Buskskin Coat

[Johnny McCrae]

Beartooth Billy had this beautiful Coat made for himself from six deer hides.  He brain tanned the hides himself and fashioned this coat after one of Buffalo Bill's. Annie Hilman of Leather Originals did the sewing and fabrication.

Billy proudly wore this coat to the NCOWS Convention. I wish i could have been there to see it in person.

[Silver Creek Slim]

Very nice.

Slim

[Tascosa Joe]

Very nice.  Brain tanning is A LOT OF WORK!!!

[bear tooth billy]

Yes  Joe, braintanning is a lot of work, when your first one turns out somewhere
between what you want and your dogs rawhide chew bone, you can easily get
discouraged. But then when you get one to really turn out nice, you have made
possibly the best material known to man. Soft as flannel and lasts like iron.


                          BTB

[Crooked River Bob]

Awesome, in the true sense of the word!

That coat has a very authentic appearance and looks to be really well made,too.  Coats of that type were highly valued, even back in the day, for the "look" as well as the durability.  I've seen several references to these in the writings of prairie travelers in the early and mid 19th century.  Bear Tooth Billy's process was also authentic... He provided the skins, and had a lady assist with tailoring.

Strong work, Hoss!

Crooked River Bob