Unlined display strap with 10 graduated bells, buckle safe

These ten petal bells date to the late 1800s and range in size from 1 1/8" (#1) to #14 (3"). They are all in very good condition. The top three bells are unusually large -- two #13 bells (2 3/4") and the #14, which adds to the value of this piece.

The bells are arranged from largest near the buckle to smallest near the billet (tongue), because this strap will be used for display only. If intended for use on a horse, the bells would traditionally be arranged with the largest bell in the center and the smaller bells divided on either side, in descending size.

The new unlined strap is made of medium brown bridle leather 1 1/2 inch wide and about 3 1/2 feet long. The owner's original strap had a "safe" -- a protective layer of leather -- behind the buckle to prevent it from pulling hair or irritating skin. We recreated this detail on the new strap.

This particular item is a custom, one-of-a-kind project made for a past client. Items in this Custom Projects section are for information only; they are not available for regular sale.