The 30 band bells (also called bevel bells) on this strap are #2 size (1 1/4" diameter). They were made in the late 1800s to early 1900s.
This classic sleigh bell strap is typical of many straps made in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is essentially a "trouser belt with bells" as I often describe it.
I was asked to clean and polish the bells and create a new unlined strap similar to the original using dark brown leather. The new strap is 1" wide in the center portion and about 89" long from buckle to tip. The ends are 7/8" wide to fit the original buckle.
These bells had been fastened onto their original strap with steel rivets, but I use solid brass machine screws and finish washers instead. I darkened these fasteners to blend with the leather and bell colors.
I was able to clean and adjust the original steel buckle and install it on the new strap, so that bit of history is preserved along with the bells.
The photos (click on "See more images") show the new strap next to fragments of the original strap, so you can compare the new with the old.
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.
