when done