Sewing leather often requires that the needle be pulled or pushed with needle nose pliers. It’s a good idea to lock the thread so it doesn’t keep coming off. Here is a quick tutorial on thread locking. Lots of wax is helpful to keep the thread from fraying and breaking. Using a needle at each end […]
Read more "Lining The Shako"The shako top is on (looks like government contract work.) Here is how to make properly-spaced, straight stitches in thick leather. At right is a saddle maker’s stitch grooving tool. It removes a tiny line of flesh at a set distance from the edge by adjusting the L-shaped bit. Next to the groover is a […]
Read more "Stitching"Progress is painfully slow. Emphasis on painful. The top has slowly flattened, and it looks as if the edges won’t match up. The shako should have a convex top to fit. A wet sponge and a perfectly-sized plate will fix the issue. The replica onion bottle full of water acts as a weight on the […]
Read more "Adjustments"Slaves to the latest European military fashion, New England’s volunteer militia wore the “bell crown cap” starting in 1820. Eastern European martial influence spread gradually west at the end of the 18th century. Harness and saddle makers added these to their lines of military accoutrements as they are entirely made of leather. Dyed black, they […]
Read more "Shako"The spirit of Andrew Jackson ran high in New England during the 1820s. Patriotism, coupled with new found wealth enabled the formation of “volunteer” militia companies in towns large and small. Reform-minded fellows sought to change the image of the drunken amateur soldier. The Oxford Light Infantry managed to complete their uniforms in time for […]
Read more "Invincibles"The poof! The buttons! The cat hair! With the buttonholes complete, it’s time to start tuning the seams. Chest padding gives this coat a unique silhouette. The top button might need to be moved, haven’t decide yet. Somehow the length in front matches the waistcoat exactly. Good news: there isn’t much in the way of […]
Read more "Swallowtail II"Look at this damned thing–just look at it. A rifle company of the Massachusetts militia wore these uniforms after the War of 1812. Where to start. Forget about the helmet for now. The padding is remarkable, also that wasp waist (complete with seam.) The collar meets at the center front. The stars and wings are […]
Read more "Swallowtail"The 1758 Forbes Campaign will always be one of my favorites. Pants are optional, no uniforms for the Virginians. Instead, there is comfy Indian dress. Shooting with paper cartridges and the powder horn, while moving quickly, is great practice. Bad news: the company that produces the collar eagles for the Oxford Light Infantry uniform no […]
Read more "Toughskins"I received an offer I could not refuse. These crack shots are the Oxford Light Infantry. They can be seen at Old Sturbridge Village, and represent all that is sexy and good in New England militia from the first quarter of the 19th century. All their brass plates and buckles are silver plated. Their coats […]
Read more "Eagles!"