Keeper loop strap with 15 bells, buckle safe

This 15-bell strap is 1 1/2" wide and 47" long and made of dark brown leather. There are small "keeper loops" between each pair of bells to keep the lining and bell straps together. 

Another distinctive feature of this strap is the added protective rectangle of leather behind the buckle. This "safe" protected the horse's hair and skin from being irritated by the buckle.

Thirteen of the 15 bells date to the late 1800s, but the other two date to the early 1800s. One of these older bells has a maker's mark of WB and was made by William Barton of East Hampton, Connecticut. The other marked IS was made by Joseph Shipman of New Britain, Connecticut. More about American bell makers...

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.