SAW issue Suspenders/Braces. Photo needed.

[G.W. Strong]

I have read the government regs and seen the government drawings. What I have not seen is a clear photo of a surviving original pair. This is a project I would like to take on reproducing. I am also trying to get my hands on an original buckle. They turn up as relics from time to time. If anyone has one I would very much like to see it up close and personal.

Can anyone help?

[St. George]

What sort of original buckle - the ones found on the suspenders?

You'll find a wide disparity in suspenders - little had changed since the Civil War, and they've been well-represented in Civil War re-enacting sutler's shops for decades.

Scouts Out!

[G.W. Strong]

What sort of original buckle - the ones found on the suspenders?

You'll find a wide disparity in suspenders - little had changed since the Civil War, and they've been well-represented in Civil War re-enacting sutler's shops for decades.

Scouts Out!

The little ones on the front of the suspenders as described in the 1885 Uniform regs.
I want the true 1880s and 1890s regulation suspenders

[G.W. Strong]

Here is another shot of the same heliograph operator from the rear.

[G.W. Strong]

The 1885 uniform regulations read, "The shoulder straps are to be made of one continuous piece of nonelastic webbing folded and bent upon itself in the middle, as per sample. they are to be 1 3/8 inches broad, of same weight, and to be equal in quality in every respect to the standard sample; to be regular in width and weaving, and to have a figure woven on them equal to the sample. The extremities to be neatly bound."

It goes on and on like that. it leaves one with many questions. Were is the seam for the fold? how is the fold sewn? what is the woven figure? what do they mean by neatly bound? The list of questions gets longer with the other sections of the description. In order to understand what they mean I need to see a sample.

Any help?

[pony express]

Those are somewhat different than any suspenders I have seen for sale, including the various civil war sutler versions. I think (maybe) what they mean by "folded and sewn" is where the main strap is folded in the middle of the back, with the two smaller "Button straps"?? attached there, instead of 2 seperate pieces of strap sewn in an "X" shape, like most suspenders we commonly see. The buckles look like a larger version of the ones that go on the adjusting strap on the back of period pants.

[G.W. Strong]

Those are somewhat different than any suspenders I have seen for sale, including the various civil war sutler versions. 

That is why I want go get a few pairs out there. For those who are seious about doing it right the "Civil war" suspenders do not cut the mustard.

[Old Top]

G W,

Looking at the picture and the description of the suspenders, they seem to be made the same way my civil war suspenders are made out of cotton webbing folded and sewn.  The width is the same, the only difference is the front piece which is made very much like the palmer belt system, of two short pieces going up to the mid point of the chest which is where the buckle that you are asking about comes in.  When I did my palmer belt I had to have it made (I have an original but it was way too small) and the belt attachments made.  You should be able to adapt a civil war suspenders and the buckle looks very much like what you would find on bib front overalls.  The two front pieces do not adjust so they can be hooked and sewn the same leangth, the adjustment is made with the large buckle coming from the back.  Hope that this will help.

Old Top

[FTrooper]

Sent you a message on FB Doug.  I obtained an original pair back in May.  I also have extra buckles available and a possible place to mill the webbing.

Chris Fischer
F-Troop

[G.W. Strong]

Sent you a message on FB Doug.  I obtained an original pair back in May.  I also have extra buckles available and a possible place to mill the webbing.

Chris Fischer
F-Troop

I am super excited about this!

[Pitspitr]

You guys get some made, I want a pair.

[Pitspitr]

Are there any updates on this project?

[Bat 2919]

I have a question.  I know this Span Am suspender project has been going on for some time now.  I would love to get my hands on a pair of them.  What's the status of that project?

[G.W. Strong]

I have a strong desire to finish the project but I need to get my hands on an original to use as a model in thought I had located buckles but it was a red herring. Anyone have an original?

[Cactus Rope]

GW
If you look on page 144 of the US Army Uniforms and Equipment, 1889 book it shows suspenders very similar. Not a picture but very good specs. Also go to River Junction, look under suspenders, they have a pair that are similar.
Hope this helps.

Bob Little aka Cactus Rope

[G.W. Strong]

GW
If you look on page 144 of the US Army Uniforms and Equipment, 1889 book it shows suspenders very similar. Not a picture but very good specs. Also go to River Junction, look under suspenders, they have a pair that are similar.
Hope this helps.

Bob Little aka Cactus Rope

I have the regs book and that gives me the starting place. However I want to do this right. The suspenders at river junction ok for cowboys but they are not similar to the SAW issue ones.

[Bat 2919]

Thanks GW.

Do you have photos, drawings or written specifications on the buckles your looking for?

[G.W. Strong]

Thanks GW.

Do you have photos, drawings or written specifications on the buckles your looking for?

The drawings are in post #3 in this thread.

I did find a guy with one yesterday. He may be willing to let me borrow it. Finger's crossed.

[cpt dan blodgett]

Let me know how this works out I can always use a pair of "Proper" suspenders