Buckskin Vest

[DarbyFett]

One of these days, I swear I will quit asking questions and maybe help answer some! Bear with me, I am new lol.

My persona is that of a young fellow by the name of The Buckskin Kid, haven't totally figured out why he is called that yet(The name popped in my head thanks to one of the holsters in Packing Iron I plan on making soon, the holster with the buckskin fringe.) Needless to say I am trying to find ways to add buckskin to my wardrobe.

I read the thread on leather vests and know for the most part they are not kosher for the period. But how about buckskin? I would make it out of braintan(start savin ma pennies!) and in a round shawl pattern, bone buttons. No beading, fringe etc. Just a straight forward vest with no frills. Would that be allowed?

I figure(slippery slope, I know), that if some anglos wore buckskin jackets and MAYBE pants, A unadorned vest would not be totally out of place? It would be worn with typical wool clothing, nothing fancy.

[River City John]

Darby, here are just two examples of a beaded buckskin vest. Scouts, Trappers, Army Officers, etc. would have worn or been a source for trade, or you could have had one made by an Indian woman. Many supplied this service for those around the forts and agencies.

Why go plain and drab, when you can have color and style?  

RCJ  

[ChuckBurrows]

If you're interested in adding buckskin to you wardrobe I highly recommend the following book:
Frontier Scout & Buffalo Hunter Sketchbook by James A. Hanson
You can get it here for $6.95 plus postage
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(x0bksozcqwcg4v45dntdipj1))/categories/partDetail.aspx?catId=4&subId=32&styleId=114&partNum=BOOK-FSB-HSB

As a somewhat less expensive alternative to braintan you can use the German Tan from Crazy Crow, the very old method of tanning used produces a product very similar to braintan and they even offer it smoked.

[DarbyFett]

Darby, here are just two examples of a beaded buckskin vest. Scouts, Trappers, Army Officers, etc. would have worn or been a source for trade, or you could have had one made by an Indian woman. Many supplied this service for those around the forts and agencies.

Why go plain and drab, when you can have color and style? 

RCJ 

Thanks for the wonderful pictures.

Really it comes down to personal preference. I really appreciate a beautiful beaded garment, but the cost is way out of my league and having to worry about something happening to the beads. Plus its not really what I have in mind for The Buckskin Kid.

Thank you for the help!

If you're interested in adding buckskin to you wardrobe I highly recommend the following book:
Frontier Scout & Buffalo Hunter Sketchbook by James A. Hanson
You can get it here for $6.95 plus postage
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(x0bksozcqwcg4v45dntdipj1))/categories/partDetail.aspx?catId=4&subId=32&styleId=114&partNum=BOOK-FSB-HSB

As a somewhat less expensive alternative to braintan you can use the German Tan from Crazy Crow, the very old method of tanning used produces a product very similar to braintan and they even offer it smoked.

I will most definitely pick that up.

I called them when I wanted to make some leggings when I was still considering the buckskinning thing(had to pick one era to sink my money) and availability seemed hit or miss. But I found a good deal on some hides on the ML forums. Now I don't really need leggings and I am going to use these hides for a rifle case, holster fringe and some doodads. I should save them for the vest, but im itching to sew some butter now. And I need the practice before I take on something like a vest.

[Forty Rod]

Dang!  Something else to add to my growing list of stuff to look into.

Question for the experts: some of the stuff I've seen looks almost embroidered.  Is that a possibility?

[ChuckBurrows]

Yes embroidery is a possibility.......in the far north moosehair was used as well as silk and linen thread.
In fact the floral beadwork styles, especially the Red River Metis style, originated with embroidery that was taught by the nuns for one......

[Forty Rod]

Thanks.  Just wondering without a clue.....again.   

[Skeeter Lewis]

RCJ, those buckskin vests are terrific. Thanks for the post. Skeet