Unlined display strap with 18 large petal bells, buckle safe

This strap has 18 "petal" bells graduating in size from a #15 (3 1/4") bell at the top to a #4 (1 1/2") bell at the bottom. Most of the bells are in very good condition, although a couple of the mid-sized bells are in poor shape due to large cracks. The bells were cleaned to remove grime, but not polished, so the bells have a soft golden brown color.

The layout of the bells on this strap is unusual because the largest bell is next to the buckle. The bells graduate down in size to the smallest bell at the billet (the part of the strap with holes to fasten onto the buckle.) This asymmetric layout is unusual for a strap meant for a horse to wear, but it makes sense for a strap that is always going to be used as a display piece. I have another strap like this in my portfolio...

The unlined strap is 1 1/2" wide and just over 65" long and is made of dark brown bridle leather. At the owner's request, I added two optional features to the strap -- One is a separate billet and brass ring that fastens onto the buckle. This billet and ring make it easy to hang the strap from a hook. They are not permanently attached to the strap. These parts can be quickly removed if person wants to buckle the strap into a loop. I also sewed a shaped tab of leather called a buckle "safe" to the strap so the safe lies behind the buckle. This optional safe is sometimes seen on horse harness. A safe protects the horse's hair and skin from being pulled and irritated by the metal buckle. 

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.