This dark brown display strap features eleven antique petal bells, some dating to the early 1800s, but most dating to the late 1800s. All have been cleaned and polished, but not lacquered, so the bells will darken to a golden brown as the years pass. The bells range from #3 (1 3/8" across) at the bottom to #13 (2 3/4" across) at the top. More about petal bells...
One distinctive feature of this strap is the functional buckled top. The buckle came from the owner's original strap. The graceful arched frame of the buckle is a nice accent at the top of the strap.
While I don't have any buckles exactly like this one, I can add a buckle to the top of most display straps as an extra-cost option. For a rivet-style strap, the buckle should ideally be the same width as the strap for best appearance, as was done here. For a buckle that is narrower than the overall width, a laced-style display strap is a better choice.
The bell strap is fastened to the lining strap with small copper rivets between each pair of bells. This riveted style is an alternative to the laced style of display strap I often make.
The leather strap is 41 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide. The solid brass hanging ring adds about 3 more inches.
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.
